Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, says his administration is planning for the future by creating an enabling environment that will attract investments, encourage Abians in the diaspora to return home, and provide better opportunities for the younger generation.
Governor Otti stated this on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, while receiving members of Umu-Aba Connect who paid him a courtesy visit to appreciate his administration’s efforts and to invite him to their forthcoming 10th Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled to be held in Aba.
The Governor congratulated the group for sustaining its vision and remaining united despite challenges.
“First of all, let me congratulate you for holding forth and refusing to be discouraged or disintegrated. If you had not held forth, like Abia people, who I am always very proud of because of their resilience, we probably would not be here today,” Governor Otti stated.
The State Chief Executive commended the association for choosing Abia State as venue for its AGM, noting that it could have selected another location.
Governor Otti challenged members to stay true to their dreams and keep up the good work, assuring them that the State is becoming increasingly attractive for investment and business.
“I can assure you, we can never go back. We have left Egypt, and we can’t go back,” Gov. Otti declared, adding that his administration had “practically recovered Aba”.
According to the Governor, the renewed business environment is already attracting private investments, particularly in the hospitality sector.
Gov. Otti disclosed that Hilton is coming to the State while Radisson Blu has established a presence in Aba at the ongoing redevelopment of Enyimba Hotel, noting that the development would have wider economic impact.
“The whole idea is just to do our own things at our own small level to attract our people. I see a lot of you relocating back anytime soon. But it has to be an economic decision. We don’t force people; we create the enabling environment,” the Governor stated.
Governor Otti further disclosed that he met with the Ambassador of Italy and his team on the possibility of partnering with Aba shoemakers.
“Once the enabling environment has been created, businessmen and businesses are rational,” Gov. Otti noted.
The Governor announced plans to flag off the reconstruction of Uratta and Old Express Roads in October, saying the projects would help decongest the area.
The Governor also disclosed plans for further development at Ifeobara, including the construction of a lake and luxury residential estates suitable for the highly successful class like members of Umu-Aba Connect.
“It may be the next place you want to live in. Because we are building a lake there and then putting high-ground residences,” The Governor said.
“We are saying that we are planning for the future. We have the future in mind. We want our children not to experience the difficulties,” Governor Otti added.
The Governor said his administration is committed to providing quality educational facilities, including Smart Schools, and invited members of the group to visit the public schools reconstructed by his administration.
“We want to provide an environment where they can go to school. Good schools, like the Smart Schools. I would invite you to visit any of the Smart Schools, whether commissioned or not. If you go to those places, you may want to relocate your child,” Gov. Otti said.
Earlier, the President General of Umu-Aba Connect Association, Dr. Chima Anyaso, said the association was formed by young, successful and progressive individuals born and raised in Aba, with the objective of giving back to the society that shaped them.
Dr. Anyaso said the decision to return to Aba for its AGM was significant, as members who had previously relocated due to deteriorating conditions could now proudly return to their roots.
He commended Governor Otti for his achievements and for providing an enabling environment, and assured him of the group’s support for his re-election.
Also speaking, the Vice President of the association, Mr. Ugochukwu Duru, commended Governor Otti for the transformation across the State, particularly in infrastructure and security.
He said the improved security and infrastructure had restored confidence among members in the diaspora to return to the State, describing the administration as proof that meaningful development and effective governance are possible in Nigeria.
The Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba; Special Adviser on Policy and Intervention, Rev. Father Christian Anokwuru, Ph.D.; an Aba-born and raised successful banker, Mr. Alex Alozie; and other top government officials were present at the visit.
Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
October 1, 2026.
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