Abia State Governor Alex Otti has directed the new management of the Abia Industrial and Innovation Park (AIIP), Owaza, to accelerate work on the project, assuring that his administration will provide the resources needed to bring it to fruition.
Otti gave the directive on Tuesday while receiving a delegation led by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, alongside the newly appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of AIIP, Sandra Ivonye-Ntofon, who briefed him on an inspection of the project site in Ukwa West Local Government Area.
The governor expressed confidence that the industrial park would emerge as a major centre for manufacturing, commerce and innovation, attracting investments and creating employment opportunities across Abia State and beyond.
He disclosed that the project had continued to generate investor interest, revealing that a steel plant currently operating in another state was being relocated to the park despite the significant financial implications.
According to Otti, the development demonstrates investors’ confidence in the project’s prospects, adding that the priority should now be how quickly the industrial park can become operational.
“The issue is not whether that place will be successful. It is about how quickly you can achieve that,” he said.
The governor noted that feasibility studies for the park had been completed, describing the project as a strategic component of his administration’s plan to drive industrialisation and economic growth.
He urged the new management to recover time lost since the groundbreaking ceremony and assured it of the government’s support to fast-track implementation.
Otti also directed the Commissioner for Works to assess the possibility of constructing a shorter access road linking the expressway to the park. He further stressed the need to fence the facility to improve security and protect the investment.
The governor congratulated Ivonye-Ntofon on her appointment, maintaining that his administration’s appointments were based on merit and competence.
Earlier, Ajagba said the inspection was intended to assess the state of infrastructure at the park, identify necessary improvements and determine what would be required to meet the expectations of government and prospective investors.
He said the delegation also introduced the new managing director to the host community and facility managers, adding that the community had received the team warmly.
Ajagba explained that the industrial park was designed to attract companies capable of supporting Abia’s industrial development, particularly in the Ukwa West axis.
“With the coming on board of the new MD, we will reinforce this administration’s commitment to building a virile economy for Abia State,” he said.
The member representing Ukwa West State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Godwin Adiele, called for accelerated implementation, noting that the site acquisition process had been completed.
Adiele said the project was expected to transform the local economy, create opportunities for residents and stimulate development in surrounding communities.
He commended the state government for locating the industrial park in Ukwa West and pledged the cooperation of his constituents towards its success.
In her remarks, Ivonye-Ntofon thanked the governor for the confidence reposed in her and promised to work with relevant stakeholders to achieve the project’s objectives.
She described AIIP as an opportunity to establish a world-class industrial and innovation hub serving Owaza, Abia State and Nigeria, promising to accelerate the pace of work.
The traditional prime minister of Igiriukwu Autonomous Community, Owaza, Chief Uche Nwele, also assured the government of the host community’s cooperation with the new management.
The delegation included the Commissioners for Information, Prince Okey Kanu; Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Prof. Joel Ogbonna; Environment, Philemon Asonye Ogbonna; Lands, Chaka Chukwumerije; and Power and Public Utilities, Ikechukwu Monday, as well as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Energy, Kachi Etuluo, among other officials.
