Otti promises faster work on Abia industrial park

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State said on Tuesday that the state government will speed up construction at the Abia Industrial Innovation Park (AIIP) "in the coming weeks and months."

Otti made this promise during a visit to the project site in Owaza, Ukwa West Local Government Area. He stressed the government's commitment to finish the project.

The governor was represented by his Chief of Staff, Caleb Ajagba. He said the visit was to allow the project’s new Managing Director, Sandra Ivonye-Ntofon, to check on the work being done at the site.

"The visit will help the managing director understand what is needed to meet the expectations of the State Government, Abia citizens, and the international business community."

"We are determined to complete this project we started, and this visit shows our commitment to making the industrial park operational."

"Many companies and organizations have shown interest in the project, and right now, we will focus on turning that interest into action," Otti said.

In her response, Ivonye-Ntofon promised to work hard to ensure the project is completed.

"We believe that this facility will become a source of pride for the host community, the state government, and the people of Abia," she said.

The Commissioner for Petroleum, Joel Ogbonna, said the project will help utilize the state’s oil and gas resources for economic growth.

Ogbonna, who is also a professor, said the planned modular refinery and compressed natural gas facility will create jobs and boost development in the state.

"The construction of access roads and finishing other necessary steps have set the stage for the project," he said.

Godwin Adiele, the lawmaker representing Ukwa West State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, praised the governor for choosing the area for the project.

Adiele also urged the government to speed up work so that the residents can enjoy the expected economic benefits.

"The park was originally designed to host several industries to create jobs and encourage development in Ukwa West and nearby areas."

"The people are peace-loving, and I ask them to keep supporting the efforts needed to finish the project," he said.

The traditional Prime Minister of Igiriukwu Autonomous Community of Owaza, Uche Nwele, promised the community’s support to make sure the project is successful.

Nwele acknowledged the state government’s compensation payments and other actions taken to develop the facility. He thanked the governor for the initiative.