Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has disclosed that a steel plant currently operating in another state is being relocated to the Abia Industrial and Innovation Park (AIIP), Owaza, as his administration moves to accelerate development of the facility.
Otti said the relocation, despite its huge cost implications, reflected investors’ confidence in the industrial park, which is being developed as a hub for industrial production, commerce and innovation.
The governor gave the indication on Tuesday while receiving his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, and members of the State Executive Council, who briefed him on their inspection of the project site in Owaza, Ukwa West Local Government Area.
The delegation was accompanied by the newly appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of AIIP, Sandra Ivonye-Ntofon.
Otti directed the new management to speed up work on the project, insisting that the priority was to ensure timely delivery after delays since its groundbreaking.
“The issue is not whether that place will be successful. It is about how quickly you can achieve that,” the governor said.
He disclosed that feasibility studies for the park had been completed, adding that its combination of industrial production, innovation and commercial activities would make it a strategic driver of economic growth, job creation and investment in Abia.
The governor assured the management of his administration’s support, including the provision of resources required to commence operations.
He also directed the Commissioner for Works to assess and begin work on a shorter access road linking the expressway to the park. He acknowledged the need to secure the facility with perimeter fencing.
Otti congratulated Ivonye-Ntofon on her appointment, saying his administration’s recruitment process was designed to identify competent and qualified candidates for leadership positions.
Earlier, Ajagba said the inspection was aimed at assessing the existing infrastructure and identifying the upgrades needed to meet the expectations of the state government and the international business community.
He said the delegation received an enthusiastic reception from the host community, adding that the park was designed to attract companies that would advance industrialisation in Abia, particularly along the Ukwa West corridor.
“With the coming on board of the new MD, we will reinforce this administration’s commitment to building a virile economy for Abia State,” Ajagba said.
The member representing Ukwa West State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Godwin Adiele, said the park was expected to accommodate several industries.
Adiele noted that the site acquisition process had been completed and that the host community had pledged its cooperation. He urged the government to intensify implementation, expressing optimism that the project would improve livelihoods and stimulate development in Ukwa West and neighbouring communities.
In her remarks, Ivonye-Ntofon thanked the governor for the confidence reposed in her and pledged to work with relevant stakeholders to achieve the park’s objectives.
“Our goal is to give Ndi Abia a reason to be proud of a world-class industrial and innovation park located in their state,” she said.
The Traditional Prime Minister of Igiriukwu Autonomous Community, Owaza, Chief Uche Nwele, assured the new managing director of the community’s cooperation and thanked the state government for its engagement with the host community.
Other members of 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.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Energy, Kachi Etuluo, was also present.