From a new SME hub in Aba to 277 functional PHCs statewide, Gov. Alex Otti says Abia is entering a new phase of industrial and social renewal.
Speaking at his February media parley in Umuahia, Alex Otti announced approval for an SME Village and Innovation Hub in Aba — a centre designed to power small businesses, tech repairs, innovation and exports. The state has already secured land and plans to collaborate with the Export Group Lab at Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic to strengthen local enterprise.
On industry revival, Otti revealed that Abia has acquired Afro Beverages from AMCON and is attracting investors for Star Paper Mill in Owerrinta. The goal? Restore production, create jobs and ensure competent private-sector management to prevent future collapse.
Healthcare is also seeing a major push. Under Project Ekwueme Phase One, 200 primary healthcare centres have been rebuilt or upgraded, with 77 more renovated through the World Bank-backed IMPACT project — bringing functional facilities to over 277 across the state. The governor directed that all centres be fully operational within weeks.
He added that US-based Quantus Medical Foundation is training health workers, digital health pilots are underway, and a new general hospital is rising in Ukwa East. Expansion works are also ongoing at Abia State University Teaching Hospital, alongside upgrades at specialist hospitals.
On infrastructure, Otti said over 31 road projects are active, including the reconstruction of erosion-hit Ovom Street. Compensation payments for the Nsulu Airport project have resumed, with more than 4,000 claimants already paid.
In tourism and hospitality, the decades-old Enyimba Hotel in Aba is being rebuilt into the Radisson Blu Enyimba International Hotel — a 250-room facility with a convention centre and leisure park.
Education reforms are ongoing too, with about 4,000 teachers being recruited from over 36,000 applicants. Efforts to restore power in Ohafia, Bende and Ukwa East are also underway, alongside plans to restructure electricity supply arrangements.
Otti reaffirmed that security remains top priority, noting that no part of Abia is under non-state control.
The message from Government House: industrial revival, healthcare expansion and infrastructure upgrades are all moving at once.
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