Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has charged the Abiriba Communal Improvement Union (ACIU) to identify competent indigenous investors capable of taking over and revitalize the recently recovered Star Paper Mills Aba, with a view to creating jobs and stimulating industrial growth in the State.
Governor Otti gave the charge when he received a delegation of the Union, led by its President-General, Chief Yucee Otta-Uwah, in his office at Nvosi, Isialangwa South Local Government Area.
The Governor disclosed that while several proposals had been received for the revival of the moribund paper mill, including interests from China, his administration would prefer credible Nigerian private investors to manage the facility.
He commended the Abiriba Community for its unity and organisational strength, describing the town as his “second home” and a critical pillar of his political journey.
Governor Otti also expressed appreciation for the grand reception organised in his honour on June 12, 2025, at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba.
The Governor urged the Community to sustain its cohesion and cultural values, assuring them that key concerns raised during the visit were already receiving attention.
On Power supply, Governor Otti revealed that the State Government had concluded arrangements with the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) to take over the Umuahia ring-fenced power island covering Bende, Ohafia, Isuikwuato and Umunneochi Local Government Areas, including Abiriba.
He explained that Abia State now exercises full regulatory control over power generation, transmission and distribution through the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Authority.
The Governor assured the delegation that work on the Akahaba General Hospital was ongoing and nearing completion and promised that erosion challenges affecting the Community would be accorded due attention.
Governor Otti further called on Abia sons and daughters at home and in the diaspora to channel future business expansions into the State, assuring them of Government support and a conducive business environment.
Earlier, the President-General of the Abiriba Communal Improvement Union, Chief Yucee Otta-Uwah, commended Governor Otti for what he described as “wiping the tears of Abians in less than three years” through massive infrastructural development and people-centred governance.
He said the visit was to formally thank the Governor for recovering Star Paper Mills Aba, and other strategic State assets from total collapse.
Chief Otta-Uwah disclosed that the Abiriba Community, at its general meeting of December 29, 2025, resolved to partner with the State Government in attracting investors, particularly in Agriculture.
According to him, Korean investors have already indicated interest in establishing an agro-processing factory in Abia State, with products targeted at export to Benin Republic and other West African countries.
He also thanked the Governor for the ongoing retrofitting of the Akahaba General Hospital and efforts to restore electricity to Abiriba, which has been without power supply for over 15 years.
Chief Otta-Uwah lamented that the Community spends over ₦500 million annually during the yuletide season on diesel to power generators.
He used the opportunity to draw the Governor’s attention to severe erosion sites ravaging the community, including Uzondi Okoronta, Agboji, Amaogudu and Agbokere erosion gullies, which he said have destroyed homes and displaced residents.
In a separate remark, Chairman of the Abiriba Communal Improvement Union Education Committee, Prof. Mkpa Agu Mkpa, described the Otti administration as transformative, noting that its achievements within two years surpassed those recorded in the previous 24 years of governance in the State.
The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, top government officials including the Executive Secretary/CEO Abia State Diaspora Commission, Rev Amb. Annie Onu, Chief Press secretary to the Governor, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, were present during the meeting.
