Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has said that his administration has created a business-friendly ecosystem designed to attract investors and drive sustainable economic growth across the state.
Governor Otti stated this on Wednesday at the inauguration of the Ultimum Beverages factory in Aba, describing the development as a validation of his government’s economic reforms.
The Governor explained that since assuming office in May 2023, his administration had prioritised repositioning Abia as an attractive destination for genuine investors through strategic reforms and infrastructure development.
He said that beyond the extensive investments in public infrastructure, his administration has also restored security to communities where criminals once laid siege.
Governor Otti noted that although the state was still in the early stages of its economic transformation, there were strong indications of a promising future.
According to the Governor, while his administration’s development strategy did not initially attract widespread attention, discerning investors recognised its long-term potential.
“My message to everyone seeking security and good returns for their investment is to look no further than this place.
“We have created a business-friendly ecosystem, one that is driving prosperity for the population, influencing migration and stimulating demand for goods and services.
“All we have done since May 2023 is simply to reset the business ecosystem to make the entire state attractive to genuine investor”, he said.
Governor Otti added that improvements in environmental sanitation and human capital development has further strengthened the state’s investment appeal.
The Governor described the investment by the Kadji Group, promoters of Ultimum Beverages, as a strong endorsement of the state government’s economic direction.
He noted that the company quietly established its facility in Aba over a two-year period without seeking publicity, adding that project symbolised an economic revival anchored on deliberate planning and sustained commitment to development.
Governor Otti highlighted the advantages of investing in Aba, citing lower production costs, access to markets and government support among other benefits.
“Investing in Aba offers a litany of advantages such as lower production costs, access to local and regional markets, and guaranteed support from the government are only but a few.
“Progressively, the structural obstacles that stood in the way of our collective dreams, from poor road networks to inadequate electricity supply, are being addressed”, he said.
He urged residents to take ownership of development projects and guard against actions capable of undermining progress.
Govenor Otti noted that host communities would benefit directly through job creation and expanded economic opportunities, adding that his administration is commitmented to infrastructure development across the state.
In his remarks, Chairman of Ultimum Ltd. and representative of the Kadji Group, Mr Whalen Kadji, said the company was attracted to Aba by its strong entrepreneurial culture, adding that recent improvements under the current administration made the investment possible.
He noted that enhanced infrastructure, including power, water supply and road networks, had boosted investor.
Earlier, the managing Director of the company, Mr Austin Ufomba, said the investment was designed to drive innovation, create jobs and unlock economic opportunities across Abia and beyond.
