18th June 2025, NewsOrient, Opinion, Column, Governance And Development, Business And Economy, News
By Emeka Nwosu, PhD.

Abia State, under Governor Alex Otti, has continued to be in the news for the right reasons. Only a few days ago, the State witnessed the commissioning of avalanche of projects as part of the celebrations of the two years of Dr. Otti in office as the Executive Governor. The projects included several roads in Aba and Umuahia, new primary healthcare centres and schools fully retrofitted and equipped to deliver seamless services to the people.

Recently, cheering news came from the Governor to the effect that the Government of Abia State would soon take over the moribund Star Paper Mill, Aba and revive it, with a view to creating employment opportunities for the teeming youths in the State. The Star Paper Mill, at the height of its operations, was a major industrial landmark in the Enyimba city, belonging to the late business mogul, Chief Nnanna Kalu from Abiriba.

The reputation of the company resonated beyond Aba and indeed, Eastern Nigeria and the West Coast.

It specialized in the production of exercise books of different makes, toilet papers and other paper products. Traders and merchants from across Nigeria and beyond were coming to Aba to patronize the company. The organization flourished and provided a major source of sustenance for many families in the commercial city. When the proprietor died, his son, Echeme Nnanna Kalu, took over. But due to the declining economic fortunes of the country, the company went under and never bounced back. It was subsequently taken over by Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).

By virtue of his background as a first class economist and banker, Otti knows what the State stands to gain if the mill is revitalized and brought back to life. Speaking at a grand civic reception organized in his honour by the Abiriba Communal Improvement Union (ACIU) at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba, he said that his government was presently engaged in negotiations with AMCON to acquire the comatose Star Paper Mill and put it back to shape.

Governor Otti disclosed that his administration has already made a buy-back offer to AMCON, which took over the Mill when it shut down. He noted that the hitherto blossoming Star Paper Mill had gone under, thereby necessitating its takeover by AMCON, which is yet to revive it.

Governor Otti recalled with nostalgia the prominent place of the Mill in the economic life of Aba, and assured that, under his watch, the Mill would bounce back to life.

“I grew up here (in Aba). I was born here. I knew how important Star Paper Mill was, not just to the East of the Niger, but to Nigeria”, Otti recalled with nostalgia.
“As we speak, we know that Star Paper Mill has been taken over by AMCON. But one thing you can take to the bank is that under my watch, Star Paper Mill will be back,” the Governor assured.

The Star Paper Mill, at its heydays, ranked among the country`s finest producers of exercise books, tissue papers and various quality paper products. When it closed down due to economic downturn, thousands of workers and people who depended on the company for their sustenance, expectedly, lost their jobs and sources of revenue. It was a huge blow to the economy of Aba and indeed, the State.

It is, therefore gratifying to note that Governor Otti is working hard to bring the Mill back to life. The decision couldn’t have come at a better time. The Governor deserves commendation for taking this practical step to resuscitate the company, which would translate to huge employment opportunities to our teeming idle youths.

The resuscitation comes with a lot of benefits. Firstly, many of our youths would be taken off the streets and they would not be available to be recruited for criminalities. Secondly, their engagement would lead to economic empowerment and shared prosperity. As a good corporate citizen, the company would contribute its quota to the economic development of the State through the payment of appropriate taxes and dues.

This is the way to go. Otti has demonstrated foresight and good leadership so far in the way and manner he has managed the affairs of the State.
May Abia continue to prevail!

Dr. Nwosu, a Public Policy Analyst, writes from Umuahia.

Email: cdnwosu2@gmail.com

~ Published By NewsOrient Network

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