26th March 2025, NewsOrient, Opinion, Column, News, Governance And Development, Business And Economy
By Emeka Nwosu, PhD.

As the Otti administration grapples with the repositioning of Abia State since assuming office in 2023, no sector is being left unattended to. What we are seeing is a comprehensive and integrated approach to the development of the State.

It is not only in the areas of roads construction, provision of primary health centres, equipping and retrofitting of schools and hospitals, efficient pension administration and revitalization of the civil service that the administration has made enduring impacts. The Government is making commendable progress in the industrialization of Abia State.

The realization is that this is one area that can make the desired difference in the economic empowerment of the people and security of the State. Hence the Governor is putting in a lot of energy in the industrialization of the State, knowing fully well the profound impact this would have on the economy of Abia.

The establishment of industries would create employment opportunities for the teeming jobless youths in the State. This would translate to the economic empowerment of many homes and bring foods on the table. And when the youths are gainfully engaged, they would be taken off the streets. They would not be available for recruitment into crimes and criminality.

It is against this background that the recent invitation by Governor Alex Otti to a Chinese firm, Sinoma Materials Company Limited, to establish its factory in Abia State is highly appreciated. The company led by its Chairman, Mr. Zhang Hui, had visited the State to explore investment opportunities. In his address, the leader of the delegation, Hui said the company is in the business of manufacturing one of the best building materials used in ceilings and walls partitioning, including construction of cement factories.
He stated that the company has built up to 4 cement plants for major cement producers in the country. Hui further disclosed that the company`s products are water and fire resistant, while soliciting for cooperation with the State Government.

In his own remarks on the occasion, the Head of Sales for the company in Nigeria, Mr. Nwankwo Chukwudi Daniel, said Sinoma has been operating in Nigeria in the last 20 years and has acquired excellent reputation in its businesses including the building of cement factories. He expressed the eagerness of the company to collaborate with the Abia State Government.

“We want to collaborate with the State Government, under Governor Alex Otti, the innovative Governor of our time. We have come to partner with him in some areas. He has accepted us and asked us to go and do our feasibility studies and for our discussions to go to the next stage.” This is very reassuring.

Considering the huge limestone deposit in Arochukwu, the establishment of a cement factory in that axis will be a welcomed development which will go a long way in boosting the economy of the State and creating thousands of jobs for the people. The Otti administration should meaningfully engage the Sinoma Company Limited and other genuine firms wishing to invest in the State to ensure that they do not suffer any encumbrances in their bid to set up in the State.

Governor Otti had earlier appreciated the delegation for its visit and intention to do business in Abia. He expressed the willingness of the Government to partner with the company. He further noted that the presence of the company in the State would create jobs for the people and contribute to the GDP of the State. The Governor used the opportunity to extend invitation to other investors and organizations to take advantage of the peaceful industrial climate in the State to establish their presence. He pointed out that that one of the key attractions is the availability of regular power supply made possible by Geometric Power plant located in Aba.

It is important to note that Governor Otti is very intentional about the industrialization of the State. This is evident in the establishment of the Abia Industrial and Innovation Park (AIIP) within the oil-rich Owaza community in Ukwa West Local Government Area (LGA) of Abia State. Since the project was flagged off a year ago, work has been progressing at an impressive pace.

Available information in the public domain shows that many firms are already setting up in the Park while others are coming up. It is believed that when the AIIP comes on stream, it is going to be a beehive of economic activities as thousands of jobs would be created for the idle youths in the State.

The iron-cast security put in place in the State by Governor Otti is also a major factor that is propelling the industrialization of Abia. The Joint Security Taskforce codenamed Operation Crush is doing well in providing security and curtailing criminality in the State. The enabling ambience provided by the Government makes it possible for the spirit of enterprise to thrive.

Prospecting companies should, therefore, take complete advantage of the new possibilities in Abia under Otti`s watch to set up business in Abia 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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