Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti has announced his commitment to collaborate with the Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) to fast-track the development of the Abia Industrial and Innovation Park in Owaza, Ukwa West Local Government Area.
Governor Otti conveyed the state's commitment through a statement on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, CPS Ukoha Ukoha, during a meeting with a delegation from the NCDMB, headed by Executive Secretary, Felix Ogbe, who visited him for a working engagement.
The statement noted, "Our approach has been to establish a supportive environment, reflecting our commitment as a private sector-driven government. We understand that our role is to foster and expand businesses. To that end, we have secured nearly 2,000 hectares of land and issued the Certificate of Occupancy to AIIP, ensuring the land is ready for use."
"Arrangements have been finalized, and I am confident that the original landowners will receive their compensation soon, as the funds are already available.
"We are excited to collaborate with you and will do everything possible to ensure the successful launch and completion of this project.
"In the coming days, you will receive our formal request. Meanwhile, we will persist in our efforts to keep the project moving forward until we receive the support we need from you," He disclosed.
The governor expressed his gratitude to Ogbe and his team for their dedication to ensuring the project's success.
Earlier, Ogbe praised Otti for his initiative in establishing the Industrial Park. He noted that in many states, industrial parks are set up without significant involvement from state governments, but in Abia, the situation is unique as the state government is actively driving and supporting the effort.
Ogbe conveyed his confidence in the project's success. He mentioned that he was honoring his promise to visit and understand the state's initiatives and explore how they could collaborate. Ogbe assured that once he receives the state government’s proposal, he will present it to the Board for further discussion.
“If I receive the proposal, I will present it to my Governing Board for review. While I believe it's a worthwhile endeavor, I will need to discuss it with the Board. Afterward, I will return to His Excellency to update him on our position and outline our next steps,” He said.
Earlier in his presentation, Engr. Chinedu Onyeizu, CEO of the Abia Industrial and Innovation Park, outlined key features of the project. He highlighted its viability, given the rich gas resources in Owaza, discussed the park's location, and detailed its socioeconomic benefits for Abia and Nigeria, including the creation of thousands of jobs.
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Recall that, Dr. Alex Otti launched the construction of the Abia Industrial Innovation Park (AIIP) in Owaza, Ukwa West LGA, Abia State, last year
He noted, the initiative is anticipated to generate more than ten thousand direct and indirect job opportunities for the local community.
