In talks with AMCON
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has announced plans to revive the long-abandoned Aba Textile Mill and Star Paper Mill as part of efforts to boost industrialisation and create jobs in the state.
The governor stated this on Sunday during a reception hosted in his honour by the Union of Anambra State Associations, Aba Branch, at the residence of Chief Leo Okoye (Udu Ako Mmiri) in Aba.
In a statement by Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor on Sunday, Otti revealed that his administration was in negotiations with the current owners of the Aba Textile Mill and is working with the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) to reclaim and revive the Star Paper Mill.
“We are negotiating with the people that acquired the Aba Textile Mill. We want to return it to life,” he said. “As a government, we are interfacing with AMCON. We want to acquire the Star Paper Mill and bring it back to life.”
He described the revival of these industries as a key priority, noting that they were originally established by visionary leaders. “These are industries that were set up by our forefathers. They were visionary. So, if we cannot do better than them, we cannot explain why we are in this world. It is a challenge. I want the support of everyone so that we return our state to what it used to be,” Otti stated.
In addition to industrial revitalisation, the governor disclosed plans to engage and train young people in Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), with the goal of positioning Aba as a regional hub for fabric, textiles, and leather products.
Governor Otti also addressed a request to reconsider the 2011 disengagement of 154 Anambra indigenes from the Abia State civil service, describing the policy as unjust. “A list of 154 people who were disengaged in 2011 has been submitted. I have taken the list and I will ask my people to look at it,” he said. “I see that the majority were teachers. If they are under 65, we may re-engage them on a contract basis. We have a shortage of teachers, and because we don’t agree that somebody who lives here is not from here, that action in 2011 was illegal.”
He assured that the review would extend to affected workers from other South-East states, including Imo, emphasising his administration’s commitment to fairness. “What we are trying to do is to redress the wrong that was done in the past,” he stated.
When urged to consider a senatorial bid after his second term, Governor Otti dismissed the idea, stating his intention to retire from active politics to make way for younger leaders.
The governor also announced plans to transform the Enyimba Hotel into a world-class Radisson Blu facility with 250 rooms, an international convention centre, and a leisure park. “Very soon, a five-star hotel called Radisson Blu will be sitting where Enyimba Hotel is today,” he said.” At the back, there will be an International Convention Centre, and we are acquiring more land for a leisure and pleasure park.”
He thanked the Anambra community for their support, reiterating his administration’s inclusive approach. “For us, that thing called state of origin, we have already abolished it. If you live here and you are a good citizen, you pay your taxes here, you are from here” he declared.
Prominent figures at the event, including Hon. Stephen Ucheonye, Chief Obiora Nwakpadolo, and Chief Leo Okoye, commended Governor Otti’s infrastructural achievements and industrial revival efforts. Also in attendance were Hon. Obi Aguocha, Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, and other top government officials.
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