The Federal Government has approved the establishment of a modular refinery within the Abia Industrial and Innovative Park (AIIP), located in the oil-rich Owaza community of Ukwa West Local Government Area.
Governor Alex Otti made the announcement during the groundbreaking ceremony for the 11.1-kilometre Obehie-Umudobia-Owaza road, a critical infrastructure project designed to unlock the regionโs economic potential.
Governor Otti emphasized that the road project goes beyond improving accessโit aims to revive dormant economic assets, create new opportunities, and restore the aspirations of the region.
โThis road reconstruction is not just about infrastructure; itโs about breathing life into our economic assets and reigniting the dreams that once defined this area,โ Otti stated.
He assured residents that the road project would be completed within a year, significantly boosting the marketability and viability of AIIP. Otti also revealed that the Federal Government has granted approval for H.I.S. Refinery and Petrochemical Company Limited to build a modular refinery within the park.
โI am pleased to announce that we recently received approval for a modular refinery to be established inside AIIP. This project will drive industrialization and economic growth in Abia,โ Otti declared.
The Governor pledged full support from the Abia State Government for the refinery project, underscoring its potential to transform the region. He also vowed to end years of neglect for the Ukwa people, who reside in Abiaโs only oil-producing area.
โToday, we declare that the era of neglect for Ukwa and its communities is over. Your land will yield its full potential, and the oil beneath it will bring prosperity,โ Otti affirmed.
He promised to collaborate with agencies like the Abia State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ASOPADEC) and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to address years of political exclusion and underdevelopment.
In response to community requests, Otti confirmed that the Umuzike-Obokwe-Ngwaiyiekwe road has been included in the 2025 budget and will soon commence.
He also directed the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Mr. Ikechukwu Monday, to assess the requirements for restoring electricity to Asa land by the end of March.
Otti reiterated his administrationโs commitment to resolving the water crisis across Abia, declaring a state of emergency in the water sector. He urged residents to support contractors and cooperate with the government to ensure the smooth execution of development projects.
Stakeholders and political leaders from the region, including Hon. Godwin Adiele (Member, Abia State House of Assembly), Mr. Philemon Ogbonna (Commissioner for Environment), and Pastor Dike Nwankwo (Mayor of Ukwa-West LGA), praised Governor Otti for prioritizing the development of Ukwa land.
Commissioner for Works, Otumchere Oti, described the Obehie-Owaza road as a gateway to Asa and AIIP, highlighting its potential to create jobs and attract investments. ASOPADEC General Manager, Venerable Joshua Onyeike, commended Otti for enabling the commission to fulfill its mandate effectively.
Prominent community figures, including Dame Victoria Akanwa (former legislator) and Pastor Ralph Egbu (former SSG), lauded the Governorโs infrastructural achievements.
Elder Goodluck Nwauju, President-General of the Asa Development Union, highlighted Ottiโs dedication to the people, citing the recovery of over 10,000 hectares of land previously allocated for the abandoned Enyimba Economic City project.
Speakers at the event hailed Otti as a transformative leader, endorsing him for a second term and describing him as โGod-sentโ for the people of Abia.
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