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Otti Reaffirms Commitment to Foreign Investment as Abia–Türkiye Summit Opens

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Abia State, Governor Alex Otti on Tuesday placed foreign investment at the centre of Abia State’s economic strategy as he delivered the keynote address at the maiden Abia–Türkiye Investment Summit and Product Exhibition in Umuahia.

Speaking on the theme “Prosperity Through Partnership,” Otti reiterated his administration’s resolve to expand Abia’s economic frontiers through strong international alliances.

He said the state’s reforms anchored on improved infrastructure, a skilled workforce, enhanced security, and more reliable energy were deliberately crafted to attract global investors.

The summit, themed “Bridging Continents, Unlocking Prosperity,” brought together investors, business executives, and innovators at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, to explore opportunities in manufacturing, agriculture, textiles, SME development, and industrial innovation.

Otti urged Turkish investors to partner with the state in agro-processing, textile production, housing, metal fabrication, logistics, retail value chains, and modular manufacturing. He also highlighted the 2,000-hectare Abia Industrial Innovation Park (AIIP) as a transformative hub for energy-driven enterprises.

“Abia is open for business. Our reforms are deliberate, our vision is bold, and our support is assured,” the governor said, expressing optimism that collaboration with Türkiye would unlock new avenues of shared prosperity.

The summit continues with exhibitions, business matchmaking sessions, and sector-specific engagements aimed at turning investment conversations into concrete projects.

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JUST IN: Majority leader smashes Lawmaker’s head with Bottle over Gov. Otti’s Cash Gift

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Tension has gripped the Abia State House of Assembly following a violent clash between members of the Labour Party (LP) caucus during a private meeting in Aba over the sharing of funds allegedly disbursed by Governor Alex Otti.

According to multiple sources, the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Okoro Uchenna Kalu, who represents Arochukwu State Constituency, attacked his colleague, Hon. Akachukwu Ucheonye of Aba Central Constituency, with a beer bottle, leaving him with a deep head wound and severe concussion.

The altercation reportedly occurred during a meeting of LP lawmakers at the residence of Hon. Fyne Ahuama, member representing Osisioma Ngwa South Constituency. The session, which was also attended by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, was said to have turned chaotic following disagreements over how to share a sum allegedly given to the caucus by Governor Otti as an “appreciation” for the swift passage of the N150 billion supplementary budget.

A source at the meeting said Ucheonye, who chairs the House Committee on Appropriation, Budget, and Planning, insisted on receiving a larger share of the money, citing his pivotal role in the budget process. His demand reportedly provoked the Majority Leader, who smashed a beer bottle on his colleague’s head after a heated exchange.

“The Speaker was there and told everyone not to report the incident to the police or leak it to the media,” one insider revealed.

Ucheonye was said to have been rushed to a nearby private clinic where he received emergency treatment for deep cuts to the head. Later that evening, he reportedly sent a message to Governor Otti, attaching photos and a video of his injuries.

“Good evening His Excellency, this is a wound I sustained from the Majority Leader for trying to voice my opinion on issues bordering on the committee I chair at the premises of Hon. Fyne Ahuama during our caucus meeting today at Aba,” the message read.

 

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Governor Otti Moves to Seal Landmark Deal with Israeli Investors to Revolutionize Agriculture in Abia

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Governor Alex Otti has announced plans to partner with Israeli investors to boost agriculture in Abia State. Find out what the deal includes and why it could change everything.

In what appears to be a major leap toward economic transformation, Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has signaled his administration’s readiness to partner with Israeli agricultural investors in a groundbreaking collaboration that could redefine the state’s food production and agribusiness sector.

The Governor made this known on Monday, April 29, 2025, during a strategic meeting with the Managing Director of ONIDA Development, Mr. Kidron Israel, an Israeli-based agricultural expert, and his delegation who visited him at the Government House, Umuahia.

Governor Otti, visibly impressed by the presentation made by the Israeli firm, expressed his eagerness to see the immediate takeoff of the proposed agricultural investment, stressing that the government is willing to offer land as its equity contribution to accelerate the partnership.

“Watching the presentation and listening to you, I could see that we are going to work together,” Governor Otti stated.

“So, I am in a hurry to see that you begin to implement this initiative to boost productivity in the State. The land belongs to the government, and we are willing to provide land. Because we are involved, even if you have to pay anything, it will be insignificant. The land can be our equity to the investment.”

The Governor tasked the Israeli team to immediately meet with members of the state’s agricultural and economic team to work out actionable steps to fast-track the commencement of the project. He recommended that the investment should kick off with fish and vegetable production, while other areas such as poultry and mechanized farming could follow.

Describing Abians as naturally enterprising people who thrive when provided with the right environment, Governor Otti reiterated his administration’s commitment to creating the necessary conditions for businesses to succeed.

Abia people don’t depend on government handouts. All they need is an enabling environment. That is what we are doing—making the state investor-friendly. We welcome everyone who has value to offer.”

Earlier, the MD of ONIDA Development, Mr. Kidron Israel, expressed optimism about the partnership, stating that what the Israeli team required from the state was land and enabling policies to commence operations. He assured the Governor that his organization has the right international financing contacts to execute the project efficiently.

“We chose Abia because of your visionary leadership. Your proactive approach and the positive transformation your administration is delivering made Abia an ideal partner,” Mr. Kidron noted.

Also speaking, Mrs. Florence Osuji, National Coordinator of the Nigeria-Israel Forum, emphasized that their visit was to introduce Israeli agricultural technology and innovation to support Nigeria’s food security. She highlighted key areas of interest, including fish production, vegetable farming, and poultry.

Present at the meeting were key members of the Abia State Executive, including the Hon. Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze; Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Uwaoma Ukandu; and the Principal Secretary and Chief Strategy Officer to the State Government, Mr. Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu.

With this move, Governor Otti has once again positioned Abia State as a leading destination for foreign direct investment and a hub for agricultural transformation in Nigeria.

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“It is unacceptable” CAN rejects tax policy for churches in Abia state

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Abia state chapter, has rejected a tax policy for church signposts in the state.

The Christian body lamented that, as a Christian and God’s own state, it is regrettable that Abia is the only state in Nigeria that is taxing churches on their signposts.

In a letter titled ‘Taxation of church signposts in Abia State,’ dated October 22, 2024, signed by the State CAN chairman and State CAN secretary, Rev Ojo Ojo Uduma and Rev. Dr. Francis E. Okere, respectively, the group urged the Governor to rescind the policy to avoid compelling Christians in the state from seeing the state government as anti-Church.

The letter read: “We write to express our displeasure over the state government policy of compelling churches to be paying taxes on their signposts.

“As a Christian and God’s own state, it is regrettable that Abia State is the only state in the whole federation that is taxing churches on their signposts.

We therefore passionately plead with your Excellency as a matter of urgency to carefully look into this matter and possibly rescind the policy to avoid compelling the body of Christ in the state from seeing the regime as anti-Church.

Furthermore, leaders of the Christian body in the state can be invited for a roundtable discussion on the way forward over this very little but delicate issue.

While looking forward to your favourable response, accept our esteemed assurances of our unalloyed support and prayers

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Abia lawmaker commissions Dustin Basket to mark one year in office (PHOTO)

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Stephen Ucheonye, a lawmaker representing Aba Central Constituency is set to commission set of disposal bin as Constituency Project to mark his one year in office.

The pictures of the disposal bin and a circular which was seen on X has gearnred reaction from the social media with many criticizing the honorable for such act despite various needs affecting the state.

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