Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has assured that his administration will accelerate construction work on the Abia Industrial Innovation Park (AIIP) project. The governor made this pledge during a visit to the project site at Owaza, Ukwa West Local Government Area. The project, which was initiated by the state government, aims to promote economic development and create jobs for the people of Abia.
The governor, represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr. Caleb Ajagba, emphasized the government's determination to complete the project. The visit was to enable the project's new Managing Director, Ms. Sandra Ivonye-Ntofon, to assess the work on the site. Otti said the visit would enable the managing director to appreciate the work required to fulfill the expectations of the State Government, Abia citizens, and the international business community.
Several companies and organizations have expressed interest in the project, and efforts will focus on translating this interest into project execution. The governor's administration is determined to ensure the industrial park becomes operational. The project has the potential to harness the state's oil and gas resources for economic development, create employment, and stimulate growth in the state.
The Commissioner for Petroleum, Prof. Joel Ogbonna, highlighted the project's potential benefits. He said the planned establishment of a modular refinery and a compressed natural gas facility would create employment and stimulate development in the state. Ogbonna noted that the construction of access roads and completion of necessary processes have laid the foundation for the project.
The lawmaker representing Ukwa West State Constituency in the state Assembly, Mr. Godwin Adiele, commended the governor for siting the project in the area. Adiele urged the government to accelerate work on the project to enable residents to benefit from its anticipated economic impact. The park was originally conceived to accommodate several industries to generate jobs and promote development in Ukwa West and neighboring areas.
The traditional Prime Minister of Igiriukwu Autonomous Community of Owaza, Chief Uche Nwele, pledged the community's cooperation to ensure the successful implementation of the project. Nwele acknowledged the payment of compensation by the State Government and other steps taken towards the development of the facility. He expressed gratitude to the governor for the initiative and urged the people to sustain their cooperation.
The Managing Director of the project, Ms. Sandra Ivonye-Ntofon, pledged her utmost commitment to ensuring the project's completion. She expressed confidence that the facility would become a source of pride for the host community, the State Government, and the people of Abia. The project's completion is expected to have a positive impact on the state's economy and provide opportunities for growth and development.
Key points
- Governor Alex Otti has pledged to accelerate work on the Abia Industrial Innovation Park project.
- The project aims to promote economic development, create jobs, and harness the state's oil and gas resources.
- Several companies have expressed interest in the project, which is expected to stimulate growth and development in the state.
