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By Ugochukwu Alaribe
UMUAHIA — Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has reaffirmed his commitment to completing the Abia Industrial and Innovation Park (AIIP) in Owaza, Ukwa West Local Government Area, expressing confidence that the project will emerge as a major industrial and innovation hub for the state and Nigeria.

Otti gave the assurance in his office while receiving his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, who led members of the State Executive Council and the newly appointed Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of AIIP, Ms Sandra Ivonye-Ntofon, to brief him on their inspection of the project site.

Ajagba and his team had earlier visited Owaza to introduce the new managing director to the host community and facility managers, assess the existing infrastructure and identify critical upgrades required to make the park attractive to investors.

The governor disclosed that the project had continued to attract investor interest, citing the planned relocation of a steel plant from another state to AIIP despite the significant cost implications.

He said the development demonstrated investors’ confidence in the project.

“The issue is not whether that place will be successful. It is about how quickly you can achieve that,” Otti said.

He added that feasibility studies for the park had been completed, expressing confidence that its combination of industrial production, innovation and commerce would make it a strategic driver of economic growth, job creation and investment.

The governor directed the new management to accelerate implementation and make up for time lost since the groundbreaking ceremony. He assured the team of his administration’s support, including the provision of resources required to commence operations.

Otti also stressed the need to secure the project site with perimeter fencing and directed the Commissioner for Works to begin work on a shorter access road linking the expressway to the park.

Congratulating Ivonye-Ntofon on her appointment, the governor said appointments under his administration were based on merit, adding that the recruitment process for the park’s leadership was designed to identify competent and qualified candidates.

Earlier, Ajagba said the visit to Owaza was aimed at evaluating the facility and determining the infrastructure required to meet the expectations of the state government and the international business community.

He said the delegation received a warm reception from the host community.

“At the site, we made it clear that the Industrial Park is intended to attract companies that will support the industrialisation of Abia State, especially the Ukwa West corridor.

“With the coming on board of the new MD, we will reinforce this administration’s commitment to building a virile economy for Abia State,” he said.

In her remarks, Ivonye-Ntofon thanked the governor for the confidence reposed in her and pledged to work with relevant stakeholders to achieve the park’s objectives.

She described AIIP as an opportunity to establish a national industrial and innovation hub serving Owaza, Abia State and Nigeria.
“We are committed to accelerating the pace of work. Our goal is to give Ndi Abia a reason to be proud of a world-class industrial and innovation park located in their state,” she said.

Speaking on behalf of the host community, the Traditional Prime Minister of Igiriukwu Autonomous Community, Owaza, Chief Uche Nwele, assured the new managing director of the community’s cooperation and support.