Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has pledged to create wealth for the people of the state through strategic partnerships aimed at revitalizing the economy.
Speaking after a crucial meeting with Dr. Paul Obanua, Chairman of Greenfield Assets Limited and owner of Aba Mega Mall, Otti assured that his administration would prioritize the revival of the long-abandoned project.
“I am in governance to create wealth for the people of Abia State,” Otti stated. He added that his government is committed to working with genuine investors to bring a positive turnaround to the state’s economy.
The governor directed the establishment of further engagements with the state government’s team to explore how the Aba Mega Mall could be revitalized.
Dr. Obanua, visibly emotional, disclosed the extent of his personal investment in the project. “This is an investment I borrowed USD 10 million to make, and it’s been lying fallow for 10 years,” he said. He expressed optimism about the renewed discussions, revealing that his investors were prepared to inject over 50 billion naira into the project.
“We are very excited that Governor Dr. Alex Chioma Otti has granted us the audience we’ve not had in this state in the last 10 years,” Obanua said.
“We are excited about the potential partnership and are ready to bring in investments that will transform the Aba Mega Mall into a manufacturing ecosystem and export hub.”
Dr. Obanua also highlighted the political will of Governor Otti, stating, “What is important in every leadership is the political will to do the right thing. If the leader is willing, the people will be willing and will follow.”
He commended Otti’s proactive approach, explaining that “if you want to get his attention, just mention development, and you will have it.”
Obanua revealed that the new plans for the Aba Mega Mall include transforming it into a manufacturing park, specifically targeting the garment and shoe production sectors.
“We will have automated industrial garment cutting and sewing machines that will improve productivity for garment and shoe manufacturers by more than 100 times,” he disclosed.
The proposed initiative aims to provide industrial manufacturing services to local entrepreneurs, ensuring standardization and certification for export, thereby expanding markets in the US, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Obanua expressed his hope that these efforts would bridge the gap in automation and improve the productivity of Aba’s entrepreneurs.
The Aba Mega Mall project was commissioned in May 2015 but was abandoned the same year by the previous administration.
