Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has appealed to investors who relocated from the state, as well as prospective investors, to return and take advantage of the business-friendly environment created by his administration.

Otti made the appeal on Sunday while commissioning a hospitality facility built by an investor in Aba, saying his administration had, within the last three years, created a conducive environment that was attracting investors to the state.

The governor said ongoing infrastructural development and improvements in the business environment had created fresh opportunities for investment.

He noted that the transformation recorded across the state, particularly in Aba, was the result of deliberate efforts by his administration to address infrastructural deficits and improve the city’s environment for businesses to thrive.

Otti recalled the condition of Port Harcourt Road in Aba before his administration came into office, saying the government had cleared obstructions and debris and rehabilitated the road, while also embarking on other infrastructural projects aimed at opening up the city and creating an enabling environment for economic activities.

The governor said the commencement of massive infrastructural development across the state would further unlock investment opportunities for individuals and businesses.

He therefore urged investors and other residents who had left Aba to return and take advantage of the opportunities emerging from the city’s transformation.

He said, “Time is ripe for investment in Abia”, advising those who delayed that they might find it difficult to secure investment opportunities after others had taken advantage of the available space.

Otti assured prospective investors that the state government would continue to provide the infrastructure and conducive environment required for businesses and investments to thrive.

Speaking on the hotel, Otti commended the investor and Chief Executive Officer of ORIS Signature Hotel, Owelle Greg Okafor, for investing in Aba, saying the project would create employment opportunities and contribute to the state’s economic growth.

He said, “This is going to add to the employment of Abia people, which is the number one priority for us. By the fact that it is going to also add to our Gross Domestic Product, reduce poverty, increase the Internally Generated Revenue, and provide comfort to travelers and lodgers.”