Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, on Tuesday, gave assurance that the state government will accelerate construction work at the Abia Industrial Innovation Park (AIIP) “in the coming weeks and months”.
Mr Otti made the pledge during a visit to the project site in Owaza, Ukwa West Local Government Area. He emphasised the government’s determination to complete the project.
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The governor, represented by his Chief of Staff, Caleb Ajagba, said the visit was to enable the project’s new Managing Director, Sandra Ivonye-Ntofon, to assess work on the site.
“The visit will enable the managing director to appreciate the work required to fulfil the expectations of the State Government, Abia citizens and the international business community.
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“We are determined to complete this project we initiated, and this visit demonstrates our determination to ensure the industrial park becomes operational.
“Several companies and organisations have expressed interest in the project, and efforts will presently focus on translating that interest into project execution,” Mr Otti said.
In her response, Ms Ivonye-Ntofon pledged commitment to ensure the project’s completion.
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“We are confident that the facility will become a source of pride for the host community, the state government, and the people of Abia,” she said.
The Commissioner for Petroleum, Joel Ogbonna, said the project would help harness the state’s oil and gas resources for economic development.
Mr Ogbonna, a professor, said the planned modular refinery and compressed natural gas facility would create jobs and stimulate development in the state.
“The construction of access roads and completion of necessary processes have laid the foundation for the project,” he said.
The lawmaker representing Ukwa West State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Godwin Adiele, commended the governor for siting the project in the area.
READ ALSO: Gov Otti accompanies Vice-President Shettima to Ethiopia
Mr Adiele, however, urged the government to accelerate work on the project so residents can 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 neighbouring areas.
“The people are peace-loving, and I urge them to sustain the cooperation needed to ensure the project’s completion,” he said.
The traditional Prime Minister of Igiriukwu Autonomous Community of Owaza, Uche Nwele, pledged the community’s cooperation to ensure the project’s successful implementation.
Mr Nwele acknowledged the state government’s compensation payment and other steps taken to develop the facility, and he expressed gratitude to the governor for the initiative.
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