Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has called on investors, particularly indigenes of the state living outside Abia, to invest in the state’s economy, stressing that local industrial development is essential to job creation and economic growth.
Otti made the call on Sunday, November 8, 2026, during the official commissioning of OXVERA Hotel, a privately owned hospitality facility in Umuahia, the state capital.
Congratulating the hotel’s proprietor, the governor said his administration had made efforts to improve the business environment through investments in infrastructure, security and other areas, adding that the state was now placing greater emphasis on industrial development and employment generation.
He urged Abia indigenes doing business outside the state to consider investing at home, particularly in industries capable of creating employment opportunities for young people.
The governor noted that although foreign investment remained important, creating an enabling environment for local investors was necessary to attract sustainable economic development.
Otti described Abia as a state with considerable investment opportunities in solid minerals, agriculture, trade and commerce, information technology, and oil and gas.
He also disclosed that the state had continued to attract investment interest, including a proposed $200 million investment by Presco in a palm-related industry.
Speaking on the hospitality sector, Otti said additional international hotel brands were expected in the state, including Radisson Blu in Aba and Hilton in Umuahia. He expressed optimism that increased competition among hospitality operators would encourage better service delivery.
The governor also recounted an earlier attempt to establish a 150 room five star hotel in the area in partnership with international hospitality brand Marriott, which did not materialise.
In their goodwill messages, the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, Hon. Obi Aguocha, and Labour Party candidate for Abia North Senatorial District, Chief David Ogba Onuoha, commended the governor’s efforts to attract investment into the state since assuming office in 2023.
They also expressed confidence in the political prospects of Labour Party candidates in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking with journalists, the Chief Executive Officer of OXVERA Hotel Limited, Chief Ozioma Nnanna, attributed his decision to establish the facility to what he described as an improving business environment under the Otti administration.
Nnanna said his passion for quality hospitality services, alongside developments in the state, encouraged him to return home and invest.
He disclosed that the hotel has 58 rooms of different categories and called on Abia indigenes living outside the state and other prospective investors to explore the investment opportunities available in Abia.
The commissioning adds to the state’s hospitality infrastructure as the government continues to promote Abia as a destination for private investment and business development.
Written by Enitan Mudashiru
