Abia links reform drive to investor confidence

A Special Adviser to the Abia State Governor on Investment Promotion and Public-Private Partnerships, Jerome Green-Amakwe, has said the state’s recent governance and development initiatives are strengthening public confidence and attracting wider attention as Nigeria marked its Democracy Day.

In a statement personally signed on Friday in Umuahia, Abia State, Green-Amakwe said this year’s Democracy Day celebration carries added significance for residents of the state.

“For Abians, this year’s commemoration carries a deeper significance, symbolising renewal, responsible governance, and the emergence of a new era anchored on accountability, development, and service to the people,” he stated.

According to him, Abia has become a notable example of democratic leadership delivering visible results, with growing confidence among residents about the state’s future.

Green-Amakwe noted that before 2023, the state faced developmental challenges, infrastructure deficits, and concerns over public services and economic growth.

“The period was marked by widespread concerns over infrastructure, public services, and economic growth, prompting increasing calls for a new direction in governance. That turning point came with the election of Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, and his deputy, Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE,” he said.

He added that the administration’s emergence marked the beginning of reforms focused on transparency, accountability, and service delivery.

According to the aide, the administration has since pursued policies and projects aimed at restoring public trust and accelerating development across the state. He also highlighted the role played by supporters, stakeholders and grassroots mobilisers before the 2023 elections.

“The journey to political victory, however, was neither accidental nor effortless. Long before the 2023 elections, a dedicated coalition of supporters, stakeholders, and grassroots mobilisers remained steadfast in their conviction that a better Abia was possible. Their determination, resilience, and unwavering belief in change laid the foundation for what has since become a transformative movement,” he said.

Green-Amakwe stated that the campaign structure was chaired by the late Nnanna Ngwu, while Acho Obioma served as Director-General. He added that coordinators across the state’s senatorial zones and local government areas mobilised support and promoted the campaign’s vision.

He listed contributors to the campaign effort as Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, Mike Akpara, Rtd. Navy Captain McDonald Uba, Ishmael Onuoha, Prince Okey Kanu, Ogbonna Okereke, Victor Ikeji, Mrs. Magdalene Ugoanusi, Uloaku Iheanacho, Dike Nwankwo, Uche Nwosu, Ferdinand Ekeoma, Ottah Kalu, Dr. Nwokocha Eze, Ceekay Igara, Chris Anukuru and Rtd. Col. Ezichi Kalu, among others.

The Special Adviser said supporters of the administration attribute the continuity of reforms to Governor Otti’s leadership style, which he described as strategic and disciplined. According to him, the governor’s approach has strengthened confidence in governance and reinforced the belief that public policy can drive development.

Green-Amakwe further stated that Democracy Day provides an opportunity to recognise individuals whose contributions helped shape the state’s current trajectory. He said the progress recorded in Abia should be credited to government officials, stakeholders and residents who support the state’s development objectives.

While congratulating Governor Alex Otti, Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu, members of the administration, grassroots mobilisers, stakeholders and residents of the state, he called for continued commitment to unity, transparency and development.

He expressed optimism that ongoing reforms would be sustained in the years ahead.