ECONOMY
Gov Otti Directs Immediate Flag-off of Aba Commercial Smart City Project
Governor Alex Otti has expressed his readiness for the immediate flag-off and delivery of the proposed Aba Commercial Smart City project, describing it as an initiative with significant economic benefits for Abia State.
Governor Otti stated this at Government House, Umuahia, during a business meeting with the leadership of the Aba Commercial Smart City, where he urged the project partners to fast-track their plans towards the timely commencement and completion of the project.
The Governor directed the Director-General of the Public Private Partnership and Investment Promotion Office, Mr Chinedu Chijioke, to work out the details and take necessary steps to move the project to the flag-off stage as soon as possible.
Governor Otti, who expressed satisfaction with the progress and level of interest generated by the project, noted that the Aba Commercial Smart City would provide numerous benefits to the state and further strengthen Aba’s position as a major commercial and industrial hub.
Speaking at the meeting, the Chief Executive Officer of Aba Commercial Smart City and former Minister, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, said the realisation of the project would help restore Aba to its original glory and urged stakeholders to support the initiative.
Prof. Nebo commended Governor Otti for demonstrating capacity in governance, while also appreciating the PPP Office and the Abia State Government team for their professionalism throughout the meetings and consultations on the project.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Aba Commercial Smart City, former Inspector-General of Police and Founder/President of the project, Ambassador Osita Offor, said the team was at Government House in response to the Governor’s earlier directive to present a financially realistic position on the project.
Ambassador Offor disclosed that efforts were underway to inject ₦20 billion into the project in partnership with investors, expressing optimism that the proposed smart city would contribute significantly to the economic transformation of Aba and Abia State.