Abia State Governorship Transition Council (Economic Transformation There) Seeks Your Ideas; Complete Form

Okay. Prof ,this is a good Beginning , leather works sector , popularly known as shoe making at bakassi and power line needs to spread out and modernize , I feel that sector is jammed with ariaria market , if a better location would be found ,it will help to decongest the city , and also tailoring artisan in ngwa rd ,a better environment should be found for them too .

Infrastructure development and creating a viable and sustainable business friendly environment to attract more local and foreign investments and investors to our state. Stable electricity supply, good roads and water supply are very important.

This is a good one sir, but
I will like the incoming government to pay attention to small skills businesses owned by the State goverment like the coco plantation in Bende and the production of local red oil in other to create job opportunities for Abians,

Secondly let all the government ministries be functioning fully some State libery and health care centers in some Local government are not working.

May this project succeed and be of influence to much desired competitiveness amongst Nigeria’s member states across the federation. Congrats once again, Prof.

“For submitting, you agree that the committee can incorporate your ideas as it wants with no obligations in any form.”

I completely disagree with this caveat and would expect that joint execution or a JV agreement would be the best approach especially where ideas are novel and highly niched.

Aba needs an inland container park that is outside the city, possibly within Uguwnagbo LGA,which is close to Onne port. The inland container park will serve to decongest Aba city from container traffic and possible hazards. Futhermore, the ICP will be the first drop point for imported and exportable goods; suggesting new warehouses to be built in that area, shops; creating an entire new economy.

Thanks for this opportunity, sir. In my opinion, I suggest that the Abia state government should not just create economic growth around Ariaria. Shoemaking and other crafts which we are known for should be institutionalized. A system should be created that certifies those who are specialists in the craft and those who desire to go into the craft. Not everybody will have an interest in formal education but if such a person has an interest in crafts then the craft should be treated as a form of education. Thanks for this opportunity prof.

First and Fore most thing for Mr. Governor Alex Otti to do is get Geometric power up and running to full capacity even if it means burrowing. Second is to rebuild Ariaria and possibly Ahia Ohuru Market physical infrastructures to modern standards. Thirdly, every connecting roads (Entrance and Exit) into Aba and environs should be fully rebuilt and possibly dualized. With this and giving soft loans to SME’s I think the states will start breathing again. Umuahia needs leisure and Tech hubs.

1. INDIGENOUS CONSUMER GOODS: There are various consumable goods imported via Asia into Nigeria that Aba could easily produce eg. bathroom/ toilet, kitchen, home & office appliances.

I will be willing to work as a Quality Assurance person to ensure these goods are produced to acceptable standards.

Abia indigenes residing outside Abia would be our first key partners as partners for these made in Aba goods.

Government will provide access to soft loans via banks for businesses that would want to invest in the marketing of these such goods

An Aba industrial fair will identify SMEs and all such items manufactured within & around Abia state.

I am available to provide more detailed information

Your first periority should be to convert Agriculture to Agribusiness because that’s one major thing that would make the people at the lower cadre of economy survive without much complaints. Let there be massive education on value addition at every level of transformations amongst the actors along the agricultural value and supply chain

Ehmm, some suggestions won’t fly under filling a form or dropping a comment, because they are more nuanced and can even bamboozle who do not grasp both how the implementation and execution would be realized.

We have a grand plan on how ‘Artisan Economy’ that would make artisans competitive and respected, it’s big and bold, meant for the entire country, but Abia can as well be the springboard…

Again, in all suggestions, guaranteeing effective and resourceful talent pipeline is perhaps the most critical, something that rarely feature in policy discussions in the land. If I call it education, it will easily be mistaken for what we term education here.

There are other key accessories, but I believe we will interface with the new administration sometime down the line.

Abia State must get it right, so that the rest of the country can have some sense of what is possible.

Here are a few points I have in mind:

1. The markets in Aba should be decentralized with specific markek for specific activities. Eg. Ah?a ?h?r? has over grown the current location, and could be designated as clothing market while other businesses not related to cloth be moved to another market. More markets can be built to accommodate several sectors. Ar?a ar?a should be replanned also.

2. Flood has done more damages to economic activities in Aba, and therefore all surface runoff water should be channelled to waterside.

3. Open up roads: a. Collaborate with FG to fix Enugu-Ph road, Ikot Ekpene road and Port Harcourt road. This will open up economic activities as Aba is losing patronage as a result of no access road.

4. The area around waterside bridge Ogbor Hill can be developed into a pleasure park. A replica or perhaps a better version of the Port Harcourt Pleasure Park. That abandoned tall hotel building should be renovated and put to use as government-owned hotel for accomodations of people who visit the pleasure park. Note also that the waterside bridge is dilapidated and now poses danger to motorists, and constructing a new bridge to give that area a face lift alongside the Pleasure Park.

5. That vast land (old Umuahia Market) at ?kpara square should be converted to Abia conference and event Centre with hotels, halls, park, and entertainment arena to generate money for the state.

6. Agric board that can help local farmers to export their proceeds. Farmers should be encouraged with training to go into modern farming. We should strive towards food sufficiency.

7. Museum and Zoos is another area that can create economic value to the state.

8. Encourage SME clusters. Eg. There used to be line for tinkers at Aghara nd? by Ibere. Well organized and regulated SME cluster will ensure creativity, standard products and marketability.

9. Finally, an online store that is efficiently run for made in Aba goods will help connect buyers and sellers from all over the world.

J.O Azubuike
Item, Bende LGA

Personally out of operational experience in the petroleum industry both locally and globally in exploration, marketing, distribution, procurement, and HR, If the present administration wants to make an impact it should first identify the challenges that have slowed down development and good governance in the state all these years.

Once the problems are identified in all sectors one after the other then the problems are 80% solved. Parading intellectuals is good but how many have got first-hand experience practically direct with such challenges in governance?

The first step here is to make issues that bother on state finance public I will not be trading my ideas openly. If you find my few points interesting then we can work out channels for my submission on any sector an expertise adverse is needed.

I will make it simple which will be practicable and visible with immediate impact cos I have been identifying all these challenges in the state for 2 years now and I have been watching the progression and impact in real time. I will do the consultation for free but need my ideas to protect my credit to me.

Stagnation in any economy is an illness usually associated with lack of economic mobility. Abia State has suffered a lot of that and that’s why INDUSTRIALIZATION, the number one item on the list must be associated with public transportation development. Abia State cannot survive under “trickle down” economy.

The two thriving States in Nigeria…Lagos and Rivers States are doing well because they grow their economy through infrastructure development. It goes without saying that infrastructure development is the barometer that measures the economy of a nation. All other things normally follow.

Let Abia be the first State to undertake railways and to link other States in the South. Abia State has no airport or sea port, so railways can be its strongest economic prosperity by building freight lines.

Another area is the development of Grid Type Solar Energy Systems which can be easily fed to national grids to supply intra and inter States electricity. Abia has abundance of sun energy which van be tapped easily.

I have lived in Aba for over 15 years and I work in the banking industry.
1. A hub should be created for shoe making . The hub should have 24 hours electricity which will make it possible for all year round production.
Machines that enable quality and faster production should be leased to shoe makers .
2. The same should apply to the clothing industry.
All shoes and clothes made in Aba should be branded made in Aba , Nigeria.
Lastly, Tekedia institute should partner with the State govt to train shoe makers and tailors on branding, entrepreneurship etc in Igbo language for those who cannot read or write English.

Hi Prof.
To consolidate the momentum on the key focus areas as identified in your narrative while also promoting prosperity in the state.
1. Abia state will need it own direct transportation network hub such as airport. This will create enablement for easy access for inflow of goods and services especially in Umuahia
2. Abia government transition council should encourage and attract technological innovation centres or hubs to be created in Umuahia strategic regions. International affiliation should be encouraged in the short term.
3. Massive investment in agriculture should be established in the first year of the government. The government should lead and promote this initiative

1. Power- I suggest the new government wades into the crisis between Geometric and Enugu Disco with a view to resolving the power issue. Also, with the recent amendment of the constitution signed into law by the President, I suggest the new government encourages private sector led investment in power in Abia.

2. Roads- I suggest the new government concentrates on building economic roads in the first 100 days in office with a view to effectively linking producers to the market and workers to jobs. Furthermore, special attention should be paid to the Aba- PH expressway and the Aba – Uyo expressway. This will enable the easy movement of goods and services.

3. Urban renewal- Aba and Umuahia are in desperate need of urban regeneration. Government should also explore the possibility of remodeling the stretch starting from the old Mr Biggs on Aba Owerri road – Asa road to a world class city center. Companies operating in ABa should he encouraged to build their corporate head quarters in the new city center.

4.Healthcare – health care centers should be built in all councils and local government areas. Teaching hospitals should also be built in all senatorial districts. The welfare of Health workers should be taken seriously.

5. Ariaria and shopping center- our markets in abia should be remodeled and turned into world class markets equipped with world class infrastructure.

6. Courts- all the courts in Abia are in need of renovation. It’s also important that the new commissioner for Justice and the CJ work together to fashion out new ideas on judicial reform. Also, it’s important that all courts is Abia are equipped with the new technology to enable smooth and speedy dispensation of Justice. Technology equipment like court recorders etc should be installed in all courts.

7. Road infrastructure and road expansion.

8. Encourage investment in production and manufacturing in Abia.

First, look at Abia comparative advantage in Agricuture. The state can establish massive (10,000 acres) of oil palm plantation by cultivating hybrid variety that starts fruiting at 3 years post planting (tenera). Right within the farm, set up palm oil processing and packaging factory. Through that palm oil, vegetable oil, palm kernel cake for livestock feeds would be gotten. Then brand the products as Abia Government Palm oil and then create a supply network within and outside the country.

Abia state as a fast developing state with very good talents home and abroad should embrace the digital economy, an information technology development Agency should be formed to help leapfrog the state to the new IT age.

Very brilliant students, pupils, graduates will be Admitted into a boot camp and given first class training in the area of information and technology Android applications development, web development, IOS application development, cloud technology, database management, fintech etc.The state will earmark a technology park in Aba, umuahia and maybe Ohafia with state of arts facilities, computers, simulators , very fast internet etc the top students will be given access to the facilities to further hone their coding and programming skills while others will be the alternate options of collaboration on projects with the top candidates.
After the boot camp , start up capital and other support can be given to successful candidates to kick start start ups and IT projects, a project management team will assist the team to raise capital from venture capitalist, series A fundraisers like y combinator etc .

The successful companies and candidates will be given locations at the technology parks and tax free period to get their projects up and running.

For me I think the major primary challenge would be to create an enabling eco friendly environment for every citizen of the state. And that’s where making sure we have good and accessible road network comes in.
Secondly is to (at least) make sure the government provide a sensible amount of electricity for consumption. I know it might be a federal thing but I believe the states also play a vital role in this. There’re many businesses that will grow faster if this is put in place. Aba as a whole had thousands of business going on that will require electricity to allow them function better.
The third should be security.
Also multiple taxation should be looked into and please you guys should trybas much as possible to clean our streets full of uniformed ‘agberos’ pls. It’s very important, so that people can go about their businesses without entertaining fear.
Also, the fashion industry in Aba will be glad to see different forms of governmental support, and trust me with that they will put Aba on the global map.

Long-Term Goals:

Rail-way:
I am starting with long terms goals because it is only through long-term economic plans that we can build an economically viable Abia. Since the railway is now on the concurrent list, plans should be in place to connect Abia with at least two states before 2031. Abia borders with Ebonyi borders, which produces rice, and train transportation can reduce the transportation. Also, the intra-train track is desirable to connect routes parts of the state to cities and aid in the transportation of farm produce. I believe that one of the causes of food inflation in the country is inadequate distribution channels. Farmers are removed from consumers.

Palm oil plantation: It is no longer news that the major exports of Malaysia and Indonesia are Plam Oil. The government can strategically map hectares where improved seeds will be planted with a version of exporting it in the next 20 years.

Short-Term Goals:

Tech hubs: Abia residents can earn dollars from the comfort of their homes. Tech jobs like Data Scientists, Product managers, back end developers are in high demand. A government-sponsored tech program can help teach at least 1000 Abians tech skills every six months. Those who got in through the program and secured jobs eventually should be monitored and taxed accordingly. With that in place, the government can help build a tech community. Who says that all tech start-ups in Nigeria must be based in Lagos?

Government/Private owned recreational parks:

I do not want the government to own this business 100%. An amusement park can be put in place in Umuahia near the Ojukwu bunker or the war museum. It shouldn’t take more than 2 and a half years to construct. Correct me if I’m wrong but there is no amusement park good enough in the state where parents and kids would love to have fun every Sunday.

Bonus Ideas: Pay attention to the National War Museum. It is the only one in West Africa and should attract tourists to the State if positioned properly. Give out millions of improved palm oil seeds to thousand of farmers.

What about transportation? A sustainable transport system is key to economic development. We have to look at the Abia State development master plan if we had any. How do the rural producing area of the state access transport to bring their produce to the urban areas? What about the coastal communities in Abia State? The should have a meaningful transport system too. When you mention tourism, transportation comes in. Something should be done to improve the transportation system in the state.

Aba as a city has a lot of drainages which are all blocked .
Cleaning and evacuating of all the gutters in Aba should be a top priority of the incoming government , this will ensure free flow of water or flood when it rains .
Refuse management is very poor making Aba the dirtiest town in Nigeria
Security should be provided: this will ensure a 24 hour business operations in Aba without fear of theft or harm like we see in many towns
The advantages of the above are numerous as it will reduce unemployment because more man hours have been provided. Crime will reduce drastically. Businesses, transport and even schools can run on shifts thereby creating more revenue and tax for the government. Night businesses will come alive and unemployment will be a thing of the past.
Let there be proper registration and identification of all residents in Abia

We are so grateful that the long awaited redemption of Abia is finally here.
We expect to see massive infrastructural development especially in Umuahia the state capital and some other lga that has been unfortunate never to benefit from the state government all these years like Isuikwuato. We strongly believe that Abia will be great again.

Thank God Abia state has just been created. To move the state forward, revenue leakages need be blocked. Agents and govt officials that make assessments on behalf of Abia state govt actually make assessments the finally divert the funds to their pockets.

All the motor parks should be one place like in ebonyi so that govt should regulate what is going on transport sector,and aba should be dicogested both trading and all this private motor parks even agereo tauts

Thanks for the opportunity;

1. Backlog of salaries should be paid; pensions and gratuities (if possible); leave allowances etc.

2. Health workers salaries should be looked into as the CONHESS is yet to be implemented in Abia, so they are being underpaid.

3. Agencies that handle World Bank projects in Abia should be looked into; contract staff have many months to unpaid salaries including those staff who are on secondment are yet to receive their productivity allowance.

The economic transformation cannot work or stand if the above is not tackled.

Prof. On 22 July 2022, I sent you an email([email protected]) about the
THE GLOBAL PROJECT FUNDING FOR ECONOMIC RECOVERY; PREREQUISITE FOR DEBT RELIEF
This funding program is implemented using the 2:1 Non-Depletion framework for project Funding and this will be the Ideal opportunity for Abia State to activate this funding program first to Clear her Debt profile and to kick start the economic prosperity of the Ndi Abia people because all funding is on Non-Recourse basis.
This funding group is behind the THE BELT & ROAD INITIATIVE (BRI, or B&R) of China, known within China as the One Belt One Road. The group has also funded a Kenya Corporation (Termic Energy).

BRIEF CAPABILITY OF THE FUDING GROUP

1.Tier One Private Wealth Management Banking Institutional Trust. Our Objective is to build liquid capital for banks, businesses, governments, and individuals worldwide. Think of us as your Global resource for project funding, infrastructure development, and other liquidity needs.
2. We operate under a private sovereign jurisdiction AND can use these resources and provide services without common restrictions OF STATUTORY ENTITIES.
3.Private Bank License
3. GOLD ASSETS FOR COLLATERALIZING OF TRANSACTIONS (The largest gold asset on earth is under their Custodial Trust)
4. Large stock of p
4. BANK RECOGNITION CERTIFICATE FROM THE INTERNATIONAL COURT CIVIL DIVISION

POINTS TO NOTE
We are in direct communication with the 1st Trustee (Chairman) of the group and they are always open to communicate with us as Africa is a very strategic continent to fund projects.
Prof. kindly let me know if you are willing to take this forward, as I will be Introducing you directly to the Chairman of the great institution.

In conclusion therefore, our recommendations above are just about the best way for the state to raise the needed Multi-Million dollar funding; and embark on new infrastructure projects in all economic sector including resuscitation of [Ailing Infrastructures] existing ones without being further indebted to anyone.

Thank you for the opportunity to be part of the team to move our dear state forward by sharing our ideas.
Key Areas of Opportunity
1. Agribusiness _ Create farm clusters and integrated farms estates across Abia with the leverage of mass farming land in Abia North
Short term initiatives
a. set up rice farm clusters
b. set up processing centers
c. create single digits loans to farmers
d.create access to market
Medium/Long term initiatives
Set up mini integrated farm estates across the three Senatorial District in Abia
2. Revenue Drive
Short term initiatives
a. enumeration of the key revenue heads in Abia
Medium/Long term initiatives
Optimization/automation of all the revenue collection in Abia
3. Data Driven policy
Short term initiatives
a.Conduct a baseline survey to identify the peculiar needs of the people. eg, To avoid duplication of existing projects in communities, real time information needs to be gathered.

I am ONWUKWE AUSTIN NZEAKO
From Abia state . Former Medical Director Seraph Unity Hospital. Current program manager Agbecha Initiative for Health care and rural Development. State coordinator Seraph HMO.
I will appreciate an invite to introduce and explicate our E²HCD , our newly introduced system in health care , where our insurance organisation takes responsibility of the least health failure of every individual under the cover.
It is effective, efficient and digital enabled with priority emphasis to quick response irrespective of distance and location.
An invite will avail more details.
I believe it’s time for..ABIA.. the number one state to lead the way.

Thanks.
Dr. Austin

The goal of every government is to achieve food sufficiency and food security in the society. To achieve higher mass production in Agriculture and Agro-processing in Abia State, there should be need for the formation of Agricultural Cooperative Societies (Farmers Cooperatives), which is an association of farmers who come together to pool their resources for the production and marketing of their produce through a collective agricultural engagements, to achieve efficiency in agriculture and Agro-processing. Through this cooperative, what an individual farmer cannot produce alone can be produce collectively by farmers through a significant utilization of economies of scale. This agricultural cooperatives through their principles and values have the abilities to:
1. Pool risks together
2. Mobilize savings
3. Engage in continuous education of their members in agricultural innovations and new technology adoptions
4. Manage credits available to them
5. Engage in viable agricultural and economic activities and
6. Attract government supports

This agricultural cooperatives through trainings and acquisition of farm management skills can promote farm labour efficiency, provides cost effective ways of managing large farms and promote environment – friendly farm practice.

Government on their obligatory role can play
1. Financing role of providing loans, credit, and grants to the farmers cooperatives
2. Provides subsidies and aids
3. Training of members in modern farming operations
4. Promotion of the cooperatives and
5. Organizing public enlightenment programmes

The above (and more), when adopted will enhance agricultural productivity in the state, hence food sufficiency is achieved.

The writer is from Nkwoegwu OHUHU, Umuahia Abia State, an Agricultural cooperative expert and a lecturer in the department of Cooperative Economics and Management of the Imo State Polytechnic, Omuma, Imo State.

Nwadinobi Charles Onyemaechi – MCPN, MNIM

Lovely!

May the Almighty God take Abia from glory to glory.

It will be good that non Abians with good brains be given hope/opportunities to work in government establishments so as to contribute meaningfully in the growth of the State.

Grace to you!

Hones

Honestly this is a good step in the right direction. My own opinion, I think in addition to the focused areas, physical infrastructure like rural roads which are in abysmal deficit currently should be given needed attention to aid transportation of especially agro products from the rural areas to urban or market places. There must be road connectivity like we have in Anambra to link villages and towns. Quality of such roads is also important in order not to replicate the type of roads built by successive governments in the State. Umuahia-Uzuakoli-Item-Nkporo road is such an important road that links so many villages but in a very bad shape at the moment. Also Umuahia-Umudike road axis is not passable and a shame to the state. Something urgent should be done on theses roads and if possible they should be duallised to open up those areas. Education is another area to be given attention. Umuahia as a state capital should be made to look like one. More cities like Ohafia, Ukwa, Arochukwu should emerge . May God grant the people’s governor the grace to fulfill all his promises and take our state to an enviable height where we tightly belong in Jesus name!

(1)Turning our wast to wealth by Eliminating dump sites,(BORO PIT)creating 2000 to 3000 jobs ,generating energy and increase the state GDP, (2) Creating jobs ,Increasing our GDP through Fish , poultry and pig farming(3) creating jobs increasing food production and our GDP through the use of our animal and domestic wast for fertilizers for casava, vegetable , yam, and other food crops (4) Eliminating flooding in Aba ,Ukwu mango, okigwe Rd, umungasi, uratta, ph Rd by creatin at least 10 feet wide and deep drainage that will link from ukwu mango faulks Rd through slaughter old express via Ama ukwu to uratta / pH water log through Ogbonna Rd by rail to water side linking with all the drainages from Aba main town at Eziukwu Rd and umungasi via factory Rd, u can call me for more explanation , I have been in Aba since 1974 ,and am into poultry, piggry and fish farming so am sure of what am saying

(1)Turning our wast to wealth by Eliminating dump sites,(BORO PIT)creating 2000 to 3000 jobs ,generating energy and increase the state GDP, (2) Creating jobs ,Increasing our GDP through Fish , poultry and pig farming(3) creating jobs increasing food production and our GDP through the use of our animal and domestic wast for fertilizers for casava, vegetable , yam, and other food crops (4) Eliminating flooding in Aba ,Ukwu mango, okigwe Rd, umungasi, uratta, ph Rd by creatin at least 10 feet wide and deep drainage that will link from ukwu mango faulks Rd through slaughter old express via Ama ukwu to uratta / pH water log through Ogbonna Rd by rail to water side linking with all the drainages from Aba main town at Eziukwu Rd and umungasi via factory Rd, u can call me for more explanation , I have been in Aba since 1974 ,and am into poultry, piggry and fish farming so am sure of what am saying (5) creaton of state police and community vigilante in important because madu adighi ezu onweya ori

Electricity Generation: Abia should aim to attract reputable electricity companies and offer a tax holiday of at least 5-10 years to incentivize such companies to operate within the state.

Clothing Industry: Abians could benefit from developing commercial clothing brands that package clothes and export them. A successful example to follow would be Bangladesh’s thriving garment industry.

Cereal Industry: It would be advantageous for Abia to establish local companies that specialize in producing biscuits and similar products.

Tax Incentives: Abia could offer tax incentives to industries that employ up to 200 Abia residents or citizens and operate within the state. A suggested policy could include a five-year tax holiday.

Sewing Centers: Abia state could construct a standardized mall for tailors in Aba where clothing is sewn and showcased. The mall should have a minimum of three to four stories, and shops should be sold to confirmed tailors at a reasonable mortgage rate. Payment for the shops should be completed within ten years.

It is important to note that Abia should also prioritize the construction of quality roads, encourage shoe manufacturing, and improve healthcare services.

1. Creating an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: Foster a supportive environment for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) by providing access to capital, business development services, networking opportunities, and streamlined regulatory processes. This can include setting up business incubators, accelerators, and innovation hubs, and creating partnerships with financial institutions, industry associations, and educational institutions to support entrepreneurship.

2. Attracting Large and Medium-Sized Manufacturing and Extractive Industries: Develop policies and incentives to attract and retain large and medium-sized manufacturing and extractive industries. This can include offering tax incentives, customized land use plans, and streamlined permitting processes. Collaborate with industry clusters and trade organizations to promote the city as a favorable destination for investment in these sectors.

3. Enhancing Importing and Exporting Business Environment: Invest in modern logistics and transportation infrastructure to facilitate the movement of goods in and out of the city. Develop trade facilitation programs, such as customs clearance and export promotion services, to support importing and exporting businesses. Foster international trade relationships through trade missions, business delegations, and participation in trade exhibitions.

4. Supporting Civil Servants: Provide training and professional development opportunities for civil servants to enhance their skills and knowledge, and promote a culture of accountability and transparency in governance. Implement performance-based incentives and recognition programs to motivate civil servants to excel in their roles and contribute to the city’s social and economic development.

5. Managing Environmental Health: Implement robust environmental regulations and enforcement mechanisms to minimize the negative impacts of manufacturing and extractive industries on the environment. Promote sustainable practices, such as waste reduction, energy efficiency, and use of renewable resources. Develop green infrastructure, such as parks and green spaces, to enhance the city’s environmental quality and promote healthy living.

6. Encouraging Innovation and Research: Collaborate with research institutions, universities, and technology hubs to promote innovation and research in key sectors, such as manufacturing, extractive industries, and logistics. Provide funding and support for research and development initiatives, technology transfer, and commercialization of innovative ideas.

7.Engaging in Public-Private Partnerships: Foster collaboration between the public and private sectors to drive social and economic development. Establish public-private partnerships (PPPs) to leverage private sector expertise, investment, and resources in key areas, such as infrastructure development, job creation, and environmental management.

8.Promoting Tourism and Cultural Heritage: Develop and promote the city’s unique cultural heritage, historical landmarks, and natural attractions to attract tourists and boost the local economy. Invest in tourism infrastructure, such as hotels, restaurants, and transportation, and support cultural events and festivals that showcase the city’s diversity and richness.

9. Building a Skilled Workforce: Invest in education and vocational training programs to build a skilled workforce that meets the needs of the city’s growing industries. Collaborate with educational institutions and industry stakeholders to align curriculum with industry requirements and provide internship and apprenticeship opportunities for students and job seekers.

10. Engaging in Community Development: Foster strong community engagement and participation in decision-making processes related to social and economic development. Empower local communities to be active stakeholders in shaping the city’s future through participatory planning, community development programs, and social enterprise initiatives that address local needs and promote inclusive growth.

“A hungry man is an angry man”. Agriculture is a key sector for development not just for Abia state but for Nigeria as a whole. It will create jobs but also food self-sufficiency. Our growing population must be fed otherwise we run into trouble. I will suggest that Abia state government invest or go into partnerships or create avenues for build–operate–transfer / build–own–operate–transfer projects on the entire Agriculture Supply Chain. The focus should be creating a robust end-to-end agriculture supply chain for crops and for livestock and aquaculture. Doing this will spur human and capital development in Abia state.

I commend the Governor elect and his team of seasoned technocrats. This heralds the change we have longed for. I must confess, the incoming government has started on a good note.

Now my idea:

1. Education – Our Government owned Primary and Secondary schools need to be given serious attention. Private schools with no strong backgrounds and exorbitant fees have relegated our schools to the background. During my time in elementary we formidable and notable schools but it’s now in the past.

Action Plan – I suggest the government schools be handed over to young, creative, innovative and enthusiastic graduates with certificates in education to manage the school like private schools are managed. This will create jobs, raise money for the government and revive state owned schools.

2. Waste – Solid waste generation in Aba is on the high side and should be giving close attention to make the town neater.

Action plan – there is need for a solid waste recycling plant.

3. Urban renewal – Ana has fast lost it’s Township/City status because of the actions of the people who doesn’t consider the environmental impacts of their actions. This need to be checked

Action Plan – Prof J.U Ognonna whose scholar I was will be able to handle this. That’s his area of specialization.

4. Touts and Agboros – Aba has over the years been characterised and nicknamed the home of touts. The outgoing government celebrates them and encourages them by using them to raise revenue, the government assign roles to their political thugs who unleash mayhem on residents, intimidate and embarrass visitors and scare investors.

Action Plan – The incoming government should avoid recruiting touts to drive or collect revenues for them. Revenue collection should be digitalised, Prof Ekekwe can champion this. Also TIMAS should be rebranded and sanitized.

Space will fail me to go further. I pledge my support to ensure this government succeeds and Abia takes its place as truly the first.

Amazing begining. Abians are God’s own people, I know you Prof and the other members of the transition council is full of ideas that can transform our state and our people given your own individual achievements. My gentle idea is to encourage volunteerism as a way of supporting the resources and adding more interlectual and capabilities to build Abia. It is a way of giving back to building our future. Here in the UK, the country boast of volunteers in all services. It is about a pool of people willing to give back to life. Very willing to support this industry.

Revisioning and modernizing the Palm Produce Exchange via a PPP model and reviving the produce downstream value chain industries Aba was known for in the 70s and 80s

Sir,

The following are my contributions;

1. Restructure Abia State Civil Service across key sectors; education, health, agriculture, works, information, transport, sports, energy and solid minerals.

2. Partner with Geometrics (Aba power) on improved electricity supply .

3. Repair and make motorable strategic abandoned roads across the state, Aba as a point of priority.

4. Provide basic amenities for the major markets with Ariaria Int’l Mkt prioritized.

5. Improved security strategy and network, with special attention given to Community policing.

6. Grant loans with low interest rate to young entrepreneurs doing business in the state.

7. Provide and develop industrial parks across the state.

8. Address the pressing challenges of independent producers, manufacturers and industrialists.

9. Build an airport and dredge the Azumiri River for inland waterways service.

10. Develop a good working relationship between neighbouring states for easy passage of goods and services, especially the reconstruction of interstate road ntws.

Mr. Governor-Elect,

Let’ me congratulate you on your sweet victory. All glory to God almighty for his mercy to you and all Abians .

Please consider the following Areas as a matter of urgency

1. Payment of outstanding salaries of workers, pensions and all gratuities.

2. Restructure and Reengineer the Civil service for optimal efficiency, Please employ the use of stick and and carrot approach, check what Dora Akunyili of blessed memory did at NAFDAC

3. Revamp education system with particular attentions skill acquisition, Technical Education and ICT amongst others.

4. Youth and women Empowerment, Rural communities development programs

5. Health, Transport (road network) and other Physical infrastructure renewal and massive development

6. Energy and Power: focus on private sector driven power generation, incentivise use of renewable energy especially Solar for Communities, health facilities, schools, etc. Create opportunities for would-be investors to find it attractive to put money in the sector especially in the short-to-medium term..

Infrastructure! Infrastructure!! Infrastructure!!!
Once u have a perfect infrastructure, investors will be arriving in droves to Abia.
Use the Godswill Akpabio model.
The moment he gave them a world class stadium in akwa ibom, NFF and CAF immediately chose the stadium for almost all super eagles football match.
So all we need is infrastructure, salary and pensions payment. Then other things will follow. I’m based in Scotland, I have plans too to invest in my state. I’m waiting for the right government to come, and finally Otti has arrived, I will come home to invest, when de right infrastructures are put in place

I think Abia state govt should train youths in software development, data science, job seeking skills thereby increasing the chances of getting remote/onsite tech jobs

As we are all aware, Abia State is among the States that has severely suffered leadership abuse since it’s creation. We want to believe that the Dr Alex Otti government will give us renewed hopes to believe again in the Abia dream. In as much as I don’t believe that provision of basic infrastructures by government is an accolade but we have to start from there as a result of the rot we find ourselves:
1) Road. From Aba to Umuahia to other neighboring towns the story is the same. We need aggressive road development projects. These roads must go along with good drainage system well channeled to sustain the road.
2) Electricity: As an economic enterprise hub, we must be able to develop a self generating and sustaining urban mass electrification project. This will power the vast network of entrepreneurial ventures operating in the State. It will ease and fast track the business chain.
3) Security: Dr Alex Otti government should narrow down on securing the lives and properties of the city and rural dwellers. People should have confidence in doing business and residing in the State. Currently people prefer to come in from Port Harcourt, Owerri etc to do business in Abia State and return back.
4) Urbanization: Abia State should boast of minimum five millennial urban centers that can attract people to relocate to these cities to dwell and raise their families. The economic potential of these cities should attract non indigenes and foreigners to feel at home to reside there.
5) Agriculture: Government should identify some crops to focus their attention in setting up large scale farms for revenue generation, employment etc. We shouldn’t rely on FAAC, JAAC to sustain the state. We should export crops/produce to other states and countries to boost our State economy.

Good day gentlemen and ladies. My name is Pst David Chukwu. I am grateful for this opportunity.. Kudos to this team. I want to suggest that as a way of boosting the entertainment industry and the state’s GDP, the night life of Aba and indeed the major cities in Abia should be restored. This can be done by tackling insecurity in the state. The state is being held by the jugular by touts who go about inflicting terror on the citizens of the state while the state looks the other way. I believe that with the victory of Dr Alex Otti and the expected development that will come, some of these touts can be gainfully employed elsewhere. Again, the issue of the perennial strikes by the resident Doctors in the state should be interrogated with a view to finding a solution to this embarrassing situation. I wish this team well as we look forward to the emergence of the Abia of our dream

The Aba -Ikot Ekpene road is not motorable for many years(about 10 years) We from Akwa Ibom ,Cross River states who come to shop in Aba go through bush tracks or longer journey and most times attack by robbers or miscreant.

The Aba- Made products are good for our people because most times you could hardly spot the difference.

Please help fix that Federal Government road.We are ready to to pay toll fare so far we can access Aba easily and do our business..

The incoming government of Dr. Alex Otti should try and ensure that the shops of poor people in Ariaria Market that was demolished by Okezie government is returned back to the original shop owners who are the real traders. They are still suffering today as a result of the demolition without providing alternative place for them.

Permit me to propose that committee separates Power and Energy from Solid Minerals. The key to any successful improvements will be hinged on sustainable entry and power. The new Abia should should establish an Energy SPV that will focus on PPP to harness potentials that abound in Abia from Fossil (gas GENCO) Solar Farms (there is ample hills that offer opportunities; there are water falls with potential for Hydropower, etc. When the State and PPP partners establish sufficient capacity Abia can come off National grid and manage a State rebuilt distribution grid that is one major constrain in taking power to the last mile consumers. Modern metering systems will be obligatory. Ghana has meters even in village huts and TV-wide space technology deployed to remotely monitor tampering.
There are Marginal Fields within Abia State that are stranded these offer opportunities for Mini-Refineries to improve availability of petroleum products within the State.
Agriculture: Abia must be reestablished as a Food basket for selected crops and with the support of Umudike Abia should establish a sustained School to Farm system as some us saw in University of Ibadan in the sixties when upto 50% of Students food was from within the University’s Faculty of Agriculture.
The old Okpara instigated Farm Settlements will be invaluable both in Job creation and industrialization provided energy reaches the last mile and roads exist for products evacuation. We just have to improve production with modern techniques.
Mass Transportation: Under a PPP the dilapidated Railway System must be reactivated and modernized to link Aba and Umuahia to Agriculture nodes and in parallel provide cheaper and safer means of mass transportation. This will also reduce road damage and maintenance. Umuahia should be linked to Port-Harcourt, Uyo and Owerri Airports by all season roads rather than consider an airport in Abia for now (may review in future)
Rural and Urban Renewal: As a low hanging fruit, the contract for the old Goverment house should be cancelled and the new Government houses completed within First 100 days of new Administration. The State capital needs a renewal plan that will ensure free movement and relocation of kiosks out of main areas of the capital. Tourism needs boosting (Ojukwu’s bunker etc.) should given better focus and hotels/restaurants developed in the area even if means relocating nearby developments. Aba is in a shameful state and I support the many comments on Aba urbanization. Every LGA must be encouraged to submit a reDevelopment plan. A PPP to bring back Abians in PH into the State (census plus IGR) must be revived especially with current trends in the country. If Abians living in PH have a sustainable Obuaku development with facilities and power many if not all will relocate to Obuaku because for many it is safer and more convenient provided a well maintained access is available (Obigbo is predominantly Abians).
Education: Quality of educational infrastructure especially at Primary and Secondary needs massive improvement. State to establish model schools and Standards even for private institutions. A Campus of Abia State to be established in each Senatorial zone preferably with Specialisation as basis.

Thank you Sir for this privilege to make my humble opinion to the development of Abia state.
We need innovation and ingenuity to generate the ‘required revenue’ needed to rebuild and reposition Abia as the economic nerve centre of West Africa!
One of these innovative ideas will do in this discourse:
Waste Management
Over the years,Solid Waste Management has remained a huge and daunting challenge to successive Governments in Abia State; given us a negative name and identity (Aba dirty)! But in reality, wherever huge waste is generated (like in Aba),huge wealth lie fallow,waiting to tapped.
From my findings,designing an innovative solid waste collection system,recycling and construction of renewable energy conversion of biodegradable waste will generate a high monthly revenue for Abia state; more than what is generated (presently) from all sectors of the economy put together,monthly!
This is my view as a waste resource person.

PROPOSAL FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW TOWN OR SATELLITE CITY AT THE DEFUNCT “OBU AKU CITY” SITE, UKWA WEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT, A FEW KILLOMETERS TO OBIGBO/PHC CITY (An abridged version has already been submitted through your online form)

Background: The Obu Aku city project was initially conceptualized in the 1970s, but was promoted in the early 1990s. However, due to insincerity and self-interest of the promoters, it failed to see the light of the day. The primary purpose was to create a new city or town that has closer proximity to Port-Harcourt city, the Petroleum industrial activities, and the sea Port infrastructures in nearby Rivers state. Now the imperative for this city is more of economic than cosmetic – the concept if properly implemented, will draw the excess population from PHC to the new city, attract commercial and industrial enterprises from Port-Harcourt to the new city, thereby creating employment for Abians, enhancing the sources of revenues to the state from Personal Income Tax of the residents, company income tax, Property taxes, rates and charges from commercial activities.

The proposed model for the city should be a combination of residential and commercial and/ or industrial land uses. The state government should employ the expertise of Town Planners and Architects to design the city along residential and commercial/industrial areas. There should be well-designed public spaces, transportation networks within the city, expansion and beautification of the Port-Harcourt- Enugu Expressway from Imo River end to Umuahia with proper illumination (preferably solar technology). The Government should also provide Telecom facilities in the city, including public WiFi system; provide steady supply of power, water supply system, good refuge/ waste disposal and sanitation systems, and 24/7 security and safety systems.

The state can enter into partnership with the Federal government and the Private sector to finance the expansion and beautification/ maintenance of the Port-Harcourt-Enugu Expressway from Imo River to Umuahia, and create a toll gate at the Imo River end of Abia state to be a source of revenue for maintenance of the highway.

The state government can use various incentive systems to attract investors to the commercial and industrial area of the new city, leveraging on its proximity to the Onne Sea Port. The residential area of the city will easily draw population from the already congested Port-Harcourt city, leveraging on its proximity to Port-Harcourt. Ogun state used this model to benefit immensely from Lagos state’s cosmopolitan nature.

SOURCE OF FUNDING FOR THE PROPOSED CITY
The Governor-Elect is an accomplished Economist and Financier with global reach, therefore, he can explore and obtain loan from international financial organizations such as the World Bank to finance the Project.

i can recycle plastic waste like pure sachets, polyethene, plastics bottles with sand into interlocking tiles, bricks, roofing tiles and others.

What we need in Aba and Umuahia is maintenance of the already built infractrstucture. Then other subsequent infrastural developments should be taken to other parts of the state to diversify the economy and bring development to every nooks and cranny of Abia State.
Construction of both intra/inter state roads especially the Aba-Portharcourt expressway and Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene expressway which has become a death trap for so many years.
Creating employment opportunities may be an uphill task, but providing a suitable environment for investments and small businesses will help reduce the load of creating employments for Abians. Using mself as an example, I will like to invest more at home as I already have a growing business in Lagos State; if a favourable environment will be provided, many businesses will surely relocate to Abia State.
Dear Alex Otti, we already know that Abia have been taken to the mud by unscruplous politicians and governments, we don’t expect a magic from you but we believed in you to transform Abia State. When you do well in 4years, it will be easier to get another 4 yearsto continue with your good works. We will neither tolerate nor condone using most of your days in office to criticize past governments instead of going to work.
Do your best and ensure that your best is what Abians want from you.
GOD Bless Abia State
GOD give Dr. Alex Otti the strenght to lead us well

Ndeewo Nu… Abia is GOD’S Own State

This suggestion is targeted on reduction of corruption and financial wastage within the state:
Research shows that majority of financial corruption, contract kickbacks is enabled via cash payments. For the fact that every financial expense is budgeted so therefore Government and its agencies does not spend petty cash which means there will be no need for cash withdrawal from any government or its agencies bank account across all banking institution.
Therefore I suggest that all government and its agencies Bank account should be barred from cash withdrawal of any amount but only transfers and crossed cheques respectively

Well, this is a very good development. For the first time, academic work is coming in to the governance of our dear State.

Suggestions
1. Establishement of Single Treasury Account (STA)

2. Community Needs Based Assessment (CNBA)

1. Abia North should be made Educational province
2. Abia Central should be made Administrative province
3. Abia South should be made industrial province

Wow, Abia State has embraced the knowledge economy…congrats…
My ideas are many, but what I think will open up Abia and release the wealth within immediately, is tarring roads into our farms…in all local governments…in fact for major effect, in all communities…some abam communities can support pineapple juice factories, but no road…so much palm oil is inaccessible because palm trees are inaccessible…besides agriculture, tarring these roads will make owners of land in those areas access their land for building homes, factories, selling the land to solve problems like taking degrees from reputable institutions etc…the Chinese say, to develop a place, build roads… township roads are ok, mostly cosmetic…the joker is tarring and maintaining roads to our farms…ring roads for connectivity…Alex Otti and your team, congrats again.

1.teach the citizens and residents to dispose refuse properly, cleanse the gutters and drainage,plant economic trees along the highways,major streets,connect Aba to Owerri,Uyo,Portharcourt,Enugu by superhighway and trains system.

Build 10 storeys plaza,each as floor as well ventilated Halls,each for Shoe,leather makers, another for clothes makers, in particular.
Machinery, technology and power provided in these plazas, the shoes and clothes branded Made in ABA,Eastern Nigeria, sizes arranged in order,and each plaza to have a warehouse under it,where producers submit their productions, certified ok,paid and packaged in cartons for traders to buy,in country,Africa or shipment overseas.

I have had personal working relationship with the Governor Elect, but like everything and anything public, there comes lots of externalities which may not fully be considered and integrated into policies and programs thereby leading to premature or below par in outcomes. But, to me one of the greatest strategies we need to adopt is that of ‘COMMUNITY LIIVING’. It may sound outdated, but we need to re-orientate our people – old and young that the era of Public Consumption is over. We can only consume what we are able to create and produce. Let us also revisit our value system by the leaders setting examples and standard. God will restore the glory our our state.

See, Abia State Hovernment
Industrial Policy March 2022 for suggested areas of focus and strategies to drive the industrial development of the state in a sustainable manner.

See, Abia State Government
Industrial Policy March 2022 for suggested areas of focus and strategies to drive the industrial development of the state in a sustainable manner.