The hard work of Governor Alex Otti in the last three and half years has begun to yield concrete results. His relentless efforts in the opening up of Abia State are now bringing the desired dividends of good governance on the table. Under his stewardship, the State has witnessed remarkable transformation which is evident in the expansion and modernization of existing infrastructure, massive road constructions, impressive improvement in the ease of doing business, provision of modern transportation system, and ongoing urban renewal programmes in Aba, Umuahia, Ohafia and other cities in the State.
The Midas touch of the Governor has similarly extended to the social sector, especially the health and education ecosystems which have witnessed the provision of many well-equipped smart schools and primary healthcare centers. This has led to explosion in students enrolment and extensive healthcare coverage in the State. In the area of environmental sanitation, the State, under Ottis watch, has continued to make wave as one of the cleanest in the country. And above everything, security is topnotch on the governance agenda of the Otti administration.
The enabling environment created by Otti has also led to increased private sector participation in the economy of the State. New investments are pouring into Abia, while the investors that deserted the State in the years of the locust, especially in the commercial city of Aba are all staging a comeback following the economic turn-around in the city.
In the area of hospitality and tourism, new hotels that meet international standards are springing up. Some international brands like Radisson Blu and Hilton are about setting up in Aba and Umuahia respectively. In response to these significant developments, many international bodies and organizations now find Abia alluring and conducive to do business.
One of such historic events which is about to take place in Umuahia is the 27TH AFRICANDO TRADE CONFERENCE. It is holding from November 17-19, 2026. In a public statement, the Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, describes the conference as historic and marks “the first time the United States-Africa Trade and Investment Conference will be hosted on African soil”. The conference is expected to attract high net worth participants from America, Africa and other parts of the world. This will be about the first of such high-level international investment conferences to be held in Abia State.
And this is made possible by the significant improvements in infrastructure and conducive environment created by the Otti administration. It would have been very difficult to hold such a big international conference in Umuahia a few years ago because of the absence of standard infrastructure like befitting conference and event centers, top-class hotels, good transportation system, enhanced social environment, and support facilities.
But today, the story has changed courtesy of the magic wand of Otti who, within a relatively short time in office, has given Abia State a new lease of life. Only last week, the governor commissioned one of the new luxurious hospitality facilities, Oxvera Hotel, in Umuahia built by an indigene of the State. For delegates coming from outside the country for events in Umuahia, such facilities offer a perfect place for relaxation and recreation. There are also the Michael Okpara Auditorium and International Conference Centre in Ogurube Layout, Umuahia which have all been remodeled and upgraded to first class conference facilities capable of hosting events of international standards. It is therefore not surprising that the AFRICANDO INTERNATIONAL INVESTMENT CONFERENCE is holding in Umuahia at this point in time.
The conference is being organized by the Foundation for Democracy in Africa (FDA) in collaboration with the Abia Global Chamber of Commerce. As noted by the Honourable Commissioner, it presents a strategic opportunity for Abia to showcase its growing investment potentials, connect local businesses, explore investment opportunities and establish mutually beneficial partnerships.
More than anything else, the holding of such an international conference in Abia is simply an acknowledgement of the infrastructural transformation that has occurred in Abia State and an affirmation of implicit confidence in the visionary leadership of Govenor Alex Otti. The people of the State stand to derive enormous benefits from such a conference. The major beneficiaries will include operators in the tourism and hospitality sector, transporters, and traders in the market. The expenditures by visiting delegates would put money in the pockets of Abians, and thereby helping to boost the economy of the State.
As we welcome the delegates to this all-important conference, we salute the transformative leadership of Otti which has made the desired difference.
May Abia continue to prevail!
Dr. Nwosu, a Public Policy Analyst, writes from Umuahia.
Email: cdnwosu2@gmail.com
