Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has given his assent to the Greater Aba Development Authority and Other Related Matters bill.
During the signing ceremony in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area, Otti emphasized that the new law aligns with his administration’s rebuilding agenda and is geared towards fostering socio-economic development in Aba and the state as a whole.
“Everyone, who had followed the process of the campaign and election would remember that we had said that we need a special focus on Aba, which is the commercial nerve center of the state.
“Aba combines what many cities have individually, it is not just a commercial zone, it is an industrial hub.
“When you see us investing heavily on infrastructure renewal in Aba, it is because we recognise the potentials that Aba has,” he added.
Expressing commitment to improving the state’s ease of doing business ranking, Otti believes this will attract more investors. He commended the State House of Assembly for its diligence in passing the bill, acknowledging the resourcefulness of the members.
The Governor also praised the State Executive Council for their efforts in realizing the objective of enacting the new law.
Governor Otti urged the leadership of the Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA) to swiftly implement its mandate, now backed by legal support.
The Attorney General of the state, Mr. Ikechukwu Uwanna, highlighted that this law was the first signed by Governor Otti since assuming office and was crafted to fulfill his campaign promise of driving development in Aba.
In an interview with newsmen, the Director General of GADA, Mr Uche Ukeje, said that the agency would serve as a strategic vehicle that would be used in realising the goal of transforming Aba into an investors’ haven.
“During the campaigns, the governor maintained that he would set up a special vehicle to drive the development of Aba in an integrated manner.
“GADA is supposed to be that vehicle and it will help his excellency realise it,” Ukeje said.