“Star Paper Mill Will Rise Again” – Governor Otti Vows At Grand Abiriba Civic Reception
Governor Alex Otti has revealed that his administration has made formal offers to buy back the long-abandoned Star Paper Mill, Aba, from the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), with a commitment to restore it to full operation and as 
a bold move to revive Abia’s industrial legacy,
The Governor made this stirring announcement during a grand civic reception held in his honour by the Abiriba Communal Improvement Union (ACIU) at the iconic Enyimba International Stadium, Aba.
The event, which drew an unprecedented crowd of Abiriba sons and daughters from across the globe, turned into a celebration of leadership, vision, and renewed hope for Abia State.
“I grew up in Aba and I knew how critical Star Paper Mill was,not just to Aba or Abia, but to Nigeria. As we speak, AMCON owns it. But under our watch, Star Paper Mill will be back. We have made an offer, and we are in talks with AMCON,” Governor Otti declared, igniting thunderous applause.
In another ambitious step, Governor Otti announced ongoing discussions with the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) to take over the Abia North and Umuahia ringed fence of the power grid, thereby enabling the state government to provide steady and localized electricity.
“We’ve made the offer already and will soon conclude discussions. The goal is simple: constant power for our people. The era of darkness in Ohafia LGA will soon be history,” he assured.
The Governor also praised the Abiriba community for their overwhelming show of love and solidarity, including the presentation of a new coaster bus as a gesture of support. He reaffirmed the longstanding bond between his government and the industrious people of Abiriba.
The event, filled with cultural elegance and political unity, saw glowing tributes from prominent stakeholders. Hon. Mandela Obasi, representing Ohafia North State Constituency, openly lauded the Governor’s performance despite belonging to an opposition party.
“This is not a hired crowd. This is Abiriba speaking with one voice. 99.99% of this stadium is filled with genuine supporters. Governor Otti is doing exceptionally well, and Abiriba people are solidly behind him,” he stated.
Prof. Anya Oko Anya, Chairman of the occasion, and Chief Yuccee Otta Uwa, President General of ACIU, commended Governor Otti for restoring trust in governance and for prioritizing strategic infrastructure like the Umuahia–Uzuakoli–Akara–Abiriba road and Ndi Okoronta road.
In their goodwill messages, respected community leaders, including Chief Jackson Agbai Abba, Chief Nwaka Inem, Chief David Ogba Onuoha, and Mayor of Ohafia LGA, Chief Eleanya Ochu Kalu, applauded Otti’s visionary leadership and pledged unwavering support,even beyond 2027.
In a dramatic political turn, several high-profile Abiriba leaders from other political parties, including Chief James Agbagha Ochunkwo (Owoblow), Chief Kalu Ume, and Chief Kalu Udeagha, declared their defection to Governor Otti’s Labour Party, citing his exceptional performance as reason for their shift.
Capping all,Chief Leslie Ebueme Ezikpe, who presented gifts on behalf of the community, prayed:
“May God bless your generation for the tears you have wiped from Ndi Abia. We will stand with you not just now, but beyond elections.”
With roaring cultural performances, heartfelt endorsements, and bold economic moves, the Abiriba reception re-echoed one clear message: Abia is rising again and Alex Otti is at the helm of its renaissance.
