Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has reaffirmed his government’s plan to revive long-abandoned industries to reduce youth unemployment, fight poverty, and improve the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
Speaking at the Government House in Umuahia on Thursday, the 16th of October, 2025, during the October edition of his monthly interactive session with Abia residents, Otti described unemployment and poverty as major obstacles to social progress. He stated that bringing moribund industries back to operation would provide jobs for many young people across the state.
The governor revealed that several inactive companies, including Modern Ceramics, Aba Textile Mills, and International Glass Industries, which have remained nonfunctional for years, would be acquired by the state government. He said the firms would be revived and transferred to credible investors to manage effectively, ensuring they do not shut down again.
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Addressing concerns about the demolition of old school structures before renovation, Otti explained that the move was a safety measure to prevent potential building collapses.
He noted that some of the old buildings had failed structural integrity tests due to long-term neglect and decay. He assured that new, safer buildings were being constructed to protect pupils and teachers from any form of danger within the school environment.