The Special Adviser to the Abia State Governor on Investment Promotion and Public-Private Partnerships, Jerome Green-Amakwe, has said that recent reforms and development efforts by the state government are boosting public confidence and attracting greater investor interest.

In a statement personally signed on Friday in Umuahia to mark Democracy Day, Green-Amakwe said the occasion holds special significance for the people of Abia, reflecting what he described as a new phase of accountable governance and people-focused leadership.

“For Abians, this year’s commemoration carries a deeper significance, symbolising renewal, responsible governance, and the emergence of a new era anchored on accountability, development, and service to the people,” he stated.

According to him, Abia has increasingly become a model of democratic leadership delivering measurable results, with growing optimism among residents about the state’s future.

Green-Amakwe noted that prior to 2023, the state faced significant development challenges, including infrastructure deficits, concerns about public services, and slow economic growth.

“The period was marked by widespread concerns over infrastructure, public services, and economic growth, prompting increasing calls for a new direction in governance. That turning point came with the election of Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, and his deputy, Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE,” he said.

He explained that the administration’s emergence ushered in reforms centred on transparency, accountability, and improved service delivery.

The governor’s aide said the government has since implemented policies and projects aimed at rebuilding public trust while accelerating development across various sectors of the state.

He also acknowledged the contributions of supporters, stakeholders, and grassroots mobilisers whose efforts, he said, helped pave the way for the administration’s victory in the 2023 elections.

“The journey to political victory, however, was neither accidental nor effortless. Long before the 2023 elections, a dedicated coalition of supporters, stakeholders, and grassroots mobilisers remained steadfast in their conviction that a better Abia was possible. Their determination, resilience, and unwavering belief in change laid the foundation for what has since become a transformative movement,” Green-Amakwe stated.

He disclosed that the campaign structure was chaired by the late Nnanna Ngwu, while Acho Obioma served as Director-General. He added that coordinators across the state's senatorial districts and local government areas played key roles in mobilising support and promoting the campaign's message.

Green-Amakwe also recognised several individuals for their contributions to the campaign, including Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, Mike Akpara, retired Navy Captain McDonald Uba, Ishmael Onuoha, Prince Okey Kanu, Ogbonna Okereke, Victor Ikeji, Mrs. Magdalene Ugoanusi, Uloaku Iheanacho, Dike Nwankwo, Uche Nwosu, Ferdinand Ekeoma, Ottah Kalu, Dr. Nwokocha Eze, Ceekay Igara, Chris Anukuru, and retired Colonel Ezichi Kalu, among others.

According to him, supporters of the administration credit the continuation of reforms to Governor Alex Otti’s leadership approach, which he described as strategic, disciplined, and development-oriented.

He said the governor’s style of governance has strengthened confidence in public institutions and reinforced the belief that effective policies can drive meaningful progress.

Green-Amakwe further noted that Democracy Day offers an opportunity to recognise the efforts of individuals whose contributions have helped shape Abia’s current development trajectory.

He maintained that the achievements recorded so far are the result of the combined efforts of government officials, stakeholders, and citizens working toward common development goals.

While congratulating Governor Alex Otti, Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu, members of the administration, grassroots mobilisers, stakeholders, and residents of the state on the Democracy Day celebration, he called for continued commitment to unity, transparency, and sustainable development.

He also expressed confidence that the state’s ongoing reforms would continue to deliver positive outcomes in the years ahead.