Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has called on investors who previously relocated from the state to return and urged prospective investors to take advantage of emerging opportunities across Abia.

Otti made the call on Sunday in Aba while commissioning a hospitality facility established by an investor, saying his administration had spent the past three years improving the business environment and attracting investment to the state.

The governor said ongoing infrastructure development and other reforms were creating conditions for businesses to expand and new investments to take place.

He attributed the transformation recorded across Abia, particularly Aba, to deliberate efforts by his administration to address infrastructure challenges and improve the environment for economic activities.

Otti recalled the condition of Port Harcourt Road in Aba before his administration assumed office, noting that the government had removed obstructions and debris before rehabilitating the road.

He said the administration had also embarked on other infrastructure projects aimed at opening up Aba and creating better conditions for businesses to operate.

According to the governor, the scale of infrastructure development currently underway across the state would further expand investment opportunities for individuals and businesses.

He therefore encouraged investors and residents who had previously left Aba to return and explore the opportunities arising from the city’s ongoing transformation.

“Time is ripe for investment in Abia,” Otti said, warning that those who delay could find it more difficult to secure opportunities after others have taken advantage of available investment spaces.

The governor assured prospective investors that his administration would continue to provide the infrastructure and business environment needed to support investment and economic activities.

Speaking specifically about the newly commissioned hotel, Otti commended the investor and Chief Executive Officer of ORIS Signature Hotel, Owelle Greg Okafor, for investing in Aba.

He said the project would create employment opportunities for residents, contribute to the state’s Gross Domestic Product, reduce poverty, increase Internally Generated Revenue and provide accommodation and other services for visitors to the city.

Otti said job creation remained a major priority of his administration and expressed confidence that investments such as the hotel would contribute to the broader economic development of Abia.