ABIA – The Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for strategic investments, particularly in the aviation sector.
Governor Otti who disclosed this at Government House Umuahia, when he received representatives of ElectroAir, Skymasters and its partners, who are in the state to explore opportunities in the state’s emerging aviation ecosystem, said the project had enjoyed tremendous support from the administration from inception, reflecting his vision of promoting integrity, transparency and excellence in governance.
The Governor represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, commended the commitment, perseverance and professionalism demonstrated by the investors, noting that the establishment of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework is aimed at sustaining the investor-friendly environment created by his administration.
The State Chief Executive while stressing that his administration is deliberate in engaging credible partners capable of adding value to the state’s development aspirations, especially in critical sectors such as aviation, logistics and supply chain management, noted that the provision of ground handling equipment and other essential infrastructure remains crucial to the success of the aviation project.
Describing the proposed aviation and logistics hub to be established in the state as a potential game changer for trade and economic integration within the West African sub-region, Governor Alex Otti frowned at the challenges posed by current international trade routes, where goods destined for neighbouring African countries often transit through Europe, resulting in higher costs and delays, noting that a functional regional logistics network will significantly reduce freight expenses, improve the movement of goods and medical supplies as well as accelerate economic growth across Africa.
Governor Otti while reassuring the delegation and other prospective investors, that Abia is open for business, attributed the growing interest shown by foreign governments, development partners and international investors in Abia’s development trajectory, to the reforms and enabling environment established by his administration, also expressed optimism that the collaboration between ElectroAir, Skymasters, its partners and the state government will yield positive results.
In his speech earlier, the Vice President, Sales and Marketing of ElectroAir OU, Aleksandr Skrebner, said their insistence on partnering the state is because they view Abia’s progressive industrial environment as the ideal foundation for a regional hub in aviation technology and manufacturing, adding that they are also evaluating the state and it’s new airport as the site for a pioneering ElectroAir Assembly and maintenance facility, which is the first of it’s kind in the nation.
Also speaking, the Managing Director/CEO of Skymaster Achievers International Services Limited, Mr Princewill Ogbonna, disclosed that the central objective of their visit is the proposed establishment of an ElectroAir Assembly and maintenance facility in the state, specifically at the new airport site, which has the potential to position Abia as a pioneering hub for aviation technology and advanced manufacturing in the nation, contributing to job creation, foreign direct investment and sustainable industrial growth.
He further commended Governor Alex Otti for his progressive leadership and strategic vision for the state and expressed confidence that the partnership will contribute meaningfully to the state’s long-term industrial and economic development agenda.
The Commissioner for Transport, Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport, Dr Obioma Nwaogbe, Special Assistant to the Governor on Lands and Coordinator of the Abia Airport Project, Pastor Okorougo Aji, the DG/CEO PPP, Mr Chinedum Chijioke and his management team were present during the visit.
