Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has revealed that his administration has made a formal offer to repurchase the moribund Star Paper Mill in Aba, with the goal of reviving the once-thriving industry.Governor Otti made this announcement on Thursday, 12 June, during a civic reception held in his honour by the Abiriba Communal Improvement Union (ACIU) at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba. He recalled how the Star Paper Mill, once a key industrial establishment in the region, was shut down and taken over by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).
“I grew up here in Aba, I was born here, and I know how important Star Paper Mill was—not just to Aba or Abia State, but to the entire country. As we speak, AMCON owns the mill. However, the Abia State Government has entered into discussions with AMCON and made an offer to buy it back,” he said. “You can take it to the bank that under our watch, Star Paper Mill will be back.”
The Governor also announced plans to restore electricity in communities within Ohafia Local Government Area. He explained that the state government is in discussions to acquire the Abia North and Umuahia ring-fence areas from the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) in a bid to ensure more reliable power supply.
“We are working hard to ensure that the entire Ohafia LGA enjoys constant electricity. Discussions have been ongoing with EEDC, but in a few weeks, those discussions will shift, as we are buying out Abia North and Umuahia ring-fence to bring it under the state’s control. We’ve already made the offer and expect to conclude the deal soon,” Otti stated.
He expressed gratitude to the Abiriba people for the warm reception and ongoing support, noting his long-standing relationship with the community. He also appreciated the presentation of a coaster bus to support his administration.Hon. Mandela Obasi, the Member representing Ohafia North State Constituency, praised Governor Otti’s performance, saying political differences would not prevent him from acknowledging the Governor’s achievements. “This is not a hired crowd. This is the true representation of the Abiriba people, who have deep respect for the Governor,” Obasi said.
The event’s Chairman, Prof. Anya Oko Anya, and the ACIU President General, Chief Yuccee Otta Uwa, commended the Governor for his transformation of Abia State within two years. They highlighted ongoing infrastructure developments, including the reconstruction of the Umuahia–Uzuakoli–Akara–Abiriba road and approval for the Ndi Okoronta road.
Several prominent Abiriba figures, including Chief Jackson Agbai Abba, Chief Nnamdi Iro Orji, Chief Nwaka Inem, Chief David Ogba Onuoha, and others, hailed Governor Otti’s leadership, expressing confidence in his re-election prospects. Chief Leslie Ebueme Ezikpe, who presented gifts on behalf of the community, assured the Governor of their unwavering support beyond the 2027 elections.
The reception, attended by a massive crowd from Abiriba at home and abroad, featured cultural performances and notable political declarations. A few Abiriba natives formerly affiliated with other political parties—including Chief James Agbagha Ochunkwo, Chief Kalu Ume, and Chief Kalu Udeagha—publicly declared their decision to join Governor Otti’s Labour Party.
