Orji Assures Abians Of Greater Achievements

Governor  Theodore Orji of Abia State has assured the people of the state of brighter days in 2014 with more socio-economic development to take place.

“I expect the year 2014 and beyond to yield greater achievements and value expectations for the state,’’ Orji said in Umuahia in his New Year message to the people of the state.

He said that he was delighted that his administration had so far made indelible impact on the lives of the citizenry in all sectors.

“I am certain that we have brought Abia to the right path of irreversible development,’’ he said.

The governor restated his commitment towards ensuring that the state remained the safest, most secure state and the fastest growing economy in the country.

He said that he was optimistic that the state would not go back to the dark days of insecurity, strife and impunity.

Orji said that his administration achieved great success in 2013 in the areas of infrastructure development and job creation.

He said that the state civil service was also being opened up for more employment opportunities.

“We have greater expectations that the trend will accelerate in the year 2014,’’ he said, noting that the projects executed in 2013 would begin to bear fruit during the year.

The governor said that many projects, including the international conference centre, the state secretariat, e-library and the ongoing housing estates, among others, would be completed this year.

According to Orji, the government has entered into partnership with some private investors to tap the abundant investment potential in the state.

He said that a new Abia International Industrial City, located within 300 hectares of land at Osisioma, near Aba, was being developed by the government through the public/private partnership initiative.

Orji said that the project would help to decongest the commercial city of Aba and also provide an industrial cluster with modern machines for manufacturers in the area.

He also said that the Federal Government would commence the construction of a cassava processing plant in Abiriba in 2014.

According to the governor, the Geometric Power Plant in Aba will begin to give 24-hours uninterrupted power supply to Aba and its environs during the year.

He said that the state government would also enhance healthcare delivery to the people in 2014.