TheCable

Alex Otti, governor of Abia state, has emphasised government’s role in job creation to drive economic growth in south-east Nigeria.

Otti spoke when he met with the south-east council of traditional rulers and representatives of Igbo archbishops and bishops, in Abia on Friday.

During the meeting, he told south-east governors to take immediate and decisive action on job creation to protect the regional economy.

According to Otti, attracting investments and bringing back businesses are key solutions for south-east’s socio-economic growth.

“We know that investment businesses are rational; if you don’t make your environment conducive to attract investments, they will not come,” he said.

“I know at the minimum, 20 to 25 businesses in Abia before now that just relocated at some point and closed shops.

“There must be investments that the states would have to make without looking at the profit; sometimes, they tell you that government has no business in business, it’s a lie.

“Government has business in business; government must step in at some point and take deliberate decisions to safeguard the economy by creating jobs.

“Government needs to come in and support the private sector to create jobs, if not for anything at all, to ensure that insecurity is reduced to the barest minimum.”

Otti said the state government had developed initiatives aimed at revitalising key economic hubs like Aba and Umuahia, to attract investments and spur development.

He expressed the determination of his government to execute its rebuilding agenda to transform the state.

The governor also said Aba could develop the entire south-east region when properly harnessed.

Otti described regular power supply as a major enabler required for developing Aba and the entire region.

According to the governor, the 141 megawatt geometric power plant in Aba, which would be commissioned on Monday, would provide an uninterrupted electricity supply to Aba and its environs.

He also said the government had entered discussions with potential investors on how to provide 24-hour power supply to the entire state.

Otti promised to continue engaging the south-east council of traditional rulers and representatives of Igbo archbishops and bishops.