Abia Govt Moves To Buy Back Abandoned Aba Star Paper Mill

Decades after becoming moribund and being taken over by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), the Abia State Government has announced plans to buy back the once-thriving Star Paper Mills in Aba.

Governor Alex Otti disclosed this during a grand civic reception organized in his honour by the Abiriba Communal Improvement Union (ACIU) at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba. He said the move was part of his administration’s broader effort to revive ailing companies across the state to create jobs and stimulate economic recovery.

Otti lamented the collapse of once-vibrant industries in the state, promising that his government would work to bring them back to life.

He said, “I grew up here (Aba). I was born here. I knew how important Star Paper Mill was not just to Aba, not just to Abia State, not just to the East of the Niger, but to Nigeria.

“As we speak, we know that Star Paper Mill has been taken over by AMCON. Let me announce that the state government entered into a discussion with AMCON, and as we speak, we have made an offer to AMCON to buy back Star Paper Mill.

“So, one thing you can take to the bank is that under our watch, Star Paper Mill will be back,” Gov. Otti assured.

The governor also announced plans to restore electricity in communities in the Ohafia Local Government Area. He disclosed that the state government is in talks with the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) to acquire the Abia North and Umuahia ringed-fence, bringing power supply under state control.

“We are working very hard to ensure that the entire Ohafia local government begins to have power, not just power, but constant power. I heard the mayor of Ohafia LGA say that he is discussing it with EEDC.

“In a few weeks from now, the discussion will not be with EEDC, because we are buying out Abia North and Umuahia ringed-fence from EEDC so that it will be within our control.

“We have made the offer already, and we are in discussions. We will soon conclude it and take it over completely,” Gov. Otti stated.

The governor thanked the Abiriba people for what he described as an overwhelming reception and praised them for their unity and strong support. He also appreciated the donation of a coaster bus by the community to support his administration.

Otti noted that he enjoys a longstanding relationship with the Abiriba people and acknowledged their contributions to the state’s development.

In his remarks, Hon. Mandela Obasi, member representing Ohafia North State Constituency, declared his support for the governor’s performance, stating, “The governor is doing very well. This is not a hired crowd. These are the people of Abiriba. Abiriba people have much regard for you (Gov. Otti).”

He added, “I would not speak against the good works of the governor just because I am not in the same political party with him.”

The chairman of the occasion, Prof. Anya Oko Anya, and the president general of ACIU, Chief Yuccee Otta Uwa, praised Otti for his transformational projects, especially in Aba. They described his leadership as strategic and effective, saying he had changed the narrative of governance in Abia State within just two years.

They also commended the reconstruction of the Umuahia–Uzuakoli–Akara–Abiriba road and the governor’s approval for the construction of the Ndi Okoronta road.

In their goodwill messages, Chief Jackson Agbai Abba (Kukunda Abiriba), Chief Nwaka Inem (Enyioha), Chief David Ogba Onuoha (Ugo Ena Abiriba), Mrs. Ukanwa Onuma, and Mayor of Ohafia LGA, Chief Eleanya Ochu Kalu, praised the governor’s “visionary leadership,” noting that it has positively impacted every sector of the economy.

They pledged continued support for Governor Otti, especially in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.

Presenting a symbolic gift from the people of Abiriba, Chief Ebueme Ezikpe assured Otti of their unwavering loyalty, praying that “God will reward Governor Otti’s generations for the good works of their father, who has wiped away the tears of Ndi Abia.”

The reception drew a massive crowd of Abiriba indigenes from within and outside the country, featuring cultural performances and enthusiastic displays of support.

In a notable development, some Abiriba leaders previously affiliated with other political parties—including Chief James Agbagha Ochunkwo (Owoblow), Chief Kalu Ume, and Chief Kalu Udeagha—announced their decision to join Governor Otti’s Labour Party.