Abia State Governor Alex Otti has urged investors who previously left the state, as well as prospective investors, to return and take advantage of what he described as improved business opportunities under his administration.

Otti made the call on Sunday in Aba while commissioning the ORIS Signature Hotel, a hospitality facility established by businessman Owelle Greg Okafor.

The governor said his administration had spent the past three years addressing infrastructure gaps and improving the business environment to make the state more attractive to investors.

He pointed to ongoing infrastructure projects across Abia, particularly in Aba, saying the interventions were opening up new opportunities for businesses and economic activities.

Otti recalled the poor condition of Port Harcourt Road in Aba before his administration took office, noting that the government had cleared obstructions and debris and rehabilitated the road as part of efforts to improve access and the city’s overall environment.

According to him, the wider infrastructure programme across the state would further expand the space for investment and create opportunities for individuals and businesses.

The governor consequently encouraged investors and residents who had relocated from Aba to reconsider returning, saying the city was undergoing significant transformation.

“Time is ripe for investment in Abia,” Otti said, warning that those who delay could find fewer opportunities available after others have taken advantage of the emerging investment space.

He assured potential investors that his administration would continue providing the infrastructure and business conditions needed to support sustainable investment.

Speaking on the newly commissioned hotel, Otti commended Okafor for investing in Aba, saying the project would create jobs and contribute to the state’s economic development.

He said the facility would support employment for residents, contribute to Abia’s Gross Domestic Product, help reduce poverty and increase Internally Generated Revenue, while also providing accommodation and other services for visitors to the state.