Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, says his government has made offers to buy back the moribund Star Paper Mill and revive the company.
Gov. Otti announced this at a grand civic reception organised in his honour by the Abiriba Communal Improvement Union (ACIU) held at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba.
He noted how the once bubbling paper mill closed down and was bought by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON)
“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.
In a related development, the governor promised to restore electricity supply to communities in Ohafia Local Government Area, revealing that discussions are on with Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) for the state government to acquire the Abia North and Umuahia ringed fence of the EEDC.
This is contained in a statement issued on Thursday by Gov. Otti’s Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, and made available to journalists in Umuahia on Friday.
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“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 Local Government Area say that he is discussing with the EEDC.
“In a few weeks from now, the discussion will not be with the 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 discussion. We will soon conclude it and take it over completely,” Gov. Otti stated.
The governor commended the people of Abiriba for the reception, which he described as overwhelming, and thanked them for their support for his administration.