ASITU Reveals How Abia Infrastructural Renewal Will Boost Economic Revival Across South East
The Association of Igbo Town Unions ,ASITU, has said the ongoing infrastructural renewal in Aba, Abia state, would boost diaspora-driven investments and economic revival across Igbo land.
ASITU explained that infrastructural transformation currently taking place in the city has rekindled hope among Ndigbo, both at home and in diaspora, stressing that roads, markets and urban renewal projects being executed under Governor Alex Otti’s administration have laid a solid foundation for sustainable development and confidence in business.
National President of ASITU, Chief Emeka Diwe, who stated this while receiving members of the Igbo Diaspora Investment Group, IDIG, led by Dr. Chucks Obilor, in Aba, disclosed that Governor’s vision aligns with ASITU’s long-standing campaign for the repatriation of Igbo wealth through the Aku Ruo Ulo investment initiative.
The ASITU President also stated that the infrastructural renewal across Abia, ranging from modern roads to improved power and sanitation projects, has changed the narrative about governance in the South East zone.
Diwe, who commended the Igbo Diaspora Investment Group for their patriotic zeal and commitment to the development of Igbo land, added that their visit symbolizes the rekindling of a transnational partnership between local communities and the diaspora, which, if sustained, would accelerate the region’s socio-economic advancement.
He said;”ASITU remains unwavering in its mission to serve as the collective voice of all Igbo communities, both within Nigeria and in the diaspora.
“Governor Otti is making bold and deliberate efforts to reposition Abia as the number one investment destination in Nigeria. What we see happening here today is the kind of leadership that inspires our people in the diaspora to bring their wealth, technology, and expertise back home.We will not relent in championing the Igbo cause, because our people must take responsibility for building the kind of society we desire.
“ASITU’s agenda is rooted in cultural preservation, economic empowerment, and political inclusiveness, all anchored on the ideals of unity and self-help that define Igbo civilization.
”ASITU commends Governor Alex Otti’s efforts in the launch of the Abia State Security Trust Fund in Umuahia. During the launch,I told the Governor that, as the leader of the grassroots organization, I was deeply elated because the grassroots is the greatest beneficiary of good governance and the worst victim of bad governance. As a demonstration of his support for the initiative, I donated my widow’s mite to the fund; N2 million in Umuahia and an additional N1 million during the second launch in Aba. We all support the Governor continue to deliver good governance”.
He urged other diaspora-based organizations to emulate the IDIG’s example by engaging constructively with grassroots structures such as ASITU.
Earlier, leader of the Igbo Diaspora Investment Group, Chucks Obilor, expressed admiration for ASITU’s tireless advocacy for unity, development, and economic self-reliance among Ndigbo, stressing that the group’s mission was to explore opportunities for direct investment in the South East zone and to collaborate with local stakeholders to build a resilient regional economy.
“Our people abroad are eager to invest back home,but what they want to see is transparency, security, and infrastructure. Abia under Governor Otti has become a model in that regard”.
The meeting also featured interactive discussions on strategic collaboration between ASITU and IDIG to encourage the establishment of community-based industrial clusters across Igbo land.
The two groups resolved to work toward practical frameworks that would facilitate diaspora remittances for tangible development projects at the grassroots across Igbo land.
The visit ended with a tour of ongoing urban development projects in Aba, which members of the diaspora group described as visible evidence of ‘leadership that works’.
