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Abia Government Moves to Revive Dead Industries to Tackle Unemployment, Boost Revenue
Abia State Government has begun moves to revive long-abandoned industries across the state as part of a broad plan to fight youth unemployment, reduce poverty, and boost internally generated revenue (IGR).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Governor Alex Otti said the revival effort targets several moribund industries, including Star Paper Mills, Aba Textile Mills, International Equitable Industries, and Afro Beverages. The initiative will combine government ownership, private investment, and youth training in small and medium-size enterprises (MSMEs).
“Our plan is to bring these industries back to life,” Otti said in Umuahia. “We have started discussions with the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) on the Star Paper Mill and other factories. Under our watch, they will not remain dead assets.”
The governor noted that many of the industries were once major employers and economic engines in Aba and other cities but collapsed years ago due to poor infrastructure, mismanagement, and lack of investment.
Industrial Revival Plan
The state government recently secured approval from AMCON to take over the moribund Star Paper Mills, one of the biggest industrial complexes in Aba before its collapse. The government has also formally acquired other defunct factories, including the Aba Textile Mills, as part of a broader industrial revival strategy.
According to the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Prince Okey Kanu, the administration intends to work with private investors to modernize and operate the industries.
“When fully revived, these industries will create thousands of jobs for Abians and generate more revenue for the state,” Kanu said. “They will also help reduce poverty by empowering young people with stable employment.”
The plan also includes vocational training programs for youths in manufacturing, leatherworks, and fabric production to prepare them for opportunities in the reactivated industries.
Background
Abia State, once known as an industrial hub in the southeast, has struggled for years with the collapse of major factories. Many industries that once sustained Aba’s economy shut down due to erratic power supply, decaying infrastructure, and poor maintenance.
The collapse contributed to high unemployment and low IGR. Reports show that Abia’s revenue generation lags behind several neighboring states, forcing the government to rely heavily on federal allocations.
Economic experts say reviving local industries could help change this trajectory. They note that if the state can restore production and attract investors, it could stimulate small businesses and create a ripple effect across the economy.
Government Commitment
Governor Otti said his administration is determined to return Aba and Umuahia to their former status as strong industrial and commercial centers. He also promised that revived industries will operate transparently and efficiently under public-private partnerships.
“We are not just reviving old factories; we are rebuilding the foundation of our economy,” Otti said. “Our goal is to make Abia a production center again — a place where goods are made, not just sold.”
The government said it will also invest in key infrastructure — such as electricity, road networks, and security — to support industrial growth and attract local and foreign investors.
Impact and Next Steps
If successful, the revival plan is expected to provide direct and indirect employment for thousands of youths. It could also increase the state’s IGR through taxes, levies, and industrial operations, while reducing the migration of young people in search of jobs elsewhere.
The state has already initiated talks with investors interested in the Aba Textile Mills and International Equitable Industries. Officials said more details will be announced once final agreements are reached.
Economic observers say the move could mark a turning point for Abia if managed effectively. The state’s industrial revival may serve as a model for other states grappling with similar economic decline.
For now, the focus remains on getting idle factories working again — and ensuring that Abia’s long-dormant industries finally return to productivity and prosperity.
entertainment
“Global Powerhouse Collab!” Shakira And Burna Boy Set To Ignite 2026 World Cup Stage In Mexico City.
FIFA has officially announced that Shakira will lead the 2026 World Cup opening ceremony in Mexico City. Alongside Burna Boy, she will perform “Dai Dai,” the tournament’s official anthem, which encourages fans with its title meaning “let’s go” or “come on”.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The festivities are scheduled for June 11 at Estadio Azteca, occurring 90 minutes before the opening match between Mexico and South Africa. This performance is the first of several planned ceremonies across the host nations—Mexico, the United States, and Canada—and will feature a star-studded lineup including Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, Maná, and Tyla.
The song “Dai Dai” also functions as a charitable initiative to support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which seeks to secure $100 million for global education and football access for children by the tournament’s conclusion. In addition to the opening ceremony, Shakira is scheduled to headline the tournament’s final halftime show on July 19, appearing with Madonna and BTS.
FIFA has advised attendees to arrive early at the stadium, as gates will open four hours before kickoff to allow fans to enjoy exclusive pre-match activations and entertainment, with the ceremony itself beginning at 11:30 local time.
Would you like me to help you create another graphic, perhaps focusing on the final halftime show?
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“I Live In Constant Fear!” Movie Icon Kunle Afolayan Reveals He Is Terrified To Travel On Nigerian Roads.
Prominent Nollywood filmmaker Kunle Afolayan recently took to social media to voice his deep concern regarding the rising wave of insecurity and kidnappings throughout Nigeria. Afolayan noted that the current climate of violence has replaced daily routine with uncertainty and persistent fear for many citizens. Highlighting the dangers associated with road travel, he emphasized that he personally experiences significant anxiety when commuting. While calling on the government and security agencies to fulfill their duties to protect the populace, Afolayan also shared a message of resilience, urging Nigerians to maintain their faith in the country’s future despite the prevailing challenges.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Kunle Afolayan has expressed his distress over Nigeria’s security crisis, stating that the frequent reports of kidnappings have made daily life a source of fear for the average citizen. The filmmaker admitted that road travel has become a nerve-wracking experience for him, mirroring the anxieties felt by families across the nation. In his message, he demanded accountability from those in power and those operating under the guise of anonymity, while offering prayers for the safety of all Nigerians. Despite his “heavy heart,” Afolayan concluded with a message of hope, reminding the public that Nigeria has historically persevered through difficult times.
The recent public remarks by Kunle Afolayan reflect the growing apprehension among high-profile Nigerians regarding the country’s deteriorating security situation. By publicly documenting his own fear of traveling on Nigerian roads, Afolayan has aligned his experience with that of the general population who are grappling with the constant threat of abduction. His statement serves as both a critique of the government’s inability to curb these security challenges and a spiritual appeal for national protection. Ultimately, the filmmaker’s post acts as a call to remain steadfast, encouraging citizens to hold onto hope and faith despite the grim reality depicted in the daily headlines.
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“It’s Mission Impossible!” Lawmaker Reveals Why Kidnappers Are Winning The War In Oyo.
Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, representing Oyo North, has revealed that 47 pupils abducted in Oyo State are currently being held as human shields by their captors. Appearing on Arise Television, the senator explained that a direct military assault is unfeasible because the gunmen have strategically positioned the children around them to prevent security intervention. He noted that the operation is further complicated by the fact that the abductors are highly mobile and are navigating a massive, dense forest that spans seven states and crosses international borders into Benin and Niger. Senator Buhari, who accompanied a federal delegation to console the affected families, emphasized that the government must prioritize a cautious, strategic rescue to ensure the children’s safety rather than treating the crisis as a conventional military conflict.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Senator Abdulfatai Buhari has cautioned against a direct military response to the abduction of 47 schoolchildren in Oyo State, citing the captors’ use of the victims as human shields. According to the senator, the kidnappers are operating within a sprawling, cross-state forest corridor that makes tracking them extremely difficult. He suggested that many of these criminals are foreigners who move frequently to avoid detection. While the federal government has engaged with the grieving families—including those of a man killed during the attack—Buhari reiterated that the rescue mission remains a delicate process that requires patience to protect the lives of the students.
Option 3: Analytical Overview
The kidnapping crisis in Oyo State has entered a complex phase, as Senator Abdulfatai Buhari reports that the 47 abducted pupils are being exploited as human shields by gunmen. Addressing the tactical difficulties of the situation, the senator highlighted that the abductors are not stationed in a fixed location but are instead traversing a vast forest that links multiple Nigerian states with neighbouring countries. He argued that this reality renders standard military tactics ineffective and potentially fatal for the hostages. Amidst local fears and demands for increased security, the senator confirmed that the government is providing support to affected families while focusing on a rescue strategy that avoids direct confrontation.
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