By Peter Omopo
Abia State’s push to position itself as a leading investment destination has received a major boost, as Zenith Bank Plc pledged firm support for the state’s economic transformation agenda under Governor Alex Otti.
Speaking at a pre-event luncheon in Abuja ahead of the Abia/Turkiye Investment Summit and Product Exhibition, the General Manager and Zonal Head of Zenith Bank, Carl Akwarandu, described the bank’s commitment as both strategic and enthusiastic. He said Zenith Bank—widely regarded as Nigeria’s biggest and most profitable financial institution—is ready to provide substantial funding and advisory services to investors looking toward Abia.
Akwarandu noted that confidence in the Otti administration has elevated Abia’s credibility among investors. “Every investor prioritises security and return on investment, and Abia has demonstrated strength in both,” he said. He added that the bank’s willingness to partner with the state is anchored on the governor’s integrity and the competence of his economic team.
“For a bank to partner with a state government, one thing stands out: credibility. In Abia, the credibility of the governor is well established. Investors can come with confidence that their money is safe and government commitments will be kept,” Akwarandu stated.
He also commended the work of the state’s Investment Promotion Office led by Chief Greene Amakwe, whose efforts he said have significantly improved Abia’s visibility on Nigeria’s investment map.
Earlier in his remarks, Amakwe said the state has embarked on an extensive nationwide mobilisation effort—through press engagements, advertising, and stakeholder outreach—to reposition Abia as the country’s emerging economic hub.
“We are informing all Nigerians to come to Abia. We want to do business,” he said, emphasising that economic transformation requires collective leadership. He assured prospective investors that the changes in the state are tangible, citing new landmark projects as symbols of Abia’s evolving landscape.
“Those who were in Abia in the past will see a different state today. When you see the new tower, you will know you are in Abia. A lot has changed,” Amakwe added.
Also speaking, Senator Darlington Nwokocha expressed confidence in the government’s economic reforms, stressing that Abia now offers the right mix of security, strategic location, and purposeful leadership to attract serious investors.
The endorsement by Zenith Bank is expected to strengthen investor confidence ahead of the Abia/Turkiye Investment Summit, marking a significant milestone in the state’s ongoing effort to build a competitive, business-friendly environment.
