The Special Adviser to the Abia State Governor on Investment Promotion and Public-Private Partnerships, Jerome Green-Amakwe, has said the state’s governance reforms and development initiatives are helping to build public trust and attract increased investor attention.

In a statement personally signed on Friday in Umuahia, Green-Amakwe said this year’s Democracy Day celebration holds special significance for the people of Abia, reflecting what he described as a period of renewal and responsible governance.

“For Abians, this year’s commemoration carries a deeper significance, symbolising renewal, responsible governance, and the emergence of a new era anchored on accountability, development, and service to the people,” he stated.

According to him, Abia has increasingly become an example of democratic leadership delivering tangible results, with residents expressing growing confidence in the state’s future.

Green-Amakwe noted that prior to 2023, the state grappled with numerous developmental challenges, including infrastructure deficits, concerns over public service delivery, and sluggish economic growth.

“The period was marked by widespread concerns over infrastructure, public services, and economic growth, prompting increasing calls for a new direction in governance. That turning point came with the election of Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, and his deputy, Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE,” he said.

He explained that the emergence of the current administration ushered in a wave of reforms focused on transparency, accountability, and improved service delivery.

The aide added that the government has since implemented policies and projects aimed at restoring public confidence while accelerating development across different sectors of the state.

Green-Amakwe also acknowledged the contributions of supporters, stakeholders, and grassroots mobilisers who played significant roles before and during the 2023 election campaign.

“The journey to political victory, however, was neither accidental nor effortless. Long before the 2023 elections, a dedicated coalition of supporters, stakeholders, and grassroots mobilisers remained steadfast in their conviction that a better Abia was possible,” he said.

He noted that the campaign structure was chaired by the late Nnanna Ngwu, with Acho Obioma serving as Director-General, while coordinators across the state’s senatorial districts and local government areas worked to mobilise support for the movement.

Among those he recognised for their contributions were Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, Mike Akpara, Rtd. Navy Captain McDonald Uba, Ishmael Onuoha, Prince Okey Kanu, Ogbonna Okereke, Victor Ikeji, Mrs. Magdalene Ugoanusi, Uloaku Iheanacho, Dike Nwankwo, Uche Nwosu, Ferdinand Ekeoma, Ottah Kalu, Dr. Nwokocha Eze, Ceekay Igara, Chris Anukuru, and Rtd. Col. Ezichi Kalu, among others.

According to Green-Amakwe, supporters of the administration believe the continuity of reforms is largely driven by Governor Otti’s strategic and disciplined leadership style, which has strengthened confidence in governance and demonstrated the role of public policy in driving development.

He further stated that Democracy Day offers an opportunity to acknowledge the efforts of individuals and groups whose contributions helped shape the state’s current trajectory.

While congratulating Governor Alex Otti, Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu, members of the administration, grassroots mobilisers, stakeholders, and residents of Abia State, Green-Amakwe called for sustained commitment to unity, transparency, and development.

He expressed optimism that the reforms currently underway would continue to deliver positive outcomes and contribute to the long-term growth of the state.