UMUAHIA — Renowned industrialist, philanthropist, and Labour Party Senatorial Candidate for Abia North, Chief Dr. David Ogba Onuoha (Bourdex), MFR, OON, has expressed strong support for the economic transformation agenda presented by Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, at the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) “Meet the Governor Series” in Lagos.
Reacting to Governor Otti’s presentation, Chief Bourdex described the governor’s address as a clear roadmap for the state’s economic trajectory. He emphasized that the seven priority sectors outlined by the administration—agribusiness and agro-processing, trade and markets, the creative and digital economy, manufacturing and industrialization, SME growth, inclusive finance, and diaspora investment—align with the productive strengths of Abians.
“What His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, presented before the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce is much more than an invitation to investors,” Chief Bourdex noted. “It is a clear statement of where Abia is going and the economic foundations being laid to take us there.”
Drawing from his background as a business leader, Chief Bourdex reiterated that sustainable economic growth depends on state-provided infrastructure and institutional support rather than direct government ownership of enterprises.
“For many years, I have maintained that government does not have to own every factory or run every business,” Bourdex stated. “Its fundamental responsibility is to create the environment in which enterprise can flourish: good roads, reliable infrastructure, security, sound institutions, sensible regulation, and fiscal discipline. Once these foundations are in place, private capital, entrepreneurship, and innovation will follow.”
He praised the administration’s focus on road construction, healthcare upgrades, security enhancements, transport reforms, and fiscal discipline, describing them as the framework for attracting long-term investments.
“As an entrepreneur who has spent decades building businesses and creating opportunities, I know that capital is attracted not by slogans, but by confidence,” he added. “Investors go where they can see stability, infrastructure, opportunity, and a government that understands the language of enterprise.”
Highlighting the implications for the Abia North Senatorial District, Chief Bourdex stressed that the district’s agricultural resources, entrepreneurial population, and strategic location position it to benefit from the state’s industrial push.
He urged stakeholders to ensure that local communities across Abia North are connected to the investment inflows, processing centers, and technology hubs emerging under the current administration.
“For us in Abia North, this vision is particularly significant. Our agricultural resources, entrepreneurial population, tourism potential, and strategic location give us enormous possibilities,” Bourdex asserted. “We must ensure that our communities are fully connected to the investment and industrialization agenda unfolding across Abia State.”
Chief Bourdex concluded by calling for a shift in political discourse within the state, advocating for policies focused on long-term capacity building rather than short-term patronage.
“This is the kind of development conversation our politics should increasingly be about—not who shares the most handouts today, but who creates the conditions for our people to prosper tomorrow,” he stated. “His Excellency is laying the foundation. Our responsibility is to build upon it, deepen it, and ensure that its opportunities reach every part of Abia. A productive Abia is emerging. And a new Abia North is possible.”
