In what has been described as a glowing endorsement of Abia State’s new developmental trajectory, the National President of the Association of Igbo Town Unions (ASITU), Chief Emeka Diwe, has commended Governor Alex Otti for his massive investment in infrastructure, describing it as a catalyst for diaspora-driven investment and economic revival across Igboland. Chief Diwe made the remarks when he received members of the Igbo Diaspora Investment Group (IDIG), led by Dr. Chucks Obilor, during their courtesy visit to his office in Aba, Abia State, on Saturday, October 8, 2025.
Chief Diwe observed that the infrastructural transformation currently taking place in Abia State has rekindled hope among Ndigbo both at home and abroad. He noted that roads, markets, industrial parks, and urban renewal projects being executed under Governor Otti’s administration have laid a solid foundation for sustainable development and business confidence.
According to him, the governor’s vision aligns perfectly with ASITU’s long-standing campaign for the repatriation of Igbo wealth through the Aku Ruo Ulo investment initiative.
Speaking further, the ASITU President stated that the new infrastructure across Abia, ranging from modern roads to improved power and sanitation projects, has changed the narrative about governance in the South East. “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,” Diwe declared.
He also commended the Igbo Diaspora Investment Group for their patriotic zeal and commitment to the development of Igboland. Diwe explained that their visit symbolizes the rekindling of a transnational partnership between homeland communities and the diaspora, which, if sustained, would accelerate the region’s socio-economic advancement. He urged other diaspora-based organizations to emulate the IDIG’s example by engaging constructively with grassroots structures such as ASITU.
Dr. Chucks Obilor, who led the IDIG delegation, expressed admiration for ASITU’s tireless advocacy for unity, development, and economic self-reliance among Ndigbo. He stated that the group’s mission was to explore opportunities for direct investment in the South East 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,” Dr. Obilor said.
Chief Diwe reaffirmed that ASITU remains unwavering in its mission to serve as the collective voice of all Igbo communities, both within Nigeria and in the diaspora. He maintained that the association’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. “We will not relent in championing the Igbo cause, because our people must take responsibility for building the kind of society we desire,” he stated.
Earlier, Chief Diwe had also commended Governor Otti in his presence during the launch of the Abia State Security Trust Fund in Umuahia. He had told the Governor that, as the leader of the grassroots, he 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, Diwe donated his widow’s mite to the fund; N2 million in Umuahia and an additional N1 million in Aba.
The meeting, which was held in a convivial atmosphere, also featured interactive discussions on strategic collaboration between ASITU and IDIG to encourage the establishment of community-based industrial clusters across Igboland. Participants resolved to work toward practical frameworks that would facilitate diaspora remittances for tangible development projects at the grassroots.
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.”
