A Promise Remembered, A Promise Kept: My Joy as Abia Reclaims Star Paper Mill

Early this year, my beloved community of Abiriba stood united in pride and hope as we hosted a civic reception in honour of His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, the Executive Governor of Abia State. The venue was the historic Enyimba International Stadium, Aba, and the atmosphere was charged with expectation. It was at that gathering that Governor Otti made a clear and bold promise a promise to recover the Star Paper Mill, once a crown jewel of Abia’s industrial strength.

Today, as I write these words, my heart is full.
That promise has been kept.

Star Paper Mill: More Than a Factory
Star Paper Mill is not just an industrial asset; it is part of our collective history. Founded by Late Chief Nnanna Kalu of blessed memory, one of the most illustrious sons of Abiriba and among the most successful industrialists of his era, the company once stood as Nigeria’s number one paper manufacturing firm.

From toilet rolls to exercise books, notebooks, and other paper products, Star Paper Mill symbolised enterprise, employment, and excellence. Thousands of families depended on it directly and indirectly. Its decline, following takeover by AMCON, was painful not only for Abiriba, but for Abia State and Nigeria at large.
For many years, its gates remained shut, representing lost jobs, lost hope, and lost potential.

Leadership That Acts, Not Merely Promises
What distinguishes Governor Alex Otti is not rhetoric, but resolve.

In just two years, his administration has demonstrated a rare quality in Nigerian governance: the courage to confront long-standing problems and the discipline to solve them. The recovery and handover of Star Paper Mill from AMCON to the Abia State Government is not accidental it is the result of deliberate engagement, strategic negotiation, and a clear vision for industrial revival.

This single act speaks volumes. It shows that Abia is no longer a state of abandoned assets, but a state of reclaimed opportunities.

Two Years of Tangible Achievements
Beyond Star Paper Mill, Governor Otti’s record in two short years is compelling:

Massive road reconstruction and urban renewal across Aba, Umuahia, and other parts of the state Restoration of fiscal discipline and transparency in public finance Revitalisation of key state-owned assets and institutions Improved security architecture enabling commerce and night-time economic activity Renewed confidence among investors, professionals, and the Abia diaspora
These are not projections or campaign slogans they are visible, measurable achievements.
The Responsibility Before Us in 2027
As Abians, we must learn from history.

Abia can no longer afford to gamble its future on mere promises, recycled slogans, or familiar faces that offer no new ideas. Governance is not about entitlement; it is about performance.

The evidence before us is clear: Governor Alex Otti has shown in two years what purposeful leadership can accomplish. To deny him the opportunity to complete an eight-year tenure would be to interrupt a transformation that is already underway.

A Call for Continuity and Collective Support
The recovery of Star Paper Mill is symbolic. It tells our youths that industries can return. It tells investors that Abia is ready. It tells communities like Abiriba that their heritage matters.

I therefore call on Ndị Abia, at home and in the diaspora, to stand firm, to support continuity, and to protect the progress already achieved. Let us choose competence over sentiment, performance over propaganda, and vision over nostalgia.

Abia is rising again not by chance, but by choice.

Roseson Obasi (Donko)
Founder, Donko Care Foundation