Today I received a delegation of traditional rulers from Abia State, led by His Royal Majesty, Dr. Isaac Ikonne, Enyi 1 of Aba. Our meeting provided an opportunity for me to reiterate our administration’s commitment to the development of the State, and especially the city of Aba. 
Just last week, during my visit to China to attend the Forum for China-Africa Cooperation, I met with executives of one of the largest cotton and garment companies in the world, who will soon establish operations in Aba.
Both the Federal Government and the Abia State Government worked hard jointly on this project, to attract this very important investor. The proposed investment will create thousands of jobs for Aba’s vibrant and creative youths.
I am very excited about this project in Aba, and have directed the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment to ensure the investment is actualised within the shortest possible time.
Ariaria Market is another priority of our administration. I recall visiting in 2015, as a presidential candidate,and being warmly received. But I also observed the lack of electricity & other basic infrastructure, in a market that is a major trading hub for West & Central Africa
When we assumed office, we issued a presidential mandate to the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing and the Rural Electrification Agency to energise Ariaria market, as part of our efforts to help unleash its full potential.
I’m pleased to note that in June 2018, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission granted an electricity generation licence as well as a distribution licence for Ariaria market. This will enable the generation & distribution of 9.5 Megawatts of electricity within the market.
The project is moving smoothly and I have been assured Ariaria market will be fully electrified soon. We are working closely with the State and Local Governments, Traditional Rulers, Market Associations and the community on this project to ensure completion by the end of the year
We only have one Nigeria. We must not and will not shy away from the responsibility we have to ensure that we hand over a better Nigeria to the next generation. We will continue to work hard to ensure the protection of the livelihoods of all hardworking and honest citizens.
