DreamSpring MicroFinance Institution CEO Kingsley Nwobilor speaks on Abia’s economic reforms and the business climate under Governor Alex Otti. Click the link below to read the full report.
The Chief Executive Officer of DreamSpring MicroFinance Institution, Dr. Kingsley Nwobilor, has dismissed criticisms from opposition figures against the administration of Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, insisting that the current government is already making measurable progress in transforming the state’s business environment.
Dr. Nwobilor made the remarks during an exclusive interaction with All Facts Newspaper at the sidelines of the Abia Business Roundtable, which held at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Umuahia, where government officials, investors, entrepreneurs and financial experts gathered to discuss strategies for accelerating economic growth in the state.
According to the microfinance bank CEO, the event itself is a reflection of the governor’s deliberate effort to create a strong partnership between government and the private sector.
He described the engagement between policymakers and business leaders as a positive signal that the state is gradually repositioning itself as a destination for investment and enterprise.
“This is actually a recognition of the good things the governor is doing to the business world. For some of us who are employers of labour, we obviously appreciate what he is doing,” Nwobilor said.
Reflecting on previous discussions he had with All Facts Newspaper about the state’s economic direction shortly after the present administration came into office, Nwobilor said the progress recorded so far has been significant.
According to him, Abia State has moved over 60 percent forward compared to where it stood some years ago, particularly in terms of the ease of doing business.
He noted that entrepreneurs and investors are beginning to experience noticeable improvements in the business environment.
“Let me tell you, the state has gone over 60 percent more than what we started some three years ago. In terms of ease of doing business, it has been wonderful,” he said.
The DreamSpring CEO, who has been actively doing business in Aba for over three years, explained that infrastructure improvements and governance reforms have already begun to create a more favorable environment for business operations.
He acknowledged that while more work still needs to be done, the current administration has laid the foundation for broader economic growth.
Despite commending the government’s reforms, Nwobilor stressed that sustainability remains the most important factor in ensuring that the progress already achieved does not fade with time.
He revealed that during one of the interactive sessions at the Business Roundtable, he raised the issue of sustainability with government officials.
According to him, economic reforms must be backed by long-term strategies capable of sustaining development across different sectors of the state’s economy.
“Anything that has no sustainability will not work. But we were assured that there are sustainability plans in place,” he explained.
He expressed confidence that if the current trajectory continues, Abia State could become a major economic hub within the next few years.
Responding to criticisms from opposition groups who claim that the government has not achieved much since assuming office, the financial expert dismissed the claims, describing them as typical political reactions.
According to him, opposition voices naturally criticize the government, but such criticisms do not necessarily reflect the realities on ground.
“Let me be honest with you. When you don’t have anything to say, you keep making noise. The opposition ordinarily will make noise. That is what opposition does,” he stated.
He insisted that the visible changes in infrastructure development, governance culture and engagement with the business community demonstrate that the government is making steady progress.
Dr. Nwobilor also highlighted the importance of collaboration between government and private sector operators in driving economic development.
As the head of a microfinance institution focused on supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs, he emphasized that access to finance and an enabling environment remain critical to economic expansion.
According to him, financial institutions like DreamSpring MicroFinance Institution play an important role in complementing government efforts by empowering small businesses and supporting entrepreneurship.
He noted that what the private sector expects from government is a stable policy environment, security and continued partnership.
“What we want from government is encouragement and enabling environment. If that continues, businesses will grow and development will follow,” he added.
The Abia Business Roundtable brought together major stakeholders in the state’s economic ecosystem, with discussions centered on attracting investment, strengthening the manufacturing base of Aba and improving access to finance for small and medium enterprises.
For participants like Nwobilor, the event signals a new direction where government and the private sector collaborate more closely in shaping the future of the state’s economy.
He expressed optimism that if current reforms are sustained, Abia could soon emerge as one of Nigeria’s most attractive destinations for investment and entrepreneurship.
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