OPM Founder Brings Egyptian Pharma Giant to Abia as Otti Backs Drug Manufacturing Plant

Founder and General Overseer of Omega Power Ministries (OPM), HRM King Apostle Chibuzor Gift Chinyere, has facilitated plans by Egyptian pharmaceutical company, Utopia, to establish a drug manufacturing plant in Abia State, with Governor Alex Otti pledging full government support for the investment.

King Apostle Chinyere led the management team of the Egyptian firm to the Abia State Government House on Wednesday, where the proposal was presented to the governor.

Speaking during the visit, the cleric commended Governor Otti’s developmental initiatives across different sectors, describing him as a leader committed to improving healthcare and creating an enabling environment for investment. He said the proposed pharmaceutical plant would generate employment opportunities and contribute significantly to the state’s economic growth.

Responding after a presentation by Utopia Chairman, Dr. Kamel Mohamed, Governor Otti welcomed the proposal, expressing satisfaction that the company intends to establish a production facility rather than merely market imported products.

The governor said manufacturing would stimulate economic activity, create jobs, boost the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), reduce poverty, and promote technology transfer.

“We are very happy with your presentation. I’m particularly pleased that you are looking at setting up a production plant and not just sales. When you establish a manufacturing facility, you create jobs, improve the GDP of the state, reduce poverty, and encourage technology transfer,” Otti said.

He assured the investors of his administration’s full support, adding that the state government would provide the necessary assistance to ensure the successful establishment of the factory.

Governor Otti urged the company to consider locating the facility in the Ukwa area of the state, citing the availability of natural gas, reliable electricity supplied by Geometric Power, and adequate land for industrial development. He also noted that community relations issues would be coordinated with the assistance of King Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere.

The governor directed the Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, to continue discussions with the investors and provide all necessary government support to fast-track the project.

Speaking further, King Apostle Chinyere said he brought the investors to Abia because Governor Otti has demonstrated a strong commitment to healthcare development. He disclosed that the company would also conduct a pilot presentation of its anti-malaria products in the state before returning to Egypt.

Earlier, Utopia Chairman, Dr. Kamel Mohamed, said the company was seeking collaboration with the Abia State Government to establish a pharmaceutical production plant that would serve Nigeria and the wider West African market.

He noted that an existing Memorandum of Understanding between Egypt and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on drug registration would support the proposed investment.

According to him, the company aims to make Nigeria a hub for advanced pharmaceutical technology, adding that Utopia has successfully executed similar projects in Tanzania and other countries and is optimistic of replicating the success in Abia.

Delivering the vote of thanks, Dr. Emeka Unachukwu expressed appreciation to Governor Otti for receiving the delegation despite the short notice and for embracing the investment proposal.

The meeting was attended by the Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche; Chief Executive Officer of the Hospitals Management Board, Dr. Odochi Azubuike; Chief Medical Director of the Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo, and other senior government officials.