Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, has described the commissioning of Ultimum Limited’s beverage plant in Aba as evidence of renewed investor confidence and economic recovery in the state.

The facility, located in the Osisioma Industrial Layout, will produce carbonated soft drinks under the Razzl brand, including cola, orange, lemon and grapefruit variants.

Otti said the development reflected growing belief in Aba’s economic potential.

“Aba is alive again. What we are witnessing here today is not just the opening of a factory, but the return of belief in our economy. Investors will always go where there is clarity, stability and opportunity. Our focus has been to build that environment, and today’s commissioning shows that the strategy is working,” he said.

The governor added that ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure and the business climate are beginning to attract private investment to the state.

Chairman of Ultimum, Whalen Kadji, said the company’s decision to invest in Aba was driven by the city’s commercial potential and entrepreneurial base.

Managing Director of the firm, Austin Ufomba, said the plant would support local production and create opportunities across the value chain.

The company said the facility is expected to generate jobs, support local businesses and strengthen supply chains in the South-East and South-South, with plans to expand distribution nationwide.

Ultimum Limited operates under the Kadji Group and began operations in Nigeria in 2022.