Abia moving from trading to manufacturing, says Otti

Abia State Governor Alex Otti announced on Monday that his administration is shifting the state's focus from conventional trading to digital commerce and manufacturing. Speaking during the Igbo Day Lecture and Dinner organized by Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Otti emphasized that the future of global business lies in technology and digital delivery.

He stated that Abia and Ndigbo, traditionally known for trading, are now deliberately moving towards manufacturing and technology-driven commerce. The governor acknowledged concerns over Chinese traders competing with Igbo entrepreneurs in Lagos markets but stressed that Abia is leaving that level of trading and moving towards digital delivery.

Otti highlighted that the government is supporting manufacturing and driving digital delivery, comparing the move to the platform established by Alibaba. The development of digital commerce, he said, would enable Abia entrepreneurs to compete globally, moving away from traditional physical markets. Otti's administration is investing heavily in digital skills for young people, with some Abians already working for global technology companies following training under the TechRise initiative.

The governor assured the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo of his administration's support and described the theme of the celebration, "Unity is Supreme," as apt, emphasizing the importance of unity in diversity.