Governor Alex Otti Commissions Aba Export Growth Lab to Boost MSMEs and Global Competitiveness

The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, has commissioned the Aba Export Growth Lab, a landmark initiative designed to transform the business and export landscape of the state. The lab, located at the Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic in Aba, is a deliberate effort by the state government to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and empower them to compete globally.



During the commissioning ceremony, Governor Otti emphasized that the initiative is not a revenue-generating scheme for the state but a support system for MSMEs. He charged the lab managers to maintain high standards and ensure that only globally competitive products get certified. The Governor noted that Aba, long known for its entrepreneurial spirit, has lacked the needed support for decades, and this project is aimed at bridging that gap.

The Commissioner for Industry and SMEs, Mazi Mike Akpara, revealed that 20 businesses are being targeted for the pilot phase, with a focus on Akwete cloth, footwear, and fashion apparel, all proudly made-in-Aba. These industries have been identified as key areas where Abia State can leverage its strengths to drive economic growth and job creation.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, commended the visionary leadership of Governor Otti and affirmed UNDP's full support for the project. She stated that Abia can lead Africa's industrial renaissance, and this initiative is a significant step in that direction.

Representing NEXIM Bank, Mrs. Nkeiru Ezenwanne reiterated their commitment to supporting key value chains like agro-processing, garment production, and pharmaceuticals. These partnerships are expected to drive sustainable job creation and export diversification, further boosting the state's economy.

The commissioning of the Aba Export Growth Lab marks a bold step toward a new economic era for Abia State. With this initiative, entrepreneurs across the state now have a platform to properly structure, standardize, package, and brand their products to meet global standards and penetrate international markets. The event featured insightful presentations, a product exhibition, and a tour of the facility by the Governor and other top dignitaries, showcasing the potential of Abia State's MSMEs to drive economic growth and development.


Follow Stone Reports News for more update...

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

South South Zonal Public Hearing on 1999 Constitution Review Holds in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State

Image
The South South Zonal Public Hearing on the review of the 1999 Constitution commenced on Friday in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State. The Senate President, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, declared the conference open, emphasizing the significance of the event in shaping the nation's future. In his remarks, Senator Akpabio stated that the public hearing is not merely a formality, but a democratic rite that allows the people to speak into the soul of the nation. He emphasized that every voice counts in a democracy and that the review of the Constitution is a sign of strength, not weakness. "The review of our Constitution is not a sign of weakness, but of strength. It is not a complaint against the past, but a commitment to the future. We amend not to abandon, but to realign—to adapt our national charter to the changing realities, dreams, and demands of the good people of Nigeria," he said. The Senate President highlighted the importance of the Constitution review process, stating...
Read more

Kano Governor Appoints New Management Board for Kano Pillars FC, Names Ahmed Musa as General Manager

Image
The Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved the appointment of a new management board for the Kano Pillars Football Club as part of ongoing efforts to further strengthen the team and enhance its performance in the upcoming Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) season. The newly approved management board is composed of 17 members, including Ali Muhammad Umar (Nayara) as the Chairman, and other notable individuals with expertise in various fields. The board's tenure is expected to last for one year, with a mandate to boost the team's performance and deliver improved results. In a strategic move, the board has proposed the appointment of renowned international footballer Ahmed Musa, OON, MON, as the new General Manager of Kano Pillars FC. This move is expected to leverage his wealth of experience and leadership to reposition the club as a review of the club's performance and make it a formidable contender in the league. The government expressed confidence ...
Read more

Plateau Governor Mutfwang Makes Strong Case for State Police, Gender Inclusion, and Fiscal Federalism at Constitutional Review Hearing

Image
The North Central Zonal Public Hearing on the review of the 1999 Constitution commenced on Friday in Jos, Plateau State, with Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, making a compelling case for far-reaching constitutional reforms to reflect the evolving realities of the Nigerian federation. The hearing, held at Crispan Hotel, Jos, brought together delegates and stakeholders from the six North Central states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The event is part of the broader national constitutional review process driven by the National Assembly, aimed at strengthening democratic governance and addressing the nation's structural challenges. In his remarks, Governor Mutfwang emphasized the historical significance of Plateau State as a cradle of democratic discourse and urged Nigerians to seize the opportunity to make bold and constructive contributions to national development. He highlighted several priority areas for urgent reform, including the es...
Read more