Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has said the state is transitioning from conventional trading to manufacturing, technology and digital commerce as part of efforts to position Abia for greater participation in the global economy.
Governor Otti stated this during the 2026 Igbo Day Lecture and Dinner held at the Michael Okpara Auditorium in Umuahia, where he highlighted the growing importance of technology and innovation in shaping the future of commerce.
The Governor said the era when businesses depended solely on physical shops and traditional markets was gradually giving way to technology-driven platforms and digital delivery systems.
According to him, Abia is moving “from the market to manufacturing” and from physical stores to digital commerce, citing global platforms such as Alibaba as an example of the direction the state is pursuing.
Otti also highlighted his administration’s TechRise initiative, which he said is equipping young Abians with digital skills and connecting them to opportunities beyond the state’s geographical boundaries.
He noted that some young people in Aba are already working remotely for global technology companies, including Google and Amazon.
The Governor further urged Ndigbo to embrace technological advancement, stressing that individuals and businesses that fail to adapt to changing technology could risk being left behind.
Igbo Charter Focuses on Development
The 2026 Igbo Day event, organised by Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, was held under the theme, “The Igbo Charter and Development of Ala Igbo.”
Delivering the keynote address virtually, Professor Kingsley Moghalu called for the Igbo Charter to remain non-partisan and serve as a practical framework for development.
He identified areas including merit, accountability, digital commerce, security, investment, diaspora engagement and measurable development targets as important components of the Charter.
The President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, said the Charter provides a framework for harnessing the collective strength of Ndigbo while strengthening engagement with the Nigerian government and the international community.
Chairman of the occasion, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, urged Ndigbo to move beyond complaints and take greater responsibility for contributing to the development and prosperity of Ala Igbo.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, members of the National Assembly, traditional rulers, clergy, business leaders and other participants from across the Igbo community.
The discussions underscored the growing emphasis on manufacturing, technology, digital skills and innovation as components of Abia’s evolving economic development strategy.
By Enitan Mudashiru | MUK TV News
