NEWS
100 Outstanding Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic Graduates Receive ₦1 Million Each as Abia Govt Empowers Young Entrepreneurs
One hundred outstanding graduates of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba (formerly Abia State Polytechnic, Aba) have received ₦1 million each under the Abia State Government’s Graduate Empowerment Grant Scheme, marking another milestone in Governor Alex Otti’s drive to promote entrepreneurship, innovation and youth empowerment across the state.
The beneficiaries, who all graduated with distinction in their various programmes, represent the second batch of exceptional graduates from the institution to benefit from the initiative since the appointment of the Rector, Engr. Dr. Christopher Okoro Kalu.
The grant scheme, introduced by the Abia State Government across tertiary institutions, is designed to provide outstanding graduates with the financial foundation to establish businesses, create employment opportunities and contribute meaningfully to the state’s economic development.
During the institution’s convocation ceremony held on December 5, 2025, Governor Alex Otti explained that the entrepreneurship grant was created to empower brilliant graduates with the resources needed to transform their ideas into thriving enterprises while driving economic growth in Abia State.
“Our aim is to ultimately create a system that empowers the young people in the State to be part of our development journey, supporting project execution in road infrastructure, housing, electricity, public water supply and more.
“The days of letting our best and brightest brains wander off after graduation and begin to struggle in far-off corners of the world without support are gone.
“The message to students in all our tertiary institutions is clear: do your best and we shall offer you further material leverage to find genuine success right here in Abia,” Governor Otti had declared
Before the disbursement of the grants, the institution, in partnership with the Abia State Government, organised a one-day Entrepreneurship and Business Start-up Workshop under the auspices of Dr. Alex Chioma Otti’s Graduate Empowerment Grant Scheme at the ICT Auditorium of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba.
The workshop was designed to equip the beneficiaries with practical knowledge on entrepreneurship, business development and financial management, ensuring that the grants are invested productively for sustainable economic growth.
Speaking during the event, the Rector, Engr. Dr. Christopher Okoro Kalu, said the training was organised to prepare the beneficiaries for the responsible utilisation of the grant and encourage them to channel the funds into viable business ventures capable of creating value and generating sustainable income.
The Rector also praised Governor Alex Otti for his commitment to youth development and educational advancement, describing him as a divine gift to the people of Abia.
According to him:
“His Excellency is a Think, Talk and Do Governor, an intentional leader indeed.“
The workshop attracted key government officials, including the Honourable Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof. Eme Uche Eme, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry and other senior government functionaries.
As part of the capacity-building programme, the Rector invited the Vice Chairman of the Abia State Technological Skills Acquisition Centre and Co-Founder of Jefapris Resources Nigeria, Engr. Cletus Ekpo, who delivered an insightful lecture on vocational skills and entrepreneurship.
Also speaking, Barr. Vitalis Anopue educated participants on the legal requirements for establishing businesses, including registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
Addressing the beneficiaries, Prof. Eme urged them to make prudent use of the grants by investing in innovative and sustainable ventures rather than spending the money on non-essential items.
“It’s not for hair or for pride; it’s for innovation and the creation of things that will take you beyond here. If you do well after the next six months, the state government will support you the more,“ she said.
The Commissioner also commended the Rector for repositioning Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic and enhancing the institution’s reputation. She further assured him of the Ministry’s continued support as the Polytechnic progresses with its planned relocation to the Osisioma Campus.
The event climaxed with the presentation of the ₦1 million Graduate Empowerment Grants to the 100 outstanding graduates, fulfilling the Abia State Government’s commitment to providing exceptional students with start-up capital to launch successful businesses, create employment opportunities and contribute to the state’s 
long-term economic transformation.