“WHEN IT HAS TO DO WITH MSMEs, THE CAPITAL IS HERE IN ABIA” — GOV. ALEX OTTI DECLARES AS STATE MOVES TO PARTNER UGANDA ON ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT

The Abia State Government has reiterated its commitment to advancing Micro, Small, and Medium-Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) through strategic international collaborations, as Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, disclosed plans to partner with the Republic of Uganda and other nations to expand opportunities for entrepreneurs in the State.

Governor Otti made this known on Thursday, October 30th, 2025, when he received a high-powered delegation from the Ugandan High Commission, led by Ambassador Philip Ocham Odida.

Speaking during the visit, the Governor emphasized that Abia remains the hub of innovation, craftsmanship, and enterprise in Nigeria, noting that the State has been deliberate in supporting MSMEs since the inception of his administration.

“When it has to do with MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium – Scale Enterprises), the capital is here (Abia), and we are not arrogant about it, it’s the truth.

“If you are looking for people who are entrepreneurial, people who are creative, ingenious people, people who can make anything, they may not be as sophisticated, but they can make it, and then over time, they can also become experts.

“You need to look no further than Aba and Abia State, and since the inception of this Government, exactly 29 months ago, we have been very, very deliberate about supporting MSMEs, because we know that it is the backbone of Abia State,” Gov. Otti stated.

The Governor further highlighted that Abia boasts a productive population of over 4.8 million highly skilled individuals whose crafts, including shoemaking, fabrics, and fashion, can compete favourably in the global market.

He described Abians as naturally industrious and self-reliant people who only require an enabling environment, rather than palliatives or handouts, to excel in their ventures.

“We also understand that our people are not people who are looking for palliatives or handouts, they are people who just want Government to create the enabling environment, and they will take it and run.

“And that’s why we focus on creating infrastructure, making the place safe, cleaning up the environment, providing constant power as much as possible.

“And just doing everything to make their businesses thrive. I’m glad that two years and a few months down the line, a lot of things have changed,” Gov. Otti explained.

Governor Otti also directed relevant government officials to liaise with the Ugandan delegation and identify concrete areas for collaboration that will promote trade, technology exchange, and industrial cooperation.

“And my colleagues (top Government officials) to my left, I want to give them the mandate to take this on board and ensure that we identify the key areas of collaboration.

“Trade is one thing, but I think beyond trade, there is partnership. That is where I want us to focus on. What are the things that are there that our people need? What are the things we have that your people need? How can we now move from there to even exchange ideas, to work together for the benefit of Nigeria and Uganda?” Gov. Otti added.

He appreciated Ambassador Odida for recognizing the reforms and progress made by his administration and assured that Abia would continue to create policies and infrastructures that enhance business operations and attract international partnerships.

Earlier in his remarks, the Ugandan High Commissioner, Ambassador Philip Ochem Odida, said their visit aimed at exploring sustainable and mutually beneficial economic relationships between Abia State and Uganda.

He described Abia as a “rising centre of innovation, enterprise, and economic dynamism in Nigeria,” expressing confidence that collaboration in the MSME sector would promote shared prosperity between both regions.

Ambassador Odida commended Governor Otti’s leadership, describing his administration as a model of good governance and effective resource management. He explained that Abia’s impressive industrial revival under Governor Otti’s leadership inspired Uganda’s interest in partnership.

The meeting was attended by key state officials including the Commissioner for Industry and SMEs, Mazi Mike Akpara; Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Dr. Salome Obiukwu; Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade and Commerce, Chief Nwaka Inem; and the Director-General and CEO of the Bureau of Public-Private Partnership and Investment Promotion, Mr. Chinedum Chijioke, among others.

The visit marks another milestone in Governor Otti’s mission to position Abia State as Africa’s emerging powerhouse for entrepreneurship and innovation, with partnerships that strengthen local industries, promote trade, and em power the State’s vibrant MSME sector.