Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has unveiled plans to establish an Export Growth Lab in Aba, the commercial hub of the South East, to enhance Economic Development and Global Trade opportunities for Local Entrepreneurs.
The Governor made this known, Thursday, when he received the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Elsie Attafuah.
He emphasized that his administration is focused on strategic partnerships that drive growth rather than seeking Donor Agencies for financial aid.
“We believe that there is a whole lot we can learn from you. We as a Government are not really going out looking for Donor Agencies, if we find , that’s fine but a lot of times when the mindset is somebody to give you money you lose the argument.
“So for us, it’s about, how can you support us create an export growth lab in Aba? We are already on it. We have acquired a place in Aba for it (Export Growth lab), Gov. Otti stated.
He highlighted the resilience and creativity of Aba artisans and entrepreneurs but acknowledged the need for support in combating counterfeit products especially in food, beverages, and pharmaceuticals.
Governor Otti stressed the importance of upskilling and leveraging technology to ensure that locally produced goods meet Global Export standards.
The Governor who highlighted various areas his administration has affected lives of the people positively including healthcare, education, waste management, road infrastructure among others said that energy is another area his government is interested in.
The Governor who highlighted his administration’s ongoing efforts in Healthcare, Education, Waste Management, and Road Construction, revealed the Sate’s commitment to improving the Energy Sector.
“Energy is an area we are passionate about. We are at the final stages of acquiring the Umuahia ring fenced of Enugu DisCo so that we can have full control of the distribution in Abia”, Gov. Otti revealed.
Governor Otti, who noted that government does not reduce poverty by giving people money said provision of jobs and creation of enabling environment for their businesses to thrive are key things that improve one’s economy.
He noted that poverty reduction is not about giving out money but about job creation and enabling businesses to thrive.
Governor Otti appreciated the UNDP Resident Representative for her interest in the state and approved an office accommodation for the UNDP in Abia.
In her remarks, the UNDP Resident Representative Elsie Attafuah stated that their visit was to explore collaboration opportunities, particularly in areas such as Innovation, Digital Economy, Trade, Financing, Energy, and Community Development and render support to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through their integrated state offer and development.
She commended Governor Otti’s leadership , Aba’s economic potential and affirmed that Abia was selected as the first State for the UNDP’s Integrated Development Program because of its evident progress.
“With you (Gov. Otti), Abia is doing great things I appreciate your leadership. There is a lot we can try our hands on. The potential of Aba is great.
“We feel we must come to States that can work. Abia is one of the States we are starting the programme”, Attafuah said.
