RismadarVoice Reporters
September 30, 2026
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has urged Igbo entrepreneurs to move beyond conventional trading and embrace manufacturing, technology and digital commerce to remain competitive in the changing global economy.
Otti made the call on Monday in Umuahia during the Igbo Day Lecture and Dinner organised by Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, with the theme, “The Igbo Charter and Development of Ala Igbo.”
The governor said trading remained an important part of the Igbo economy but stressed that entrepreneurs should increasingly focus on manufacturing and technology-driven commerce.
Responding to concerns over Chinese traders competing with Igbo entrepreneurs in retail businesses, particularly in Lagos, Otti said the appropriate response was to move towards sectors capable of creating greater value.
“We are leaving that level of trading. In Abia, we have markets. The markets are important. But we are moving from that level of marketing to manufacturing,” he said.
Otti said his administration was supporting manufacturing while promoting digital platforms that could enable businesses to reach customers beyond traditional physical markets.
He said Abia was moving from conventional trading towards digital commerce, citing global e-commerce platforms as examples of how technology is transforming business.
According to the governor, the shift would enable businesses operating from Abia to reach customers nationally and internationally while reducing dependence on physical stores.
“Abia is both manufacturing and trading. But we are moving from conventional trading to digital trading. That is where the world is going. You either embrace it, or you risk being left behind,” he said.
Otti also highlighted his administration’s investment in digital skills through the TechRise initiative.
He said some young people trained under the programme were already working remotely for global technology companies from Aba, demonstrating the opportunities available through digital skills.
The governor said expanding technology skills would enable more young people to participate in the global economy regardless of their physical location.
Otti also assured the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide of his administration’s support and stressed the importance of unity in advancing the development of the South-East.
He said his administration would continue pursuing policies aimed at expanding manufacturing, developing human capital and positioning Abia businesses for greater participation in the technology-driven global economy.
