Otti to set up export growth laboratory in Aba

…Seeks partnership with UNDP

In a move to create a robust and more functional economy, Alex Otti, governor of Abia State, plans to set up an export growth lab in Aba, the commercial nerve centre of the South East.

Otti disclosed this at Government House Umuahia when he received Elsie Attafuah, resident representative, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), noting that the government can do more with the international agency.

“We as a government are not really going out looking for donor agencies, but if we find one, fine.

“So, for us, it is about how you can support us to create an export growth lab in Aba. We are already on it and have acquired a place for it,” Otti said.

He noted that an average Aba artisan and entrepreneur is innovative and resilient but needed support, adding that the only challenge, which his administration is fighting headlong, is faking of other people’s products.

“They are so innovative, they are so forward thinking, they are so resilient. Even when Aba was a no-go-area, they remained there.

“The fight we have is the fight about people adulterating food and drinks including medicine. That is what we are committed to fight and eradicate.

“So, how can we upskill in technology and everything to produce that quality that can be exported? That for me is what it is about,” Otti said.

The governor highlighted various areas his administration has affected lives of the people positively, which include: healthcare, education, waste management, road infrastructure, among others

He pointed out that energy is another area his administration is interested in.

“Energy is an area we are passionate about. We are at the final stages of acquiring the Umuahia ring-fence of Enugu DisCo, so that we can have full control of the distribution in Abia,” Otti noted.

Otti, who pointed out that the government does not reduce poverty by giving people money, said that provision of jobs and the creation of an enabling environment for businesses to thrive are key things that improve the economy.

He appreciated the UNDP resident representative for her interest in the state and approved an office accommodation for the UNDP in the state.

Earlier in her speech, Attafuah said that they were in Abia to see ways of collaboration and rendering support to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through their integrated state offer and development.

According to her, their areas of interest include; innovation, digital and knowledge economy, trade innovation and financing, energy and accelerated community development.

She further said that they were eager to come to states that could work, adding that Abia was working; hence they chose it as the first state to come for such collaboration.

“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 where we are starting the programme. With you (Otti), Abia is doing great things and I appreciate your leadership,” Attafuah stated.