Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has urged Igbo traders and entrepreneurs to move beyond conventional trading and embrace manufacturing and digital commerce to remain competitive in the rapidly changing global economy.
He made the call while speaking at the Igbo Day Lecture and Dinner organized by Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide in Umuahia, the Abia State capital.
According to a Channels Television report, the governor said Abia and the Igbo people, who have historically built a strong reputation through entrepreneurship and trading, were now deliberately shifting towards manufacturing and technology-driven commerce.
Addressing concerns over the growing presence of Chinese traders competing with Igbo entrepreneurs in retail businesses in Lagos, Otti said the appropriate response was for Igbo businesses to move up the economic value chain.
“Igbos 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.
The Governor said Abia would combine its traditional strength in commerce with an increased focus on industrial production, while also embracing digital platforms to expand the reach of local businesses.
“So, why are the Chinese coming to compete with us? We are moving away from there. And it’s going to start in Abia.
“So, 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,” Otti said, as quoted by Channels Television.
He also assured the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide of his administration’s support, describing the theme of the celebration, “Njikọ Ka”, meaning “Unity is Supreme,” as timely and reflective of the importance of unity among the Igbo people.
Otti further highlighted his administration’s investment in digital skills development, particularly for young people, saying some Abians trained under the state’s TechRise initiative were already working remotely for global technology companies from Aba.
The Governor said the development demonstrated the potential of digital commerce and technology to create opportunities for Abia youths while positioning the state’s entrepreneurs to participate more effectively in the global economy.
