FG Selects Abia for Manufacturing Technology Innovation Hub (See Details)

• The Federal Government has described Abia as the ideal location for a new Manufacturing Technology Innovation Hub.

The Federal Government has described Abia State as the ideal location for the establishment of a Manufacturing Technology Innovation Hub, citing the state’s long-standing reputation as Nigeria’s manufacturing hub and Governor Alex Otti’s technology-driven development agenda.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, made the remarks while representing Vice President Kashim Shettima during a courtesy visit to Governor Otti in Umuahia.

The delegation also included the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Assistant Secretary-General and Regional Director for Africa, Mrs. Ahunna Eziakonwa.

Alausa praised Otti’s leadership, particularly his administration’s efforts to provide uninterrupted electricity to industrial clusters, describing the initiative as vital to sustaining manufacturing and economic growth.

According to the minister, the UNDP could not have chosen a more suitable state for the project.

“Abia is the centre of manufacturing activity, and Governor Alex Otti has demonstrated what futuristic and purposeful leadership looks like. He has shown that Nigeria can emulate what Abia has done in providing 24-hour electricity to support industry and development,” he said.

The minister also commended the governor’s investment in education and human capital development, noting that the state’s improving educational performance reflects deliberate and focused governance.

Responding, Governor Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to using technology and innovation to drive economic growth, strengthen education and empower entrepreneurs across the state.

“We are happy that it is happening in Abia State, and we will provide every support required to ensure that this project begins to impact our people, support our industrialists, small and medium-scale enterprises, and those involved in technology,” the governor said.

The visit preceded the commissioning of the Manufacturing Technology Innovation Hub (UniPod) at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike.

Otti congratulated the Federal Government, the UNDP and other stakeholders for successfully delivering the project, expressing confidence that the innovation hub would accelerate technological advancement and economic transformation in the state.

He said the facility would help local businesses become more competitive both within Nigeria and across Africa.

The governor also reiterated his administration’s commitment to digital transformation in the education sector, assuring the Federal Government that Abia would meet the July 31 deadline for uploading students’ data to the Digital Nigeria Education Management Information System (D-NEMIS).

“The fulcrum of what we are doing here is actually technology, and that is why we have assembled some of the best hands in technology to be part of this team. Our mandate is not just to deliver but to lead, and they can be assured that every support they require will be given to them,” Otti added.