A landmark joint venture project of the Federal Government of Nigeria, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), and the Abia State Government has been formally launched in the state.

This Nigeria’s first Manufacturing Technology University Innovation Pod (Manu-Tech UniPod) was officially launched  at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), Abia State.

Speaking during the inauguration, the Vice President, His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima, represented by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf OlaTunji Alausa said the establishment of the Manu-Tech UniPod reaffirms the Federal Government’s commitment to repositioning higher education as a catalyst for innovation, entrepreneurship, research commercialisation, and job creation.

Describing it as a “strategic investment in Nigeria’s future,” the Vice President noted that Universities must evolve beyond traditional teaching and research to become hubs for enterprise development, technology transfer, and industrial competitiveness.

In his keynote address titled “Science Meets Enterprise,” Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, said the siting of the UniPod in Abia speaks to the institutional faith the UNDP and Federal Government have in the State’s potential as an engine of growth and economic prosperity in the region.

He noted that, the faith and efforts the partners have in Abia is yielding tangible results, adding that the event is a demonstration of that, and appreciated the siting of the project in Abia.

“The siting of the Manu-Tech UniPod in Abia speaks eloquently to the institutional faith UNDP and the Federal Government of Nigeria have reposed in our dear State and the potential it holds as an engine of growth and economic prosperity in the region.

The Governor who disclosed that his government supported the UniPod project because it aligns perfectly with the economic development outline of his administration, noted that,

“With the launch of the UniPod, a new interest in qualitative research will develop as scientists, students and everyone connected to the University ecosystem begin to look beyond random and hurried publication of academic papers just to score points for the next promotion cycle.

“The expectation is that research efforts henceforth will be directed at answering questions with practical, everyday applications” Gov. Otti stated.

The Governor thanked all the stakeholders and partners including the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund and the UNDP for their efforts and willpower that gave birth to the transformational project.

“Over the last 3 years, we have found them to be reliable partners which explains our expanding body of joint ventures projects targeting entrepreneurship development, job creation and similar initiatives aimed at opening new layers of economic and social opportunities for our women and young people in particular,” Gov. Otti stated.

The UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, described the launch as part of a broader national innovation ecosystem being developed across Nigeria through the UniPod initiative.

She explained that the programme aims to connect education, research, innovation, enterprise, and manufacturing, enabling Universities to become drivers of economic growth and global competitiveness.

Ms. Attafuah commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Federal Ministry of Education, TETFund, and the Abia State Government for their commitment to innovation-driven development. She particularly extolled Governor Alex Otti for his vision of transforming Abia into Nigeria’s leading hub for manufacturing and industrial innovation.

Earlier in her speech, the Vice-Chancellor of MOUAU, Professor Ursala Akanwa, described the commissioning as a defining moment in the University’s history.

She said the project represents the fulfilment of the institution’s mandate to deploy science, technology, and innovation in advancing agricultural development, manufacturing, and enterprise.

Prof. Akanwa expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, Federal Ministry of Education, UNDP, TETFund, and the Abia State Government for choosing MOUAU to host Nigeria’s first Manufacturing Tech UniPod.

The event was attended by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Meribeole, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, members of the State Executive Council, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders. The Manu-Tech UniPod is expected to provide students, researchers, and entrepreneurs with access to advanced manufacturing equipment, prototyping facilities, and industry mentorship to convert research ideas into market-ready products.

In a bold move aimed at safeguarding lives, enhancing public safety, and strengthening citizen-government engagement, the Abia State Government has commenced comprehensive enforcement of restrictions on commercial motorcycle operations in designated areas of Umuahia, Aba, and Ohafia.

The Abia State government is simultaneously rolling out innovative initiatives designed to deepen security monitoring, improve service delivery, and expand digital connectivity across the state.

Briefing journalists after this week’s State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, said the restriction on commercial motorcycles, popularly known as Okada, forms a critical component of the administration’s broader security strategy to protect residents and prevent criminal activities.

According to him, the policy, though difficult, was adopted in the overriding public interest, stressing that no economic consideration can outweigh the value of human life.
“The safety and security of Abians remain paramount.

Government has a responsibility to ensure that residents can live, work, and move about in a safe and secure environment,” Prince Kanu stated.
He explained that all motorcycles operating within the state, whether for commercial, private, courier, or delivery purposes, must henceforth be registered and documented under an expanded transportation integration programme initiated by the state government over 18 months ago.

To strengthen accountability and security monitoring, registered riders will be issued colour-coded reflective identification vests based on senatorial districts, alongside unique local government identification numbers.
The Abia State Board of Internal Revenue will maintain a comprehensive database of all registered motorcycles.
Prince Kanu emphasized that motorcycles registered for courier and delivery services would not be permitted to carry passengers under any circumstance, while all commercial operators must wear the officially approved state-issued identification vest while operating within approved jurisdictions.

The enforcement exercise will be carried out jointly by the Abia State Harmonized Task Force and security agencies across the state. Government has also designated loading bays in Aba, Umuahia, and Ohafia for the impounding of motorcycles operating in violation of the policy.
As part of implementation guidelines, penalties for violations will take effect from Monday, June 29, 2026. Previously impounded motorcycles may be reclaimed free of charge after 48 hours, subject to proper verification and registration requirements. Government also announced that any penalties collected before the commencement date would be refunded.
Private motorcycles will continue to enjoy unrestricted movement but must be duly registered and documented. They are, however, prohibited from carrying passengers.Penalty is twenty thousand (20,000) for Violators.

To ensure transparency and accountability during enforcement, government has established toll-free complaint channels through which members of the public can report misconduct, extortion, abuse, or infractions by enforcement personnel.

Speaking on the security implications of the initiative, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Navy Commander MacDonald Uba (Rtd.), noted that the registration and colour-coding system would significantly improve monitoring, identification, and intelligence gathering.

“The primary responsibility of any government is the safety and security of its people. Governor Alex Otti is taking proactive steps to prevent the security challenges witnessed in several other states from taking root in Abia,” he said.

Also contributing, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, noted that the restriction was purely a security-driven measure and not targeted at any group or community, recalling that similar policies had existed in previous administrations.

In a complementary move to strengthen governance and citizen participation, the state government announced that its newly established Citizens’ Engagement Centre is ready for commissioning.
Prince Kanu described the facility as a technology-enabled platform approved by Governor Alex Otti to facilitate real-time interaction between government and citizens. The centre will receive complaints, inquiries, suggestions, and feedback from residents and channel them to relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies for prompt resolution.

Beyond improving service delivery, the centre is expected to serve as a strategic data collection and processing hub to support evidence-based policymaking, programme evaluation, and performance monitoring across government institutions.
Chief Information Officer to the Governor, Mr. Gerald Ilukwe, explained that the facility would function as a modern contact centre, enabling citizens to access government services remotely through telephone calls, emails, WhatsApp, and other digital platforms without the need for physical visits.

Further reinforcing the state’s security and development agenda, the government disclosed progress on its strategic partnership with MTN Nigeria to achieve 100 percent voice and broadband data coverage across Abia State.
Prince Kanu said the first phase of the network expansion project is expected to be completed within the next eight to ten weeks, bringing reliable telecommunications services to even the most remote communities.

According to him, the initiative will not only promote social and financial inclusion but also enhance access to healthcare and education while strengthening security through improved communication and emergency response capabilities.
Mr. Ilukwe added that the network densification project would ensure that every community in Abia enjoys dependable connectivity, thereby supporting economic growth and effective governance.
Meanwhile, as part of efforts to promote cultural identity and creative enterprise, the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy will host the Canvas, Culture and Arts Festival 2026 on June 25 at the Michael Okpara Auditorium under the theme “Defining Us.”
The festival will feature art exhibitions, cultural displays, creative engagements, networking opportunities, and interactions with emerging and established artists, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and creative talents of the people of Abia State.

The government reiterated that the motorcycle restriction policy is solely a public safety and security measure designed to protect lives and property and urged residents, transport operators, community leaders, and stakeholders to cooperate with authorities.
“There is no cause for panic. This policy is about protecting lives, preserving peace, and building a safer Abia for everyone,” the government stated.
With the combined implementation of enhanced transportation regulations, digital citizen engagement, expanded telecommunications infrastructure, and sustained public awareness campaigns, the Abia State Government says it is laying the foundation for a safer, more connected, and more prosperous future for all residents.

Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has launched a ₦306 million tech-enabling business grant called NKATA to support businesses across all 17 LGAS of the State.

Speaking while receiving the management team of the Abia State Technology Skills Acquisition Centre, (ATSAC), and unveiling the project, Governor Alex Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and creating sustainable economic opportunities for the youths of the State.

Governor Otti reiterated that the initiative was deliberately designed to accommodate different categories of beneficiaries across the State to ensure inclusiveness and wider access to economic opportunities.

The State Chief Executive noted that a total sum of ₦306 million has been earmarked for the beneficiaries, and maintained that they must meet up with the requirements for benefiting from the project and expressed the hope that the intervention would yield positive results.

“I want to congratulate everyone. The ₦306 million is available, but beneficiaries must meet all the necessary conditions.

“In a few months’ time, I want to hear that this intervention has yielded results, not just in monetary terms, but in job creation, poverty reduction, and empowerment of our people,” Governor Otti stated

The Governor said that the programme aligns with his administration’s vision of building a productive, self-reliant and innovation-driven economy, saying that government has gone forth and back on the issue and is now convinced that it would help to support the youths.

He explained that his administration deliberately chose to invest in productive ventures capable of generating long-term economic value, instead of funding mere consumption.

“We have gone forth and back on this, and we are convinced that this is one of the ways to support and help our people,” Governor Otti stated.

“The easiest way to spend money is to give it to people who consume it, but we will receive value when it is invested, and that investment will yield returns. This is our own way of intervening,” Gov. Otti said.

Governor Otti further disclosed that the grant project forms part of broader economic empowerment initiatives of his administration targeted at equipping Abians with relevant skills and support to become self-reliant and employers of labour.

The Governor said that the goal is to support and train Abia people so that they can become self-reliant and employers on their own, and urged them to utilise the opportunity responsibly by expanding their businesses, creating jobs and contributing meaningfully to the economic growth and development of Abia State.

Presenting the project earlier, the Director-General, Abia State Technological Skills Acquisition Centre (ATSAC), Mr Peter Ukonu,
described the programme as a strategic intervention aimed at supporting businesses, reducing poverty and creating employment opportunities across the State.

He explains that the NKATA, which adopts a different structure by deploying support through technology providers, rather than giving cash, was deliberately designed to ensure that technology resources are utilised for business expansion and productivity rather than diverted to other personal expenditures.

“We are not giving cash to businesses directly. We are actually doing so through technology service providers,” Ukonu added.

He said that the programme brings together business technology service providers and mentors to drive digital tools, automation and AI, adding that the goal is to help Abia businesses move from survival to growth, improve productivity, create jobs and build a new generation of technology-enabling businesses.

Mr. Ukonu, who revealed that technology companies, software firms, hardware suppliers and internet providers would participate as service providers, while mentors, including those in the diaspora, would guide businesses in developing viable proposals and matching technological needs with solutions, explained that those eligible for the scheme are all Abia residents, who do business and pay taxes in Abia.