….Governor Alex Otti Positions State for Technology-Driven Economic Revolution

Abia State has received a major vote of confidence from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Federal Government, with Governor Alex Otti reaffirming his administration’s commitment to deploying technology, innovation and digital transformation as the cornerstone of sustainable economic growth, industrial expansion and educational excellence.

The declaration came as Governor Otti received the UNDP delegation led by the Assistant Secretary-General and Regional Director for Africa, Mrs. Ahunna Eziakonwa, alongside representatives of Vice President Kashim Shettima, led by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, ahead of the official commissioning of the Manufacturing Technology Innovation Hub (UniPod) at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike.

The high-profile visit underscored Abia’s growing national and international recognition as a leading destination for innovation, manufacturing and enterprise development, with stakeholders describing the State as the most suitable location for the landmark technology hub.
Governor Otti described the UniPod project as a transformative investment that would bridge the gap between research, innovation and industry while empowering young innovators, supporting small and medium enterprises, strengthening indigenous manufacturers and accelerating Abia’s transition into a technology-powered economy.
“We are very glad that the UniPod project is being commissioned today. We congratulate everyone who made it possible and assure you that the Abia State Government will provide every support required to ensure that the project delivers meaningful impact on our people, our industrialists, SMEs and the technology ecosystem,” the Governor said.

He stressed that his administration remains unwavering in its determination to make technology the engine of governance, economic competitiveness and educational advancement, noting that the State has assembled some of the country’s finest technology experts to drive its digital transformation agenda.
Governor Otti also reaffirmed Abia’s readiness to meet the Federal Government’s July 31 deadline for uploading student records onto the Digital Nigeria Education Management Information System (D-NEMIS), describing digital education as central to building a globally competitive workforce.
In a strong endorsement of the Governor’s leadership, Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, declared that the UNDP could not have selected a better State for the Manufacturing Technology Innovation Hub, describing Abia as Nigeria’s manufacturing heartbeat.

He credited Governor Otti’s visionary leadership, particularly the provision of uninterrupted electricity across industrial clusters, as a game-changing achievement capable of sustaining manufacturing growth, attracting investment and creating jobs.
“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,” the Minister stated.
The UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Regional Director for Africa, Mrs. Ahunna Eziakonwa, equally applauded Governor Otti’s unwavering commitment to education and human development, describing the UniPod initiative as a practical demonstration of the United Nations’ resolve to deliver measurable development that transforms lives.
She expressed confidence that the project would nurture innovation, unlock opportunities for young people and stimulate inclusive economic development across the State.

Also speaking, the UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, praised Governor Otti’s visionary approach to innovation and digital transformation, noting that the Manufacturing Technology Innovation Hub would cultivate talent, promote entrepreneurship, support research and transform creative ideas into globally competitive businesses.
She appreciated the strong partnership between the Abia State Government and the United Nations, expressing confidence that the collaboration would continue to position Abia as a model for innovation-driven development in Nigeria and across Africa.

The meeting reinforced the State’s collective commitment to harnessing innovation as a catalyst for economic prosperity, industrial competitiveness and inclusive development.

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.

…Federal-State Partnership Driving Infrastructure Revolution, Economic Growth in Abia — Sunday Dare

A high-powered Presidential Media Team under the Renewed Hope National Media Tour Initiative has commended the transformative impact of key Federal Government projects in Abia State, describing them as critical interventions that are enhancing infrastructure, connectivity, housing, transportation, and economic growth across the South-East region.

The team, which visited ongoing and completed projects executed through the collaboration between the Federal Government and the Abia State Government, noted that the projects are not only benefiting Abia residents but are also serving millions of Nigerians across neighbouring states.

The Presidency has therefore commended the remarkable transformation taking place in Abia State under the administration of Governor Alex Otti. They describe the state’s numerous development as a shining example of how collaboration between the Federal Government and state governments can accelerate national development and improve the lives of citizens.

This commendation came at the conclusion of the two-day Renewed Hope National Media Tour undertaken by a high-powered Presidential Media Team led by the Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, Mr. Sunday Dare.
The media tour, which took journalists and government officials across strategic federal and state-owned projects in Abia, showcased the impact of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the growing partnership between the Federal Government and the Abia State Government in delivering critical infrastructure and economic development initiatives.
At the heart of the tour was the rehabilitation of the Abia Tower–Aba section of the Port Harcourt–Enugu Expressway, one of Nigeria’s most strategic interstate highways funded through the Federal Government’s Sukuk programme.
The road serves as a vital economic corridor linking Abia, Imo, Rivers, Ebonyi and Enugu States, facilitating the movement of goods, services and millions of commuters across the South-East and South-South regions.
Speaking during the inspection, the Federal Controller of Works in Abia State, Engr. Chidi Uwaeziozi, described the project as a critical economic lifeline for businesses, farmers, transport operators and investors.
According to him, the road features modern engineering specifications, including an extensive service lane designed to withstand heavy commercial traffic and the unique environmental challenges associated with Aba’s terrain.
He noted that the expressway forms part of a broader 56.1-kilometre federal road network incorporating multiple carriageways aimed at enhancing safety, reducing travel time and boosting economic activities.

Speaking during the tour, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, stated that the selection of Abia as one of the pilot states for the Renewed Hope Media Tour reflects the cordial and productive relationship existing between the Federal Government and Governor Alex Otti’s administration.

According to him, the growing partnership has continued to attract critical development projects to the state, including the airport project, the Renewed Hope Housing Estates, and other interventions spread across the 17 local government areas.

Prince Kanu emphasized that the administration of Governor Alex Otti remains committed to strengthening partnerships that deliver tangible benefits to the people, accelerate infrastructure development, stimulate economic growth, and improve living standards across the state.

The Presidential Team also inspected the ongoing Abia International Airport Project at Nsulu in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area, a landmark initiative jointly executed by the Federal Government and the Abia State Government.
The airport, initially conceived as a cargo facility, was upgraded to an international airport to position Abia as a major aviation, logistics and investment hub in the South-East.
Addressing journalists at the project site, the Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije, disclosed that the airport occupies over 1,025 hectares of land acquired by the state on behalf of the Federal Government.
He explained that while the Abia State Government is responsible for constructing the runway, the Federal Government is undertaking the construction of the terminal building.
The Commissioner further revealed that compensation for landowners within the runway corridor has been fully paid, while compensation processes for other affected areas are nearing completion.
The Airport Coordinator and Special Assistant to the Governor on Lands and Housing, Pastor Okorougo Aji, expressed confidence that the project would be completed within the projected timeline, noting that significant progress has already been recorded with extensive earthworks, runway clearing, cutting, filling and compaction activities currently ongoing.
Another major federal intervention showcased during the tour was the Renewed Hope Housing Estate Project being executed by the Federal Housing Authority (FHA).
The two seperate housing schemes in Umuahia and Onuinya Bende, comprise 200 housing units each. The FHA Umuahia project is on 100 hectares of land provided by the Abia State Government and also forms part of President Tinubu’s nationwide strategy to address Nigeria’s housing deficit and expand access to affordable housing.

The project is expected to generate employment opportunities, stimulate local businesses, improve housing access and enhance the quality of life of residents.
Speaking during the tour, the Abia State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, noted that the selection of Abia as one of the pilot states for the Renewed Hope National Media Tour was a testament to the cordial and productive relationship existing between President Tinubu’s administration and Governor Alex Otti’s government.
According to him, the partnership has continued to attract critical federal interventions into the state while complementing the administration’s aggressive infrastructure renewal programme.
Beyond the federal projects, the Presidential Media Team witnessed a series of transformative state-funded projects that have reshaped the infrastructure landscape of Abia State.

Among them is the 67-kilometre Umuahia–Uzuakoli–Akara–Alayi–Abiriba–Ohafia Road, a major arterial highway entirely reconstructed by the Abia State Government after decades of neglect.
The road now provides seamless connectivity between communities in Abia Central and Abia North Senatorial Zones, opening up agrarian communities, facilitating trade and enhancing access to social services.
The team also inspected the newly reconstructed four-lane Tower–Onuimo Road, now named Dr. Uma Ukpai Road, the iconic Omenuko Bridge, the Ozuabam–Ndiokereke–Amuvi Road in Arochukwu, and the state-of-the-art Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal in Umuahia.

The Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal is designed as a modern transportation hub integrating different modes of transportation and improving passenger convenience and safety.
The Presidential delegation equally visited the ongoing power restoration project in Ohafia, where the Abia State Government has completed a 20-kilometre 33KV power line from Ihechiowa to Ebem, terminating at a newly installed 7.5MVA injection substation.
The Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday, disclosed that the project is aimed at restoring electricity to communities that have remained in darkness for over eight years due to vandalism and infrastructure collapse.

He further revealed that the government is in the final stages of acquiring a majority stake in the Abia operations of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), a move expected to significantly improve electricity supply across the state.
Speaking at the conclusion of the tour, Mr. Sunday Dare described the scale of transformation in Abia as impressive and inspiring.
“It is really impressive to see that a state like Abia is experiencing this level of transformation. From roads to transportation, housing, electrification and other critical infrastructure, Governor Alex Otti is addressing the fundamentals of development.

“The collaboration between the Federal Government and the Abia State Government is commendable. Governance is about partnership, not political differences. When leaders focus on development instead of politics, the people benefit,” Dare stated.
He noted that the partnership between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Alex Otti demonstrates that sustainable development can be achieved when governments at different levels work together in the interest of the people.
Observers on the tour noted that the combination of strategic federal interventions and ambitious state-led projects is rapidly positioning Abia as one of Nigeria’s emerging destinations for investment, commerce, industrialisation and sustainable development.
As the Renewed Hope National Media Tour concluded, stakeholders expressed optimism that the strengthened partnership between the Presidency and the Abia State Government would continue to deliver transformative projects capable of unlocking the state’s vast economic potential and improving the welfare of its people.

From roads and housing to transportation, aviation and power infrastructure, the message from the Presidency was clear: Abia is witnessing a development renaissance driven by purposeful leadership, strategic collaboration and a shared commitment to progress.