Otti Urges Igbo Traders to Embrace Manufacturing

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has called on Igbo entrepreneurs to transition from traditional brick-and-mortar retail to manufacturing and digital commerce to maintain a competitive edge in the evolving global economy.

Speaking on Monday in Umuahia during the Igbo Day Lecture and Dinner organised by Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Otti emphasised that Abia State is actively pivoting its economic focus.

Addressing concerns about foreign competition in local retail sectors, he declared that regional traders must upgrade their business models rather than fight for low-level retail dominance.

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“We are leaving that physical store for digital delivery. So, when somebody talked about Alibaba, that is exactly where we are headed,” Otti stated.

Otti urges Igbo traders to embrace manufacturing (News Central TV) — Abia State Governor Alex Otti. Credit: Leadership Newspapers

The governor highlighted that his administration is aggressively funding tech infrastructure and youth skill acquisition through programmes like the TechRise initiative, which already enables local youths to work remotely for international technology firms from Aba.

He warned that businesses must adapt to modern digital channels or risk global obsolescence.

Aligning his vision with the event’s theme, “Njikọ Ka” (Unity is Supreme), Otti assured Ohanaeze Ndigbo leadership of continuous state backing while reiterating his commitment to transforming Abia into a regional industrial hub.

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Abisoye Adeyiga

Abisoye Adedoyin Adeyiga holds a PhD in Languages and Media Studies and a Master’s in Education (English Language). Trained in digital marketing and investigative journalism, she is passionate about new media’s transformative power. She enjoys reading, traveling, and meaningful conversations.