FG Describes Abia as Ideal Location for Manufacturing Technology Innovation Hub

By Peter Okore, Umuahia

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

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 commended Governor Otti for his visionary leadership, particularly the provision of uninterrupted electricity in the state’s industrial clusters, describing it as critical to sustaining manufacturing and economic growth.

According to him, the UNDP could not have selected 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 praised the governor’s investment in education and human capital development, noting that the state’s improving educational indices reflected deliberate and focused leadership.

Responding, Governor Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to leveraging 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.

Expressing satisfaction with the successful delivery of the project, Otti congratulated the Federal Government, the UNDP and other stakeholders for making the initiative a reality in Abia.

“We are very glad that the UniPod project is being commissioned today. I congratulate all those who made this possible,” he said.

The governor said the innovation hub would serve as a catalyst for technological advancement and economic transformation, enabling local businesses to compete nationally and across Africa.

He 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 completing and uploading students’ data onto 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 stated.

Speaking earlier, UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Regional Director for Africa, Mrs. Ahunna Eziakonwa, applauded Governor Otti’s passion for education and development, describing the UniPod initiative as a practical demonstration of the United Nations’ commitment to delivering impactful development programmes.

“I knew after meeting with you that education is in safe hands in Nigeria. We are excited because this project represents how the United Nations wishes to impact lives—not merely by talking about development, but by seeing it grow on the ground,” she said.

Also speaking, the UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, commended Otti’s visionary leadership and commitment to innovation and digital transformation.

She said the Manufacturing Technology Innovation Hub aligns with the broader objective of nurturing talent, creativity, entrepreneurship and the knowledge economy, adding that it would help transform ideas into prototypes and businesses into thriving industries.

Attafuah further expressed appreciation for the collaboration extended to the United Nations by the Abia State Government, saying the partnership would continue to promote innovation-driven development in the state and across Nigeria.