Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has announced plans to launch a comprehensive campaign to promote Made-in-Aba products, with a strong focus on fashion and lifestyle goods produced in the commercial city.
The governor disclosed that the initiative, expected to be rolled out in the coming weeks, is aimed at showcasing the creativity of local entrepreneurs and strengthening the market for indigenous products.
Otti made this known on Wednesday at the Enyimba International Stadium during the graduation ceremony of 4,000 trainees from Cohorts 3 and 4 of the Fashion Future Programme (FFP), an initiative implemented by Ethnocentrique Limited in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and the Abia State Government.
He said the forthcoming campaign would spotlight the quality and economic value of Aba-made products, positioning them to compete favourably with imported alternatives.
“This campaign will highlight the creative output of our local entrepreneurs and the extensive economic benefits of their offerings over foreign competition,” Otti said.
The governor also directed that all necessary resources be deployed to ensure the full operational capacity of the ENASCO production facility, as part of efforts to boost manufacturing and support small-scale producers.
He added that government would invest in developing and equipping production hubs across the state, particularly in Aba, noting that the fashion sector would remain a key beneficiary due to its strategic importance to the state’s economy.
Otti commended the organisers of the Fashion Future Programme for successfully training thousands of young people, describing the initiative as a model for sustainable empowerment.
“The successful graduation of our sons and daughters from the Fashion Future Programme is a landmark achievement. This initiative has proven to be a masterclass in talent incubation, business development and enterprise exposure,” he said.
According to him, the programme represents a shift toward a more holistic empowerment model that not only builds technical skills but also nurtures creativity and innovation among young people.
He noted that the choice of Aba as the programme’s hub underscores a genuine commitment to harnessing the city’s long-standing reputation as a centre for craftsmanship and enterprise.
“It is indeed fulfilling that the project is looking beyond talent development to the entire value chain — from craft to the marketplace, boardroom to policy spaces, connecting dreamers, platforms and financiers,” the governor stated.
Otti further revealed that the state government is in talks with programme partners to expand the initiative from the current 4,000 participants to about 8,000 beneficiaries in future phases.
He said the expansion would contribute to reducing unemployment, tackling poverty and boosting economic productivity, while also increasing the state’s internally generated revenue.
“This is one of the ways to engage our youth, reduce unemployment and improve the economic outlook of our state,” he added.
The governor urged officials overseeing the programme to remain committed to supporting beneficiaries beyond the training phase, noting that their journey into entrepreneurship may present challenges.
Also speaking, the Country Director of the Mastercard Foundation, Rosy Fynn, commended the Abia State Government for its commitment to youth empowerment and economic development, describing the partnership as impactful.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of Ethnocentrique Limited, Irunna Ejibe, said the programme, themed “Ahia 360,” was designed to equip participants with practical skills while positioning them for global opportunities.
She explained that the initiative goes beyond training to identifying talents capable of producing export-ready goods, thereby enhancing the global recognition of Aba and Abia State.
Ejibe also highlighted the programme’s inclusiveness, noting that persons living with disabilities, including the deaf and non-verbal, were among the beneficiaries and have been empowered to achieve economic independence.
The event attracted dignitaries from across sectors and featured exhibitions of garments and accessories produced by the graduates, underscoring the growing potential of Aba’s creative industry.