09/07/2025
ABA EXPORT GROWTH LAB OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED
Despite the heavy downpour on Tuesday, 8th July 2025, His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex C. Otti, OFR, demonstrated exceptional commitment to Abians and the Made-in-Aba vision by personally attending the official launch of the Aba Export Growth Lab (AEGL) and Export Challenge Framing Workshop, held at the ICT Complex, Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba.
Dr. Otti, alongside the UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Elsie G. Attafuah, was warmly received by a large crowd including top government officials, the Polytechnic Rector, members of the academic community, and entrepreneurs from across the state, all gathered in spite of the rain. The Aba Export Growth Lab, a strategic initiative in partnership with Transaharan Market Access Consulting, aims to drive export readiness in Abia.
The event continued with a goodwill message from Mrs. Nkeiru Ezenwanne, representative of the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), followed by an insightful presentation by Mr. Francis Anatogu, CEO of Transaharan Consulting. In line with the launching, Governor Otti also conducted a detailed inspection of the exhibition on Display.
In his remarks, the Governor noted that Aba has long needed targeted support to fully unlock its industrial potential. He emphasized that the Lab will help structure production to meet international standards, adding that “any product unfit for the global market should not be passed.”
Furthermore, Ms. Elsie G. Attafuah, whose presence added colour to the event, expressed her gratitude to the Governor for bringing her to Aba for the first time. She described Aba as “a hub of creativity and resilience”, and stressed the city’s potential to drive Africa’s industrial growth. She also reaffirmed UNDP’s full commitment to the success of the project, noting that the Southeast could emerge as a regional hub for productivity and job creation.
In conclusion, Governor Otti appreciated Abians, his team members, Dr. Christopher Okoro Kalu (Rector of the Polytechnic) and Mr. Stanley Egege (Chairman of the Governing Council), for their roles in making the project a reality.
Justice Michael
Reporting For Elephant Radio & TV
