The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has expressed strong confidence in Abia State’s potential to lead Africa’s industrial resurgence, citing visionary leadership and strategic initiatives within the state.

UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Elsie Attafuah, made this statement during the official launch and commissioning of the Aba Export Growth Lab at Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, located in the commercial hub of Aba, Abia State.

Attafuah highlighted the South East’s potential to emerge as a regional center for productivity, investment, and employment through the newly unveiled project. She commended the commitment of Governor Alex Otti and assured UNDP’s continued support for the initiative.

Governor Otti, in his address, emphasized that the Export Growth Lab was designed to empower local entrepreneurs to produce goods that meet global standards.

“If you can’t compete globally, don’t even try, because you’ll simply be wasting your time,” the governor said. He cited Japan’s post-war industrial development through export as an example and stressed the importance of transforming Aba-made products into globally marketable commodities.

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He urged those managing the lab to enforce strict quality standards, insisting that substandard products must not be allowed to pass.

In her goodwill message, NEXIM Bank representative Nkeiru Ezenwanne reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting projects that promote export diversification and drive economic growth. She pledged NEXIM’s partnership in advancing sustainable job creation through key value chains.

Commissioner for Industry and SMEs, Mike Akpara, earlier explained that the Export Growth Lab was established to open global market access for local entrepreneurs, enabling them to scale their businesses beyond Abia’s borders.

LUKMAN ABDULMALIK
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