Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has urged Igbo traders to move beyond conventional trading and embrace manufacturing and digital commerce to remain competitive in the global economy.
Otti made the call on Monday in Umuahia at the Igbo Day Lecture and Dinner organised by Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, with the theme, “The Igbo Charter and Development of Ala Igbo.”
The governor said Abia and the Igbo people, traditionally renowned for trading, were gradually shifting towards manufacturing and technology-driven commerce.
Reacting to concerns over the growing presence of Chinese traders in retail businesses in Lagos, Otti said the way forward was for Igbo entrepreneurs to move beyond conventional trading.
He said, “We are leaving that level of trading. In Abia, we have markets. The markets are important. But we are moving from that level of marketing to manufacturing.
“So, this government is supporting manufacturing and driving digital delivery. We are leaving that physical store for digital delivery. So, when somebody talked about Alibaba, that is exactly where we are
headed.”Otti said digital commerce would give Abia entrepreneurs the opportunity to compete in the global marketplace rather than depend solely on physical stores.
He said, “So, why are the Chinese coming to compete with us? We are moving away from there. And it’s going to start in Abia.
“So, Abia is both manufacturing and trading. But we are moving from conventional trading to digital trading. That is where the world is going. You either embrace it, or you risk being left behind.”
The governor also disclosed that his administration was investing in digital skills development for young people, adding that some beneficiaries of the state’s TechRise initiative were already working remotely for global technology companies from Aba.
Otti assured the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo of his administration’s continued support and described the theme of the celebration, “Njikọ Ka,” meaning “Unity is Supreme,” as appropriate.
He said his administration had established a foundation for the development of Abia and would continue to pursue initiatives aimed at transforming the state.
