Otti Unveils Plan to Promote Made-in-Aba Products, Expands Fashion Programme
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has announced plans to launch an integrated campaign aimed at promoting made-in-Aba products, with a focus on fashion and lifestyle accessories.
The governor disclosed this 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 of Ethnocentrique Limited in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and the Abia State Government.
Otti said the campaign, expected to roll out in the coming weeks, would spotlight the creativity of local entrepreneurs and emphasize the economic advantages of locally made goods over imported alternatives.
He also directed the immediate deployment of resources to ensure the ENASCO facility operates at full capacity, alongside increased funding to develop and equip production hubs across the state, particularly in Aba.
“This campaign will highlight the creative output of our local entrepreneurs and the economic benefits of their products,” the governor said, noting that the fashion industry would be a key beneficiary due to the state’s comparative advantage.
Commending the organisers, Otti described the graduation of the trainees as a significant milestone in skills development and enterprise growth. He said the programme had demonstrated an effective model for talent incubation and business exposure.
“The Fashion Future Programme represents a holistic empowerment approach that expands the capacity of individuals to innovate and create,” he added.
The governor also hinted at plans to expand the programme’s reach, revealing that discussions would soon begin with partners to increase the number of beneficiaries from 4,000 to about 8,000.
He urged government officials overseeing the initiative to remain committed to supporting participants, noting that their entrepreneurial journey was just beginning.
Otti further said the initiative would contribute to reducing unemployment and poverty, while boosting the state’s gross domestic product and internally generated revenue.
In her remarks, Country Director of the Mastercard Foundation, Rosy Fynn, commended the governor’s commitment to economic empowerment and praised the partnership driving the programme.
Earlier, Chief Executive Officer of Ethnocentrique Limited, Irunna Ejibe, said the 2026 edition of the programme, tagged “Ahia 360,” was designed to equip young people with production skills while positioning Aba-made products for export.
Ejibe noted that the initiative also catered to persons living with disabilities, including the deaf and non-verbal, enabling them to achieve economic independence.
The event attracted dignitaries and featured fashion parades and exhibitions of clothing produced by the graduates.