The Abia State Government has declared its readiness to partner with the Republic of Uganda and other countries, bodies and agencies to enhance micro, small and medium scale enterprises (MSMEs).
Governor Alex Oti disclosed this on Thursday last week when he received a delegation from the Ugandan High Commission led by the country’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Philip Ocham Odida, who called on him in his office.
The state Chief Executive said his administration has been deliberate about supporting MSMEs as it is the backbone of the state economy, as Abia remains the leading state in micro, small and medium scale enterprises (MSMEs).
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“When it concerns MSMEs, the capital is here (Abia), and we are not arrogant about it; that is the truth.
“If you're looking for people who are entrepreneurial, who are creative, talented people, people who can build anything, they may not be as sophisticated, but they can build it, and then over time, they can become experts as well.
Governor Oti said, “You need not look further than Aba and Abia State, and since the establishment of this government, exactly 29 months ago, we have been deliberate about supporting MSMEs, because we know it is the backbone of our state’s economy.”
The Governor noted that Abia has a productive population of about 4.8 million people who are talented and good at crafts ranging from shoes, clothing and high quality fashion, who can compete favorably with other producers around the world.
The Governor said the Abians are so enterprising that they do not need palliatives and support, but only need support in the context of an enabling environment.
“We also understand that our people are not people who are looking for palliatives or relief, they are people who just want the government to create the enabling environment, and they will take it and run.
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“We are being deliberate and focused on building infrastructure, making the place safe, cleaning the environment and providing electricity as continuously as possible.
“And doing everything to move our businesses forward. I am happy that in two years and a few months, a lot of things have changed,” Governor Oti said.
The Governor of Abia State directed relevant government officials to sit down with the Ugandan High Commissioner's team and work out the details of the proposed collaboration.
“Trade is one thing, but I think beyond trade, there is partnership. That's what I want us to focus on. What are the things that our people need? What are the things that we have that your people need? How can we now move from there to exchange ideas to work together for the benefit of Nigeria and Uganda?”
The Governor thanked the guest for acknowledging the modest efforts of his administration and assured that he would continue his efforts to create an enabling environment for businesses to do well.
Ugandan High Commissioner Philip Okem Odida revealed that he was in the state to explore ways of partnering with Abia to build a sustainable and mutually beneficial economic bridge between Abia State and the Republic of Uganda.
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He described Abia State as an emerging hub of innovation, enterprise and economic dynamism in Nigeria and said his mission in the state is to explore concrete avenues for economic cooperation between Abia and Uganda, especially in the MSME sector, which is the backbone of every economy.
The High Commissioner praised the visionary leadership style of Governor Alex Oti, describing him as a model of good governance.
He commended his prudent financial management and successful industrial revival, revealing that it is his achievements that have attracted them to explore partnership with Abia State.
