Vice President Kashim Shettima has described Abia State as ideal location for manufacturing, technology and innovation hub in Nigeria, citing its long-standing reputation as a manufacturing axis.
Shettima stated this when a delegation from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) led by its assistant secretary-general, Ahunna Eziakonwa and himself visited Governor Alex Otti in his office.
The visit was ahead of the official launch of the Manufacturing Technology Innovation Hub (UniPod) at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU).
Represented by the minister for Education, Marouf Alausa, Shettima commended Otti for his visionary leadership, particularly the provision of uninterrupted electricity in the state’s industrial clusters
According to the vice president, “Governor Alex Otti has shown that Nigeria can emulate what Abia has done in providing 24-hour electricity to support industry and development.”
He also lauded Otti’s commitment to education and human capital development, noting that impressive educational indices emerging from the state were evidence of deliberate and focused leadership.
In his remarks, the assistant secretary-general, who is also the UNDP regional director for Africa, lauded the governor’s commitment and passion for education and development.
She described the UniPod initiative as a practical demonstration of the United Nations’ commitment to touching lives through impactful development programmes.
”We are excited because this project represents how the United Nations wishes to impact lives – not merely by talking about development, but by seeing it grow on the ground,” she added.
In his response, Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to leveraging technology and innovation to drive economic growth, improve education and empower entrepreneurs across the state.
”We are very glad that the UniPod project is being commissioned today. I congratulate all those who made this possible, particularly Elsie Attafuah and her team, together with members of our Executive Council.
“We are happy that it is happening. We will provide every support required to ensure that it begins to impact our people, support our industrialists, small and medium scale enterprises and those involved in technology,” he assured.
He added that the government was determined to ensure the hub serves as a catalyst for technological advancement and economic transformation, enabling local businesses to compete nationally and across Africa.
Earlier, the UNDP resident representative in the country, Elsie Attafuah, said the initiative would help transform ideas into prototypes and businesses into thriving industries.
She lauded the state government’s support for the United Nations family, saying the partnership will continue to advance innovation-driven development across the country.
