Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has unveiled plans for a statewide campaign to promote Made-in-Aba products, while signalling an expansion of a major fashion empowerment initiative aimed at boosting youth employment and local industry.
The governor said the campaign, expected to begin in the coming weeks, will focus on showcasing the quality and competitiveness of Aba-made fashion and lifestyle products, positioning them for greater acceptance in both domestic and international markets.
Otti spoke on Wednesday at the Enyimba International Stadium during the graduation of 4,000 participants from Cohorts 3 and 4 of the Fashion Future Programme (FFP), a partnership involving Ethnocentrique Limited, the Mastercard Foundation and the Abia State Government.
According to him, the initiative will highlight the creativity and economic value of locally produced goods, while encouraging patronage of indigenous brands.
“This campaign will highlight the creative output of our local entrepreneurs and the extensive economic benefits of their offerings over foreign competition,” he said.
The governor also directed that resources be deployed to ensure full operational capacity of the ENASCO facility, as part of broader efforts to strengthen production and industrial output within the state.
He further disclosed plans to upgrade and equip production hubs, particularly in Aba, noting that the fashion sector would receive priority attention due to its strong growth potential.
Commending the organisers of the programme, Otti described the training as a practical model for empowering young people through skills development and enterprise support.
“This initiative has proven to be a masterclass in talent incubation, business development and enterprise exposure,” he said, adding that it reflects a more holistic approach to empowerment that encourages creativity and innovation.
The governor noted that Aba’s selection as the programme’s focal point reinforces its reputation as a hub for craftsmanship and entrepreneurship, adding that the initiative connects participants to opportunities across the value chain.
He revealed that discussions are ongoing with partners to scale up the programme from 4,000 to about 8,000 beneficiaries in subsequent phases, as part of efforts to deepen its impact.
According to him, expanding the initiative would help address unemployment, reduce poverty and stimulate economic growth, while boosting internally generated revenue.
“This is one of the ways to engage our youth and improve the economic outlook of the state,” Otti said.
He also urged officials supervising the programme to continue supporting beneficiaries beyond the training phase, noting that sustained mentorship is critical to long-term success.
In her remarks, the Country Director of the Mastercard Foundation, Rosy Fynn, commended the state government for its commitment to youth empowerment and economic transformation.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of Ethnocentrique Limited, Irunna Ejibe, said the programme, themed “Ahia 360,” was designed to equip participants with skills for producing export-ready goods and positioning Aba as a global fashion hub.
She added that the initiative was inclusive, with persons living with disabilities among the beneficiaries, many of whom have now acquired skills to achieve financial independence.
The event featured exhibitions and fashion displays by the graduates, highlighting the growing potential of Aba’s creative industry as a driver of economic development.
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