Otti Unveils ‘Made-in-Aba’ Campaign, Targets Expansion Of Youth Empowerment To 8,000 Beneficiaries
Abia State Governor, Alex Chioma Otti, has announced plans to launch a comprehensive campaign aimed at promoting Made-in-Aba products, with a strong focus on the state’s thriving fashion and lifestyle sector.
The governor disclosed this on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, during the graduation ceremony of 4,000 trainees from Cohorts 3 and 4 of the Fashion Future Programme (FFP), held at the Enyimba International Stadium.
Governor Otti said the campaign, expected to roll out in the coming weeks, would spotlight the creativity and economic potential of local entrepreneurs, particularly those based in Aba, widely regarded as the commercial hub of the state.
He emphasized that his administration would commit the necessary resources to fully operationalize the ENASCO facility, while also investing in the development and equipping of production hubs across the state.
According to him, the initiative would not only showcase the ingenuity of local producers but also strengthen their competitiveness against foreign goods, noting that the fashion industry would remain a key beneficiary due to the state’s comparative advantage.
The governor described the Fashion Future Programme—an initiative of Ethnocentrique Limited in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and the Abia State Government—as a significant milestone in youth empowerment and skills development.
He commended the programme’s structure and delivery model, noting that it represents a holistic approach to human capital development by equipping participants with the skills to innovate, create, and build sustainable enterprises.
Congratulating the 4,000 graduates, Governor Otti said the choice of Aba as the programme’s base underscores a genuine commitment to nurturing talent and positioning local designers for global relevance.
He further revealed plans to engage with programme partners on expanding the initiative from its initial 2,000 participants to 4,000, and potentially to about 8,000 beneficiaries in future cohorts.
“This is one of the most effective ways to engage our youth, reduce unemployment and poverty, and ultimately boost the state’s internally generated revenue,” the governor stated.
Als
o speaking, the Country Director of the Mastercard Foundation, Rosy Fynn, praised the Abia State Government for its commitment to economic development and youth empowerment, describing the collaboration as impactful and results-driven.
In her remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of Ethnocentrique Limited, Irunna Ejibe, said the 2026 edition of the programme, themed “Ahia 360,” is designed to go beyond skills acquisition by helping participants develop export-ready products and gain global visibility.
She noted that the initiative also prioritizes inclusivity, with persons living with disabilities, including individuals who are deaf or non-verbal, benefiting from the training and gaining pathways to economic independence.
The event featured exhibitions and runway showcases of fashion items produced by the trainees, drawing a wide array of dignitaries and stakeholders from across the creative and economic sectors.
The Fashion Future Programme continues to be recognised as a strategic platform for unlocking the potential of Aba’s creative industry and driving sustainable economic growth in Abia State.
