Alex Otti on Monday unveiled a ₦306 million technology-driven business support initiative known as NKATA, aimed at empowering businesses across the 17 local government areas of Abia State.
Speaking during the presentation of the project alongside the management team of the Abia State Technology Skills Acquisition Centre, the governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurs and creating lasting economic opportunities for young people in the state.
Otti explained that the programme was carefully structured to accommodate different categories of beneficiaries, ensuring that people across various communities have access to the intervention.
He disclosed that ₦306 million had already been set aside for the initiative, stressing that beneficiaries must satisfy the necessary requirements before accessing the support.
“I congratulate all prospective beneficiaries. The funds are available, but everyone must meet the required conditions. In the coming months, we expect to see visible results from this intervention through job creation, poverty reduction and economic empowerment,” he said.
The governor noted that the initiative aligns with his administration’s vision of building a self-reliant, productive and innovation-driven economy.
According to him, the government thoroughly reviewed the project before concluding that it would provide meaningful support for youths and small business owners in the state.
“We carefully examined the programme and became convinced that it is one of the practical ways to assist our people,” Otti stated.
He added that his administration intentionally chose to invest in ventures capable of generating long-term economic value rather than distributing money for immediate consumption.
“The easiest thing is to share money for consumption, but real value comes when funds are invested into businesses that can produce returns and improve livelihoods. This is our own intervention strategy,” the governor added.
Otti further explained that the grant forms part of broader economic empowerment efforts targeted at equipping Abians with relevant skills, financial support and opportunities to become self-sufficient and employers of labour.
He urged beneficiaries to make proper use of the opportunity by expanding their businesses, creating employment and contributing positively to the economic growth of Abia State.
Earlier, the Director-General of the Abia State Technological Skills Acquisition Centre, Peter Ukonu, described NKATA as a strategic initiative designed to reduce poverty, support businesses and stimulate employment across the state.
He explained that the programme differs from regular grant schemes because support would be provided through technology vendors and service providers instead of direct cash disbursement.
According to him, the structure was intentionally designed to ensure that technology resources are channelled towards business growth and productivity rather than diverted for personal use.