TECHNOLOGY, DIGITAL COMMERCE: KEY TO FUTURE OF IGBO BUSINESSES ~ GOV OTTI

By Ezechukwu Adimoha

The Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, says his administration is changing the state’s entire business landscape from conventional trading to digital commerce as the future of businesses globally lies in technology and digital delivery.

Governor Otti who stated this at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, during a public lecture hosted by the state government in collaboration with the Leadership of Ohaneze Ndigbo as part of activities marking the 2026 World Igbo Day Celebration on the theme: “Njiko ka” said Abia under him is deliberately shifting its economic focus towards manufacturing and technology-driven commerce as to remain relevant in today’s 21st century business.

The Governor, who responded to concerns over the increasing presence of Chinese traders competing with Igbo entrepreneurs in retail businesses in Lagos, said all that Igbo business owners needs at the moment is to leverage the technology space to move their businesses to the next level or be thrown out of business.

The Governor, who assured the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo , of his administration’s support, described the theme of the celebration, “Njikọ Ka,” as apt,as it reflects the importance of unity in diversity.

In his keynote Lecture presented virtually, entitled:”Igbo Charter of strategic Engagement for National Development “the Chairman of the Igbo Charter Committee Professor Kingsley Moghalu, said that, the Igbo Charter must be separated by party politics and should be a non-partisan roadmap for development, driven by merit, accountability and measurable targets.

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  Kingsley Mogalu

He identified key issues including promoting the Igbo language, creating a digital marketplace, strengthening diaspora engagement, improving security and investment, and shifting from dependence on remittances to productive investments as key components of the Igbo charter.

Prince Okey Kanu

In his welcome speech, the President General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta- Mbata said that the Igbo Lecture and Dinner with the topic, “The Igbo Charter and Development of AlaIgbo” was convened to fully harness the collective strength of Ndigbo through a unified development strategy.

He noted that the Igbo people, despite their individual brilliance, enterprise, industry and resilience, are yet to achieve their aim and stressed that, the Igbo Charter was designed to address the gap by providing a documented framework for engaging the Nigerian state and the wider world.

The Chairman on the occasion,Chief Onyema Ugochukwu saluted the Governor Otti for what he described as a feat that seemed impossible over the years and commended the leadership of Ohaneze Ndigbo for their consistency in preserving the Igbo identity , calling for the remembrance of Igbo Heroes and Heroines who sacrificed their lives in defense of Alaigbo.

The event which featured a panel of discussants, attracted the presence of the Deputy Governor, Chief Ikechukwu Emetu, members of the National and state Assemblies ,traditional rulers, members of the clergy, Ndibo from all walks of life among other dignitaries while the main World Igbo Day Celebration takes place today at the Michael Okpara Event Center beside the Nnennaya Oti Bus Terminal Umuahia.