Abia State Government has promised to continue to empower micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), protect the environment and uphold security, as a foundation for lasting development in the State and country at large.
Michael Akpara, commissioner for Industry, Small and Medium Enterprises (SME), stated this Friday, on the celebration of the 2025 World MSME Day, organised by the African Association for Small and Medium Enterprises (AASME) at the Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, the state’s commercial hub.
This is as he reaffirmed the State’s commitment to fostering a resilient, inclusive and sustainable economy, where micro, small and medium enterprises play a central role in driving innovation, creating jobs and strengthening national prosperity.
The Commissioner, who was represented at the event by Okey Ihemanma, permanent secretary in the Ministry, noted that the Abia State Government recognises that true development cannot be achieved without economic security and environmental responsibility.
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He said that the State Government, through the Ministry of Industry and SME is working with entrepreneurs , communities and other partners to build a future where growth is meaningfully anchored in sustainability, supported by peace and inclusive of all.
Uche Eme-Uche, a professor and Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Abia State, who expressed delight to be part of the 9th edition of World MSME Day, commended AASME for establishing -African MSME Centre for Entrepreneurship, Business and Cultural Development(World MSME Knowledge Hub) at the Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba.
He described the theme of the event, “Building a sustainable economy together with security development) as apt and topical, judging by the prevailing economic and security situation in Nigeria.
Uche-Eme, who was represented by Nwomiko Udo-Nwokocha, director of Administration, Ministry of Tertiary Education, described Abia State as the capital of small and medium enterprises, noting that Governor Alex Otti is sustaining this by providing access roads to and inside major markets and factories in and around Aba and other parts of the State.
“He is also rebuilding the major markets of Ariaria and Ekeoha shopping complex to an international standard. Similarly, the Governor has spared nothing in the provision of security for residents of Abia State and Aba in particular.
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“Within the first few months of his administration, he launched a security outfit code-named “Operation Crush”, which has done a good job keeping Abia largely safe and conducive for business”.
Darlington Onuoha Kalu, president/chief executive officer, AASME, thanked Governor Alex Otti for investing in infrastructure, especially in Aba, to boost commerce.
Kalu, who praised the Governor for his decision to remodel markets in Aba, appealed to him to ensure that shop owners at the remodelled markets get their shops back.
He also thanked the Federal Government for providing funds to States for economic development and the management of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, for accepting to establish the World-African MSME Centre for Entrepreneurship, Business, Security and Cultural Development in the institution.
World MSME Day is celebrated on June 27 every year. It was founded by the United Nations General Assembly, to raise awareness of the tremendous contributions of enterprises to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
