Products manufactured in Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State such as corporate shoes, safety shoes, military and para-military booths, leather bags and clothes seem to be competing favourably in Arab and European countries, just as the newly completed Automated Shoe Factory built by the Abia State Government under the watch of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu appears ready for test run in September 2020.

Recall that Google and other world class organisations visited Aba in 2019 with a view to key Aba business moguls and other manufacturers in the area to the global market via the internet and other business contacts globally.

It was a partnership programme between the state government and Google known as Google SME Community Launch.

This venture is a platform that provides Google ICT backbone to support small businesses. The intention was to give SMEs global visibility through free internet support facilities.

The initiative demonstrated Google’s global commitment to the growth and development of SMEs across the world. The two countries selected in Africa inlude; Kenya and Nigeria for the pilot project.

Three cities of Aba, Lagos and Kaduna were selected for Nigeria.

The programme afforded free training for youths in Abia State. Google Certified Internet Programmers were expected to work in different business clusters in Aba to train small business owners on the use of digital platforms to expand the scope of their businesses.

Expectedly, the programme will establish 20 Google based internet platforms in strategic locations in Aba to provide free internet services to business clusters.

The programme does not only serve as a boost to the soaring status of Abia as an SME hub, but a reflection of the state’s track record in exploring development partnerships.

Beyond exploration of Google opportunities for Aba made products, Governor Ikpeazu in the last five years concentrated developmental projects, training and retraining of manufacturers, meeting development banks, offered loans to business and manufacturers, construction of entry and exit roads within commercial areas such as Arriara International Market and others to lay foundation for businesses beyond Aba.

The road from Brass junction (Aba-Owerri Road), to Arriara International Market to Port Harcourt-Enugu Express road with other roads within the area were constructed by the Governor to ensure hitch free business activities in the area.

It was part of the government business to ensure that Aba remains the hub of business activities in Nigeria and its products acceptable beyond Nigeria. (Daily Independent)

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