Igbo Charter: Otti charges ndigbo to embrace technology for development
Ogbonnaya Ikokwu, Umuahia
Abia State Governor Alex Otti, says his administration is repositioning the State from conventional trading to digital commerce, stressing that the future of global business lies in technology and digital delivery.
Otti stated this on Monday, at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, during the Igbo Day Lecture and Dinner organised by Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide with the theme “The Igbo Charter and Development of Ala Igbo”.
He said that Abia and Ndigbo, historically known for trading, are now deliberately shifting focus towards manufacturing and technology-driven commerce.
The Governor while responding to concerns over the increasing presence of Chinese traders competing with Igbo entrepreneurs in retail businesses in Lagos, said
Abia is transitioning from conventional to digital commerce.
“We are leaving that place of trading. In Abia, we have markets; the markets are important. But we are moving from the market to manufacturing. So, this Government is supporting manufacturing. We are driving digital delivery. We are leaving that physical store for digital delivery. So, when somebody talked about Alibaba, that’s exactly where we are headed.” he said.
According to the governor, the development of digital commerce will enable Abia entrepreneurs to compete globally rather than remain dependent on conventional physical markets.
“So, why are the Chinese coming to compete with us? We are moving away from there. And it’s going to start in Abia. So, Abia is both manufacturing and then trading. But we are moving from conventional trading to digital trading. That’s where the world is going. You either embrace it or you risk being left behind,” Gov. Otti stated.
The State Chief Executive further said his administration is investing heavily in digital skills for young people, noting that some Abians trained under its TechRise initiative are already working for global tech giants from Aba.
“When I spend money here training my young people in digital technology under the TechRise initiative, I know what I am doing. Some of them are already working for Google and Amazon from Aba.
“So, you resist technology at your own risk. We are not afraid because we are moving that part of business to technology,” the Governor added.
Otti who assured the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo of his administration’s support, described the theme of the celebration, “Njikọ Ka” – translated as “Unity is Supreme” – as apt, saying it reflects the importance of unity in diversity.
He said his administration has laid a solid foundation for the development of the State, assuring that Abia will continue to witness significant transformation.
“We have retrieved and recovered our State. And the only way to go is up. Once you have laid the foundation, the only way to go is up,” he said.
In his keynote address presented virtually, the Chairman of the Igbo Charter Committee for Strategic Engagement for National Development, Prof. Kingsley Moghalu, said the Igbo Charter must be separated from party politics and should serve as a non-partisan roadmap for development, driven by merit, accountability and measurable targets.
Prof. Moghalu identified key priorities 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.
He called for true federalism, equitable citizenship and devolution of power, urging Ndigbo to move from discussions to practical implementation. He described Governor Otti as “one of our best.”
In his welcome address, the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, said the Igbo Lecture and Dinner was convened to harness the collective strength of Ndigbo through a unified development strategy.
He noted that despite their individual brilliance, enterprise and resilience, Ndigbo are yet to fully achieve their collective potential. He said the Igbo Charter for Strategic Engagement for National Development, written by over 67 Igbo technocrats and business leaders, provides a documented framework for engaging the Nigerian State and the wider world.
He said the Charter proposes pathways to protect Igbo culture, particularly the Igbo language, and suggested that Igbo language be made compulsory in primary and secondary schools across Igboland. He also called on the Federal Government to find a political solution to the case of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, called on Ndigbo to work together to develop Ala Igbo.
“We must look forward to building a brighter future, moving beyond complaining about those who won’t give us our due, to taking our destiny in our own hands,” Chief Ugochukwu stated.
Ugochukwu commended Governor Otti for the good governance being delivered in Abia and lauded the President-General and leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo for their determination and consistency in sustaining the observance of Igbo Day.
The event, which featured a panel discussion moderated by Chief Enyinnaya Onukalu, had in attendance, the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, members of the National Assembly, traditional rulers, members of the clergy, and Ndigbo from all walks of life.