At the recently concluded Fidelity International Trade & Creative Connect (FITCC) organized by Fidelity Bank Plc at the Omni Atlanta Hotel, Engr. Bob Ibeneme, a member of Abia State Diaspora commission made a compelling case for positioning Abia State as the leading hub for Nigeria’s non-oil exports and creative economy.
Engr. Ibeneme highlighted Abia’s strategic advantages, its industrious population, emerging infrastructure, creative talent base, and expanding industrial clusters in Aba and Umuahia as reasons why the state stands out as the ideal launchpad for exports in agricultural products as well as creative industry products.
“Abia has the right mix of creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation. What we need now is to connect our creators and manufacturers with U.S. buyers, investors, and diaspora-led networks that can open new markets and scale up production,” said Engr. Ibeneme, emphasizing the role of trade diplomacy and public-private partnerships in driving inclusive economic growth.
The FITCC Atlanta 2025 event, themed “Connecting Nigeria to the World Through Trade and Creativity,” attracted key personalities including Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe (MD/CEO, Fidelity Bank), Mrs. Amaka Onwughalu Non-Executive Director Fidelity bank,Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite (Minister of Industry, Trade & Investment), Bayo Omoboriowo (Presidential Adviser on Creative Economy), and Ambassador Adeyemo Olukayode (Nigeria’s Consul General in Atlanta), alongside U.S. investors, diaspora entrepreneurs, and policymakers.
The 2025 edition of FITCC Atlanta served as a high-level platform for showcasing Nigerian non-oil exports, deepening U.S.–Nigeria business linkages and facilitating business-to-business matchmaking across agriculture, fashion, arts, film, and tech sectors.
Engr. Ibeneme commended Governor Dr. Alex Otti for laying a strong foundation for a “new Abia” through pro-business reforms, infrastructure renewal, and the promotion of creativity and exports.
“Governor Otti has built the foundation for a new Abia creative, export-driven, and globally connected,” said Ibeneme. “What we need now is to link our innovators and manufacturers directly with global opportunities.”
Ibeneme emphasized Abia’s industrious population, expanding industrial base, and enabling reforms under Governor Alex Otti, urging stronger connections with U.S. buyers, investors, and diaspora-led networks to unlock new markets for Abia-made products.
“Abia is ready to lead Nigeria’s non-oil export revolution,” Ibeneme concluded, “and with the right connections to the diaspora, investors, and global buyers, we can make Made-in-Abia products globally competitive.”
