ABIA – In an effort towards strengthening Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises as a major driver of the State’s economy, the State Government has given approval for the establishment of an SME Village and Innovation Hub in Aba, the commercial hub of the state.
The State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu who announced this while briefing Journalists on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti, said that the proposed SME Village, when completed will house computer dealers, mobile phone sellers and repair technicians.
He said that the proposed SME Village and Innovation Hub will also help to decongest parts of Aba currently plagued by unregulated commercial activities.
The Commissioner equally announced that a one-stop Export Growth Lab and trade support facility, located within the premises of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, is nearing completion and is expected to be opened before the end of February this year.
He said that the initiative is designed to remove bureaucratic bottlenecks faced by small businesses, manufacturers and exporters, thereby positioning Aba as a more competitive commercial hub.
Prince Kanu also noted that the facilities will facilitate the ease of doing business among SMEs in Aba and environs, while the Export Growth Lab will assist in activities like business registration, NAFDAC approval among others.
The Information Commissioner described the projects as part of the Governor Alex Otti administration’s deliberate policy thrust to create an enabling environment for enterprise growth, job creation and industrial expansion across the State.
The Commissioner for Health, Prof Ogbonnaya Uche, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transport, Dr Obioma Nwogbo were present during the briefing.
