Otti Unveils N306m Tech-Enabling Business Grant

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has launched a ₦306 million technology-driven business grant aimed at supporting entrepreneurs across the state, with a focus on job creation, innovation, and sustainable economic development.

Alex Otti has launched a ₦306 million tech-enabling business grant tagged NKATA to support businesses across all 17 local government areas of Abia State.

The initiative was unveiled on Monday during a meeting with the management of the Abia State Technology Skills Acquisition Centre, where the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and youths.

Otti said the programme was designed to ensure inclusiveness by reaching different categories of beneficiaries across the state, adding that it aligns with his economic transformation agenda.

He explained that the ₦306 million fund is available but stressed that beneficiaries must meet specific requirements before accessing the grant.

“I want to congratulate everyone. The ₦306 million is available, but beneficiaries must meet all the necessary conditions,” he said, noting that the success of the programme would be measured by job creation and poverty reduction.

The governor added that the intervention was aimed at building a productive, self-reliant economy driven by innovation rather than consumption-based support.

According to him, the state government carefully reviewed the initiative before approving it, concluding that it would create long-term economic value for residents.

“The easiest way to spend money is to give it to people who consume it, but we will receive value when it is invested,” Otti stated.

He said the goal is to equip residents with skills and support that will enable them to become employers of labour and contributors to economic growth.

Earlier, the Director-General of the Abia State Technology Skills Acquisition Centre, Peter Ukonu, said the NKATA programme is a strategic intervention designed to support businesses, reduce poverty, and create employment opportunities.

Ukonu explained that the scheme adopts a non-cash structure, where beneficiaries are supported through technology providers to ensure funds are used strictly for business expansion and productivity.

He added that the design of the programme was intended to prevent diversion of resources and ensure measurable impact across participating businesses in the state.