According to a report by Punch on Monday, May 25, 2026, Governor Alex Otti on Monday launched a ₦306 million technology-enabled business grant programme known as NKATA, aimed at supporting businesses and entrepreneurs across the 17 local government areas of Abia State.
The initiative was unveiled during a meeting with the management team of the Abia State Technology Skills Acquisition Centre, where the governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment, innovation, and sustainable economic growth within the state.
Speaking during the unveiling of the programme, Governor Otti explained that the NKATA initiative was designed to provide support for different categories of entrepreneurs and small business owners across Abia State.
According to him, the programme is structured to ensure inclusiveness by creating opportunities for individuals and businesses from all parts of the state to participate.
He stated that the goal of the initiative is to strengthen economic activities, encourage innovation, and help young people become more productive through business and technology-driven opportunities.
The governor disclosed that a total sum of ₦306 million has been set aside for the project and will be distributed among qualified beneficiaries who meet the conditions established for participation.
He explained that applicants would be required to satisfy specific eligibility criteria before receiving support under the scheme.
According to him, the programme is expected to help stimulate local businesses and create long-term economic value across communities within the state.
Governor Otti further stated that the initiative aligns with the broader vision of his administration to build an economy driven by productivity, self-reliance, and innovation.
He explained that the government had carefully reviewed the programme before approving it and concluded that supporting entrepreneurs through targeted investments would produce more meaningful results than short-term spending.
According to him, empowering young people with business opportunities and technology-related support remains one of the priorities of the state government.
The governor also noted that his administration deliberately chose to invest in productive ventures capable of generating economic returns rather than focusing solely on direct consumption.
He explained that while distributing funds for consumption may provide temporary relief, investments in businesses and entrepreneurship are more likely to create sustainable benefits for individuals and communities.
According to him, the state government believes that investments in innovation and enterprise development can strengthen the economy and reduce unemployment over time.
The NKATA grant programme is expected to support business growth across different sectors while also encouraging skills development and technology adoption among young entrepreneurs.
Governor Otti stated that the intervention is part of wider efforts to create an environment where businesses can grow and contribute to the state’s economic development.
He added that supporting small and medium-scale enterprises remains important because such businesses play a significant role in job creation and wealth generation.
He said, “The easiest way to spend money is to give it to people who consume it, but we will receive value when it is invested, and that investment will yield returns. This is our own way of intervening.”