Gov Otti launches over N300million grant scheme for businesses in Abia

Governor Alex Otti has launched a N306 million technology-enabled business grant scheme aimed at supporting entrepreneurs across the 17 local government areas of Abia state.

The initiative, known as NKATA, was unveiled during a meeting with the management team of the Abia State Technology Skills Acquisition Centre (ATSAC).

Otti said the programme was designed to empower businesses, create jobs and expand economic opportunities for young people in the state.

The governor said the grant scheme was structured to accommodate different categories of beneficiaries to ensure inclusiveness across the state.

His words: “I want to congratulate everyone. The ₦306 million is available, but beneficiaries must meet all the necessary conditions.”

“In a few months’ time, I want to hear that this intervention has yielded results, not just in monetary terms, but in job creation, poverty reduction, and empowerment of our people.”

Otti said the programme aligned with his administration’s vision of building a productive and innovation-driven economy.

“We have gone forth and back on this, and we are convinced that this is one of the ways to support and help our people.

“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,” he said.

The governor added that the initiative formed part of broader empowerment programmes aimed at helping residents become self-reliant and employers of labour.