The Abia State Government has launched a ₦306 million technology-driven business grant initiative, tagged NKATA, aimed at supporting businesses across the 17 local government areas of the state.

Governor Alex Otti disclosed this while receiving the management team of the Abia State Technology Skills Acquisition Centre (ATSAC) and unveiling the project.

According to the governor, the grant programme was deliberately structured to accommodate different categories of beneficiaries across the state in order to ensure inclusiveness and broaden access to economic opportunities.

Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and creating sustainable economic opportunities for youths in the state.

He explained that the ₦306 million intervention fund had already been earmarked for qualified beneficiaries who meet the programme’s requirements, expressing optimism that the initiative would produce measurable impact.

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

“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.”

Governor Otti said the programme aligns with his administration’s vision of building a productive, self-reliant and innovation-driven economy.

According to him, the government became more convinced of the programme’s potential after extensive reviews and consultations, especially regarding its capacity to positively impact youths and small businesses.

“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 the investment must yield returns. That is our own way of intervening,” he added.

The governor noted that the initiative forms part of broader economic empowerment programmes designed to equip Abians with relevant skills and support systems needed to become self-reliant and employers of labour.

He urged beneficiaries to utilise the opportunity responsibly by expanding their businesses, creating jobs and contributing meaningfully to the economic growth and development of Abia State.

Earlier, ATSAC Director-General, Peter Ukonu, described the programme as a strategic intervention targeted at supporting businesses, reducing poverty and creating employment opportunities across the state.

Ukonu explained that the NKATA programme adopts a technology-focused structure by deploying support through technology service providers instead of directly disbursing cash to beneficiaries.

“We are not giving cash to businesses directly. We are actually doing so through technology service providers,” he said.

According to him, the initiative brings together technology firms, software companies, hardware suppliers, internet service providers and business mentors to drive digital transformation, automation and artificial intelligence adoption among businesses in Abia.

“The goal is to help Abia businesses move from survival to growth, improve productivity, create jobs and build a new generation of technology-enabled enterprises,” he stated.

He further disclosed that mentors, including professionals in the diaspora, would assist businesses in developing viable proposals and matching technological needs with practical solutions.

Ukonu added that eligible beneficiaries must be residents of Abia State who actively operate businesses and pay taxes within the state.