The Abia Technology and Innovation Network (ATIN) has launched a two-day technology ecosystem tour in Abia State. The tour aims to strengthen the state’s digital landscape and foster collaborations between tech innovators, government institutions, and investors.
The initiative, which commenced in Aba, included visits to key technology hubs and a strategic engagement with Abia State Polytechnic, Aba (now Rector Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba). The tour will continue tomorrow in Umuahia with a high-level roundtable discussion featuring key stakeholders.
Speaking at the press conference to flag off the tour, ATIN Board Chairman, Mr. Daniel Chinagozi, CEO of Innovation Growth Hub (IGHub), emphasized the network’s goal of uniting technology hubs, startup founders, investors, and government bodies to foster technological advancement in Abia State.
“We have over 17 member hubs and a general forum of more than 400 individuals actively involved in technology development across Abia. This tour will allow us to assess the progress, challenges, and opportunities in the tech sector,” Chinagozi stated.
As part of the initiative, the team visited multiple tech hubs across Aba and Umuahia, engaging with tech entrepreneurs and evaluating their contributions to the state’s digital economy.
Tour of Technology Hubs in Abia
The ATIN team, accompanied by government officials and partners, visited the following technology hubs:
- Psalms Kalu – 11 Nicholas Street, Aba (Ashpot)
- Chibueze Ukaegbu I. – LearnFactory Nigeria
- Stanley Agu – NairaMe Cowork Space, 39 Azikiwe Road by St. Joseph, Aba
- Kalu ThankGod Maduka, Abia Tech Hub – 6 Warri Street (Gate), Umuahia
- Solaris GreenTech Hub – 7 Factory Road, Aba
- Lucky Ifeanyichukwu – Softicu Hub, 10 Ogoja Lane, Off Okigwe Road, Umuahia
- Daniel Chinagozie – Innovation Growth Hub (IGHub), 10 Calabar Street, Opposite Abia Poly, Aba & 6 Ojike Street, Opposite Evergreen Hotels, Umuahia
- TechRookies – 15 Margaret Avenue, Aba
- Ikenna Ogbudimkpa, Vision Incubation Hub – 15 Margaret Avenue, Aba
- Chukwudi Ifesinachi Elvis – Vegistech, Opposite MOUAU School Gate 5, Off Ikot-Ekpene Road, Umudike, Umuahia
- Rindeth Consulting Limited – 63 Pound Road, 3rd Floor (Back), Aba
- Jenga-Tech LTD – Plot 40 Okigwe Road, Aba (Opposite Ibiza Hotels)
- Ifeanyi Oko Kalu – DPHub by LeadPath, 5 Umuola Road, Ogbor-Hill, Aba
- Igwe Uguru – RAD5 Tech Hub – 7 Factory Road by Eziukwu Junction, Aba
- Pastra Arinze Etie – BEMS Technologies, Bende Road, Finbarrs Road, Umuahia
- Prince Amaechi – Rindeth Consulting Limited, 63 pound Road Aba.
- Lady Blessing Chioma Nwakpa – BenTech 360, No. 1asa Road, First Floor Bank Of Industry Building, Aba.
- Valentine Iwuala, WebDaves Technologies – 56, Azikiwe Road, Beside Union Bank, Aba.
These hubs are instrumental in skill development, innovation, and entrepreneurship, particularly in fintech, e-commerce, and green technology.
A key highlight of the tour was a visit to Abia State Polytechnic, Aba (now Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba), where the Rector, Engr. Dr. Christopher Kalu Okoro, expressed strong support for technology-driven development.
“Technology is the way—the only way to play,” Dr. Okoro stated. “Science seeks knowledge, but technology applies that knowledge to solve problems, making it dynamic and ever-evolving. The more we know, the more challenges arise, and the more we must innovate.”
He emphasized that technology not only drives solutions but also plays a crucial role in wealth creation, urging students and entrepreneurs to embrace innovation.
Dr. Okoro also pledged the institution’s full support for ATIN, stating that the polytechnic is open to partnerships that will provide both local and international certifications to individuals learning digital skills.
“We are ready to collaborate with ATIN to ensure that our students and innovators in Abia can receive training and certification at different levels—NSQF (National Skills Qualification Framework) Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3,” he added.
Furthermore, he assured that Governor Alex Otti’s administration is committed to advancing technology education, stating, “Whatever is needed to enhance this partnership, we will provide. And when we don’t have it, we know where to turn—the government.”
The Abia State Commissioner for Science, Technology, and Innovation, Dr. David Kalu, who accompanied the team, praised the visit to the polytechnic as a significant step toward integrating academic knowledge with technological innovation.
“For more than six months as commissioner, I have deeply reflected on the words: science, technology, and innovation,” Dr. Kalu said. “Today, sitting here with a professor, I see those words coming to life through this collaboration. This partnership between ATIN and the polytechnic will create immense opportunities for students, startups, and the broader tech ecosystem.”
Dr. Kalu also reiterated the government’s ongoing initiatives to improve broadband access and digital infrastructure across Abia State, acknowledging that reliable internet connectivity is essential for the growth of the tech ecosystem.
Technology Ecosystem Report and Future Plans
As part of the event, ATIN is set to unveil a comprehensive Abia Technology and Innovation Ecosystem Report (2015–2025), which provides data on digital skill adoption and key industry trends.
According to Igwe Uguru, who is leading the report’s compilation, the findings offer valuable insights into Abia’s growing tech sector.
“Our research shows that 36% of individuals acquiring digital skills in Abia are women, and we aim to increase that to 50% in the coming years,” Uguru stated. “The report also highlights the dominant interests in fintech and e-commerce, which will guide future investments and policies.”
Tomorrow’s ecosystem roundtable discussion in Umuahia will bring together government representatives, NGOs, CSOs, and enterprise support organizations to explore collaborative strategies for expanding Abia’s digital economy.
With increasing interest from both the public and private sectors, the Abia Technology and Innovation Network’s initiative marks a significant step toward establishing Abia State as a hub for digital transformation and economic growth. The strong backing from the government, educational institutions, and tech entrepreneurs signals a promising future for innovation in the state.
