Abia, Partners Launch ‘AHIA 360°, Drive Aba Fashion Industry Growth

Abia State Government, in partnership with Ethnocentrique Limited and the Mastercard Foundation, has launched a public sensitisation campaign for the 2026 Fashion Games, tagged “AHIA 360°,” aimed at boosting Aba’s fashion industry and connecting local products to the global market.

The initiative, unveiled in Aba on April 28, is designed as a market activation platform to strengthen the fashion business ecosystem, promote entrepreneurship, and create sustainable opportunities for young people across the value chain.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of Ethnocentrique Limited, Mrs. Irunna Ejibe, said the organisation’s collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation over the past two years has significantly transformed Aba’s fashion landscape by equipping youths with globally competitive skills and supporting local enterprises.

She disclosed that more than 6,000 young people have been trained across four cohorts using internationally recognised standards, while 30 certified assessors have been developed to ensure quality monitoring and evaluation.

Ejibe added that 99 fashion clusters have been established across Aba to enhance collaboration among artisans and entrepreneurs, leading to the creation of over 1,000 jobs.

According to her, the programme has also prioritised inclusiveness, with 282 Persons With Disabilities trained and empowered, while 2,268 women-owned businesses have received support to scale operations and improve income.

She emphasised that the initiative goes beyond skill acquisition, focusing on building a sustainable business system for the fashion industry.

“The fashion industry is no longer just about tailoring; it is a serious business with global opportunities. Our goal is to ensure that young people in Aba are not only skilled but also connected to international markets,” she said, urging beneficiaries to remain committed, disciplined, and innovative.

Representing the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Chima Raymond Ukwa, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports, commended the initiative, describing it as a strategic investment in youth empowerment and enterprise development.

He said the state government supports the programme due to its alignment with Abia’s economic agenda and its direct impact on job creation and skills development.

Ukwa also praised the provision of stipends for participants during the five-month training period, noting that it enabled many youths to complete their training without financial disruption.

“This is not just a training programme; it is an investment in the future of our youths. With the right skills and support, they can become employers of labour,” he said.

He further encouraged beneficiaries to embrace and promote the “Made-in-Aba” brand, stressing that local products have the capacity to compete globally if properly positioned.

A major highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Abia State Government and Ethnocentrique Limited to strengthen collaboration in training, enterprise development, and market access for programme participants, particularly graduates seeking to establish businesses.

The event also featured fashion displays, product exhibitions, stakeholder engagements, and networking sessions, reinforcing efforts to position Aba as a leading hub for fashion innovation and enterprise in Nigeria.

By Chinedu Kelechi, Aba

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