Repositioning the South East as an Emerging Market, Regional Economy, Trade, Industrial & Investment Hub
Nigeria
Joined April 2023
- Tweets3.2K
- Following431
- Followers1.9K
- Likes1.7K
Pinned Tweet
We're kicking off the 4th Industrial Revolution starting from the South East come August 16th-18th 2023
The South East is taking a major step towards strengthening its energy infrastructure and accelerating industrial growth.
Enugu Air.. doing very well...
Celebrating Mr Taiwo Oyebode on his recognition for outstanding customer service.
Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!
Fly Enugu Air. Fly Different.
Now flying: Enugu • Lagos • Abuja • Port Harcourt • Kano • Owerri • Asaba • Warri • Benin • Douala
Book your next flight at our new website: enuguairlines.ng
64
South East Economic Development Project retweeted
To ensure that our Smart Schools in Nkanu East continue to function effectively and deliver the vision of His Excellency, Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, I inaugurated a dedicated committee to monitor the activities, facilities, and overall operation of the schools,
South East Economic Development Project retweeted
Enugu to Douala!
Ladies and gentlemen, fasten your seatbelts because we are about to commence!
Fly Different. Fly Enugu Air.
Now Flying: Enugu • Lagos • Abuja • Port Harcourt • Kano • Owerri • Asaba • Warri • Benin • Douala
Book now: enuguairlines.ng
South East Economic Development Project retweeted
*In Major Milestone, Mbah Flags Off Enugu Air Maiden Int’l Flight to Douala, Cameroon*
_... Enugu Air CEO: It’s a new chapter, Enugu becoming a gateway_
The Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has flagged off the first-ever international service by Enugu Air, describing it as a major milestone in his administration’s vision to grow Enugu State into a major aviation hub and make it the preferred destination for investment, business, tourism, and living.
Speaking at a brief ceremony at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, on Wednesday, Mbah, who heaped commendations on the leadership of the state-owned airline for the fast growth of Enugu Air, said it was not an isolated story, but a part of connecting the dots as his administration strives to grow Enugu State into a $30 billion economy.
“Months ago, right here, we watched Enugu take to the skies. In just barely six months after a rigorous regulatory process, Enugu Air obtained her Air Operator's License. This is not a mean feat.
“Today, 14 months after, we can see that dream flying beyond our expectations, as Enugu Air is one of the fastest-growing airlines in Nigeria, without a doubt.
“But we did not conceive of Enugu Air as a bragging right or because of the clamour, or to gain some political acclaim. Enugu Air is part of the masterplan to make Enugu State the premier destination for investment, living, business and tourism. For us, Enugu Air is part of connecting the dots,” he stated.
Mbah described Enugu Air as a campaign promise kept, saying the Enugu–Douala service was the beginning of many more international flight operations to many parts of the world.
“What you are seeing here today is performance above promises. So, we ask you to judge us by the things we have promised and have delivered to you.
“Besides, today is Douala, but I am hoping tomorrow, we are not only going to be talking about the continent of Africa, we will be talking about Enugu to the world,” he added.
He thanked President Bola Tinubu “for consistently demonstrating his commitment to aviation infrastructure and for the support he is also giving to the states to enable us to create businesses like Enugu Air,” commending also the Minister of Aviation and Aerodrome Development, Festus Keyama, SAN; and the agencies under him such as the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) supporting Enugu Air’s growth and making Nigeria a standard bearer in the African aviation industry.
Speaking, Enugu Air CEO, Capt. Tolu Ita, said Enugu Air was not merely launching a flight, stressing, “we are launching a new chapter.”
“This is a chapter in which Enugu is no longer simply where a journey begins or ends. Enugu is becoming a gateway.
“Today, much bigger than an aircraft will be moving across our skies. Opportunity will be moving. Business will be moving. People will be moving. Ideas will be moving. And Enugu will be moving with them. This is what makes today so significant.
“Enugu Air was never built with the vision to simply put aircraft in the sky. The vision was to build an airline that connects people, connects markets and connects possibilities.
“We began by strengthening our domestic network — connecting Enugu with Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, Owerri, Asaba, Benin City and Warri.
“Today, we take our first major step beyond Nigeria. Enugu to Douala. Nigeria to Cameroon. The Southeast to Central Africa. And this is only the beginning.
“Our ambition is to continue building a stronger regional network across Africa, while progressively opening the door to wider international markets,” she said.
In growing Enugu Air, Ita reaffirmed the airline’s responsibility and commitment to authorities, passengers, and all stakeholders, upholding the highest operational and ethical standards.
In her goodwill message, the Managing Director/CEO of the FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Onabanjo-Kuku, said Enugu Air’s inaugural – at Enugu, Nigeria
South East Economic Development Project retweeted
Moment Governor Peter Mbah inaugurated Enugu Air’s maiden international flight to Douala, Cameroon.
A new chapter of Enugu’s direct connectivity to leading global cities begins today.
South East Economic Development Project retweeted
The real test of Abia’s transformation will not be how loudly we applaud it.
It will be how deeply we participate in it.
Abia is in a visible transformation moment. Across the state, there is a renewed sense that things can work when public leadership is intentional, focused and serious about rebuilding confidence.
That matters.
But government alone cannot sustain transformation.
Government can create the conditions. It can improve infrastructure, strengthen institutions, and signal seriousness. But citizens must build the economic depth.
By citizens’ participation, I do not mean commentary alone. I mean citizens-led economics — where business leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, diaspora Abians, local institutions and friends of Abia begin to put capital, credibility, experience and networks behind the businesses that can create the next wave of jobs, wealth and opportunity.
Aba has never waited for permission to build.
Its enterprise culture is one of the strongest arguments that Abia’s next economy can be built from within. Across the state, there are traders, makers, innovators, founders and ambitious young people already solving real problems.
But talent is not enough.
From my work with founders and emerging ecosystems, one thing is clear: ecosystems grow when local believers organize around local builders.
This is where angel investing becomes important.
Angel investing is not charity. It is not random giving. It is a disciplined way for people with capital, experience and networks to back early-stage businesses, share risk with others, support founders before traditional finance is ready to move, and help promising ventures grow.
If Abia’s transformation is to become sustainable, we must begin to organize local capital around innovation and enterprise.
That is the conversation we want to begin through the Abia Angel Investment Summit.
On June 29 and 30, 2026, in Aba, we will convene business leaders, professionals, investors, founders, diaspora Abians, ecosystem stakeholders and friends interested in Abia’s prosperity for a practical two-day summit themed:
Unlocking Local Capital for High-Growth Startups.
The Summit will feature angel investing education, startup pitch sessions, investor readiness conversations, networking with founders and investors, and the launch of the Abia Angel Investment Network.
This is not just another event.
It is a step toward building a community of informed early believers who can support serious founders with capital, mentorship, market access and strategic relationships.
Because the goal is to have a practical room of people who can learn, invest, support, partner or build, attendance is by invitation and registration.
If you are an Abian, a friend of Abia, a business leader, professional, investor, founder, diaspora stakeholder or ecosystem builder interested in the prosperity of the state, I invite you to sign up to attend.
And if you know someone who has the capital, credibility, experience, networks or conviction to contribute to Abia’s next growth phase, please invite them into the room.
Register / indicate interest: bit.ly/AbiaAngelInvSummit
Venue details will be shared after registration.
Abia is ready.
The future needs local believers.
South East Economic Development Project retweeted
Are you building a startup in Abia or the South-East?
Do you have a working MVP, early revenue or a tech-enabled business solving a real problem?
Apply to pitch at the Abia Angel Investment Summit happening in Aba.
Selected founders will pitch before angel investors, business leaders, mentors and ecosystem stakeholders on June 30, 2026.
Focus areas include retail and commerce technology, logistics, agribusiness, health, education and digital services.
Apply now at bit.ly/AAIS-Pitch.
Deadline is Friday, June 26, 2026.
Abia has builders. Now let’s put capital in the room.
South East Economic Development Project retweeted
Gov. Peter Mbah unveils plans for a 660MW coal-fired power plant and ₦100bn venture capital fund to boost investment and transform Enugu into a major business hub.
South East Economic Development Project retweeted
I expected this kind of responses from nay sayers like you 🤣🤣
Let me respond to you clearly because, I have been a core member of crack team of Financial Engineers and Investment Bankers, who have done extensive work in these areas
Our Preliminary Studies show clearly that this Oboaku/Azumini River Port Project done under a 45 year PPP arrangement is highly viable and will catalyse massive economic transformation and productivity in Abia state and Ala Igbo
The continous dredging, desilting, Shoreline protection and embankment of the River channel periodically and continually will generate more revenue than the cost of doing it
In fact, if we are able to dredge out 76million cubic meter of sand as the Germans in River Elbe channel dredging that cost $50m annually to do, that will fetch us almost about $100million dollars in Revenue annually, selling the sands to those involved in massive constructions works in Nigeria
In Nigeria today a standard cubic meter of sand sells for N2,250.... we will sell our own at N1500 .🤣
This is one of the Reasons , why I am so pissed off with the two much Chochocho and no creative works of the current Anambra State governor
I have transversed the River Onitsha to Ogbaru Channel, and know the kind excellent maritime and blue economy wealth that one can generate from there under the same PPP framework as Governor
All the issues that you guys raised are all fully factored in our studies
This project will cost between $1.5bn to execute...
We will accomplish this ...so stop fretting
Kindly note that the Port of Manaus, located on the Rio Negro in Brazil in an Inland deep water port that accommodates vessels upto 11m draft and handles over 500,000 containers annually
The River Channel that links the port to the Ocean is about 1,400 km from the Oceans coast
Make una no panic ...Abia is in the right hands , supported by the right brains and minds...
We prayed for a day like this to come ...for just one visionary leader to emerge , who some of us can rally round to support him to build up our land
Dr Alex Chioma Otti @alexottiofr is that man
Let's talk about the number.
Germany spends €50m+ yearly to maintain River Elbe by taking out 76m cubic of sand.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers maintains the Idaho dredging thereby reducing cost, and they've spent approximately $50m in about a decade to maintain it.
Can Abia afford such? The thing is, I called it a white elephant project because Otti knows that the state can’t sustain such without running at a deficit with crippling debt.
Are we about to have another Ajaokuta Steel plant on our hands?
The profitability of that project to recoup the money needed for sustainability is not guaranteed.
The per capita income in Abia is less than $2000, 50% contributes nothing to raising it due to unemployment.
This is so straightforward; a cargo Railway linking the SE etc will be more efficient than this.
Use the scarce resources to increase the HDI.
They are not different from folks who build needless airports.
I am just a commentator.
OTTI MOVES TO BUILD ABIA SEAPORT
Gov Alex Otti has ignited fresh excitement over Abia State’s maritime ambitions after approving the immediate commencement of a feasibility study for the proposed Azumini–Obeaku seaport & inland waterways corridor project.
Guys.. SEDC is delivering on their promise.
Ya'll need to be part of this!!!
Share and keep sharing to all and sundry.
The South East Pitch Competition is now open.
As outlined on page 50 of the Renewed Hope Agenda, President @officialABAT committed to improving access to capital for startups and founders.
This is one of the ways we are delivering on that promise.
If you’re building in the South East, we want to hear your pitch.
Apply: sedc.gov.ng/programs/sevcp/p…
Deadline: March 27, 2026
Why Nigerians in the South East pay more for cooking gas
realnewsmagazine.net/why-nig…
1
34
South East Economic Development Project retweeted
NEW: Enugu Air gets Air Operator Certificate in record time, targets regional flights by year end
Enugu Air, on Tuesday, received the Air Operator Certificate, AOC, from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), a development it described as a significant step in the realisation of Governor Peter Mbah’s vision to position Enugu as a regional hub for commerce, logistics, and aviation in West and Central Africa.
Presenting the AOC to Enugu Air’s Accountable Manager/ CEO, Captain Tolu Ita, at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, headquarters in Abuja, the agency's Director General, Captain Chris Najomo, described the development as historic in the Nigerian aviation industry, noting that Enugu Air successfully completed the rigorous certification process in just five months and three weeks, significantly faster than the typical industry timeline of 15 to 24 months.
According to the Captain Njomo, the fully state-owned airline also distinguished itself by commencing operations with a complete fleet of six aircraft, which he said was a rare feat for a newly certified airline in the country.
The DG emphasised that the certification process involved extensive evaluation across multiple NCAA departments and confirmed that Enugu Air had met all regulatory requirements, demonstrating full compliance with Nigeria’s aviation safety and operational standards.
He commended the vision and leadership of Governor Mbah, describing the speed and discipline with which the airline project was executed as evidence of purposeful governance.
The DG also acknowledged the dedication of the Enugu State team and urged the airline’s management to continue maintaining the highest standards of safety, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence.
In her remarks, the Accountable Manager/CEO of Enugu Air, Captain Tolu, expressed appreciation to Governor Mbah for the vision of Enugu Air and also commended him for creating the enabling environment and providing the leadership support that made the record-breaking certification possible.
While thanking NCAA for the professionalism and support shown throughout the certification process, she reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to building a reliable, efficient, and globally competitive carrier that would serve passengers with the highest standards of safety and service.
Speaking, the Commissioner for Transportation, Enugu State, Dr. Obi Ozor, stressed that Enugu Air remained a strategic component of Governor Mbah’s broader transport and logistics transformation agenda aimed at unlocking economic opportunities across Enugu State, the wider South-East region, and Africa.
He noted that the airline would grow its fleet to 20 aircraft and also commence regional operations before the end of 2026, playing a critical role in connecting Enugu to key domestic and international markets and facilitating trade, tourism, investment, and mobility.
He commended Enugu Air’s operating partner, XEJet Limited, for its role in guiding the airline through the rigorous regulatory certification process required for the issuance of the Air Operator Certificate.
Speaking, the Group Chief Executive Officer of XEJet Limited, Emmanuel Iza, who congratulated the airline for the feat, expressed pride in the Enugu Air/XEJET Limited partnership that produced the result.
“This milestone demonstrates what can be achieved through strong partnerships between government and the commercial aviation sector in advancing air transport development,” Iza stated.
On his part, the Board Chairman of Enugu Air, Barrister Ricky Agu, assured the NCAA that the state government would continue to provide the support required to ensure that Enugu Air operates at world-class standards.
The AOC presentation was witnessed by senior aviation regulators and other members of the Enugu State delegation, including the Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport, Iphie Ugonabo, and members of the airline’s management team. – at Enugu, Nigeria
SEDC needs our total support and participation, and I hope would open up channels to encourage such engagement for a progressive and prosperous Alaigbo.
1
1
68
SEDC leadership while investing seriously in infrastructure development to create jobs and reduce youth restiveness within the region, could leverage this moment to address critical issues, provide tangible results, and respond to the concerns voiced by groups such as IPOB.
2
90
Would be great for SEDC to recognize the potential of the current opportunity to make a lasting change in the South East.
While ambition is understandable, focusing solely on personal gain might overshadow the chance to make a significant impact & establish a lasting legacy.
1
39
Gov Peter Mbah on fleek..
Congratulations Enugu State 👏 👏 👏
NEW: FDI: Enugu Govt, Haier Group Launch $20m Factory, set for $30m expansion
... We’ll produce 200,000 units of ICT annually, create 100 jobs – Haier VP
... It’s a boost to FG’s quest for a $1 trillion economy – Minister_
... Mbah lauds Tinubu's economic policies
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State today inaugurated the Enugu Haier Factory, a Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) by the Chinese Haier Global Business in partnership with the state government.
This was even as the Vice President of Haier Group, Sun Yongle, said the FDI worth $20 million would produce smart phones, tablets, computers, smart boards, Android televisions, education and health technologies, and renewable energy solutions for electricity, agriculture, and transportation.
The factory, which saw the Mbah Administration provide the land and build the massive structures, among others, while also placing offtake orders of over 25,000 all-in-one desktops and 300,000 tablets to power its 260 Smart Green Schools and encourage the investment, follows the state’s other FDI patterns such as the ongoing electric car assembly plant construction at Owo by the Stallion Group and the Nortra Tractor Assembly Plant and Service Centre, Enugu, an investment by ODK Group of Denmark set for commissioning.h
Inaugurating the factory in the heart of Enugu’s capital city, Governor Mbah said the investment aligned perfectly with the administration’s commitment to repositioning the state as a premier destination for investment, industry, and knowledge-driven growth and its push for a $30 billion economy from $4.4h billion.
“This partnership represents the convergence of vision, innovation, and opportunity – to generate Made in Enugu technologies that compete globally, while enabling us to support key local sector developments.
“It means that the devices empowering our students and that support critical industries will no longer be imported. That is strategic. It reduces costs. It ensures sustainability. And most importantly, it builds local capacity,” he explained.
The governor added that the factory would also serve as a practical training platform for the state’s vocational and technical institutions; generate employment; facilitate technology transfer; stimulate complementary small and medium-scale enterprises and also foster a technology ecosystem in the state.
He hailed President Bola Tinubu’s macro policies, which he said had helped to a great degree in attracting a steady inflow of FDIs.
“This steady inflow of FDIs is an indication that the macro pressures that had hitherto prevailed have eased. We have seen the naira strengthen, our foreign reserves grow exceedingly, and a downward trajectory in inflationary trends,” he emphasised.
Mbah called on investors from across Nigeria and beyond to follow the Haier example, stressing that Enugu was ready and open for business.
Speaking, the Vice President of Haier Group, Sun Yongle, said the factory would produce 200,000 units of various product lines annually, while also employing about 100 people for a start.
He added that Haier Group was working on a $30 million investment in the state, expanding to mining, agriculture, among others.
“Haier Group is the world’s largest manufacturer of appliances, with global revenue exceeding $60 billion in 2025. We own a portfolio of international brands including GE Appliances, Mabe, Candy, Sanyo Aqua, Hoover, and Fisher & Paykel.
“The Enugu Haier Factory has a designed production capacity of 200,000 units per year, focusing on ICT products, medical equipment, and new energy products. When fully completed, the factory will employ more than 100 local workers, including our sales and service teams, and we will have over 200 employees in total.
“But this factory marks only the first stage of our investment in Enugu State. We are also discussing cooperation in agriculture, mining, and transportation, including sesame, coal, and tricycles. We expect our total investment in
5
179
Meet the Leaders Powering Digital Shifts in South East Nigeria
It is a new era..a new dawn..
techeconomy.ng/meet-the-lead…
4
95