Beneficiaries of the Abia Project Coordinating Office of the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises, Niger Delta (LIFE-ND), showcased their products at the recent Abia-Turkiye Investment Summit and Product Exhibition that took place in Umuahia.
The event, which held from Nov. 25-27, 2025, at the International Conference Centre in Umuahia, provided a platform for local farmers and traders to exhibit their products, demonstrating Abia’s rich agricultural produce and craftsmanship.
The primary focus was on attracting Turkish and European investors to explore business opportunities in Abia.
The summit highlighted opportunities in sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture and agro-processing, textiles, fashion and leather works, energy, infrastructure, trade, and logistics.
LIFE-ND, funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and implemented in collaboration with the Federal Government and the Niger Delta Development Commission, participated fully in the three-day event.
The project, which has already had a significant impact by supporting smallholder farmers in Abia communities, empowered about 4,250 beneficiaries in agri-enterprises during its first phase.
However, at the summit, the farmers, who were trained and empowered by LIFE-ND within the agricultural value chain, were given the opportunity at the project’s stand to exhibit their products that cut across vegetable produce, oil palm as well as cassava value chain.
It also provided an opportunity for some of the beneficiaries to showcase their skills and capacities in some of the project’s mainstream areas, such as the biogas production.
In an interview with newsmen, the LIFE-ND State Project Coordinator, Dr Uchenna Onyeizu, said that the beneficiaries, besides exhibition, were at the summit to respond to potential investors that might be interested in either buying their products or partnering with them for possible expansion and growth.
Onyeizu said that what the project was doing aligned with Gov. Alex Otti’s agricultural policies and vision, adding that it was committed to make it come to reality.
He expressed excitement that the governor mentioned specific investment opportunities within most of the agricultural value chain, such as vegetable, rice, cassava and fishery production, that the project was already engaging.
“We are doing that across the 100 communities where we are intervening,”
“We’ve had one of the best supports from this government and that excites the project, the management both at national and at the state level,” he said.
Earlier in his speech, the governor welcomed Turkish investors, emphasising Abia’s potential for economic growth and development.
Otti, who spoke about investment opportunities in different sectors, described the state as a fertile place for investments in the agricultural value.
He explained that the ecosystem in several communities across the three districts of the state supported the production of multiple varieties of food and cash crops.
The governor listed some of them as root crops and cereals, vegetables, fruits, medicinal spices, palm produce, rubber, cocoa, cashew, and so much more.
Otti said : “As someone who understands the expectations of investors, I can assure you that you can never go wrong by investing in the Abia agricultural value chain.
“Whether your target is to produce food for our expanding population, inputs for industrial production, or for exports, you are sure to reap great returns from whatever you put in.
“May I also announce that our land administration system has been streamlined for efficiency using a combination of technology and human competencies.
“My charge to you will be to go into the communities, interact with the local business leaders, and take note of the opportunities that offer strategic business advantages to your team.”
The Commercial Counsellor of the Turkish Embassy, Erdal Tozoghu, expressed Turkey’s commitment to strengthening business ties with Abia.
Local business leaders and entrepreneurs participated in panel discussions and exhibitions, showcasing Abia’s economic potential.
