Abia State’s Commercial Heritage: Historical Context And Economic Backdrop – By Dr. Chukwuemeka Ifegwu Eke
Historical Context and Economic BackdropAbia State’s commercial heritage forms the bedrock for social entrepreneurship in Aba, Umuahia, and Abiriba. Aba, famously called the "Japan of Africa," built its reputation on indigenous manufacturing, especially in leatherworks and textiles from hubs like Ariaria Market. At its peak, shoemakers exported over two million shoes monthly across West Africa, generating ₦1 billion ($2.5M) annually. Umuahia evolved as an administrative center, while Abiriba nurtured a culture of commerce. Despite this potential, infrastructural neglect—exemplified by the derelict Port Harcourt Road in Aba—hampered growth for decades. Post-2018, social entrepreneurship surged nationally, with ~40% of Nigerian social enterprises…
