By Ifeanyichukwu Ibe
OWERRI, Nigeria — An online marketing platform, Nijazone.com, was officially launched on May 1, 2026, at the Imo State office of the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) in Owerri, with stakeholders describing the initiative as a major step toward transforming rural commerce and empowering local entrepreneurs across Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of Nijazone, High Chief Joachim Nwogu described the launch as “historic in Nigeria’s rural e-commerce journey,” noting that the platform was designed to connect buyers and sellers while creating economic opportunities for underserved communities.
According to him, Nijazone.com would serve as a digital marketplace capable of transforming rural commerce, uplifting unemployed youths and empowering communities through technology-driven trade.
“These are transformations that simply did not exist before Nijazone.com. For the first time, rural producers, youth entrepreneurs, and service providers have a shared digital home — a place where their work is visible, their dignity is preserved, and their income can grow,” he said.
Nwogu, a Michigan, United States-based entrepreneur, said the launch of the platform was timely, especially as Nigeria continues to deepen its cashless economy policy. He explained that Nijazone.com would provide seamless digital payment options while promoting automation and accountability in financial transactions.
The CEO further expressed confidence that the platform would bridge the gap between rural dwellers and global markets by projecting locally made products to international buyers. He called on businesses within Nigeria and in the diaspora to adopt Nijazone.com as an extension of their market presence.
Also speaking, the Country Director of Nijazone.com, Dr. Ngozi Okechukwu said the initiative was aimed at adding value to local products and showcasing African heritage to the world.
“With Nijazone.com you can now reach the farmers, artisans, craftsmen and entrepreneurs in the rural areas,” she stated.
Okechukwu, who is also the CEO of Array Venture Consultancy Firm, said the platform would help curb social vices by engaging youths productively in digital marketing, onboarding, logistics and customer service.
She disclosed that Nijazone.com targets the creation of 1,000 jobs in Imo State in 2026 through its operations and partnerships.
The Country Director called for collaboration with government agencies, businesses and cooperative societies, urging residents involved in various production sectors to onboard secure online stores to market their products.
She announced that the platform’s office is located at 65 Christ Church Road, Owerri, and encouraged interested persons to visit Nijazone.com for more information.
Representing the Imo State Commissioner for Entrepreneurship, Skills Acquisition and Social Development, Mrs. Ukamaka Umeh commended the indigenous initiative, noting that it would positively impact businesses while creating employment and empowerment opportunities, especially for young people.
Similarly, the Technical Adviser in the Office of the Chief Economic Adviser to the Imo State Government, Mrs. Jovita Agwu said Nijazone.com aligns with the state’s One Kindred, One Business Initiative (OKOBI).
She explained that the platform would benefit from more than 600 group businesses involved in farming, production and related sectors, while promising government partnership with Nijazone.com.
Other stakeholders at the event, including the Imo State Coordinator of the NEPC, Mr. Anthony Ajuluchukwu, and his counterpart in Raw Materials Research and Development Council, Mr. David Enenmuo, emphasized the importance of digital platforms in promoting value addition and maximizing Nigeria’s abundant economic opportunities. Both pledged government collaboration and support for the initiative.
In his remarks, the Chairman of ABC Transport Plc, Mr. Frank Nneji, described the e-commerce platform as timely, saying it would enhance the exportation of locally produced goods to international markets. He urged residents of Imo State and Nigerians generally to embrace the initiative for economic advancement.
While Apostle Uche Ndubuisi described Nijazone.com as a global initiative capable of transforming lives beyond Nigeria’s borders. He praised the founder’s vision and urged local producers and residents of Imo State to embrace the platform to grow their businesses.
According to him, Nijazone’s grassroots presence gives it a competitive edge over other online platforms.
Some entrepreneurs at the launch, including Elder Ruben Achionye and Dr. Mrs. Adeola Ilechukwu, welcomed the initiative, expressing optimism that the platform would improve market access and boost their businesses.
