Nijazone.com Unveiled as Digital Gateway for Nigeria’s Rural Businesses to Global Marketplace …To Create 1000 Jobs in Imo

By Ifeanyichukwu Ibe…

The launch of Nijazone.com, a new online marketing platform, has been described as a major breakthrough in Nigeria’s rural e-commerce sector, with stakeholders expressing optimism that the initiative will connect rural entrepreneurs to global markets and create thousands of economic opportunities.

The platform was officially unveiled at the Imo State office of the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) in Owerri on May 1, 2026, during an event attended by business leaders, exporters, farmers, entrepreneurs and development stakeholders.

Speaking at the unveiling, the Chief Executive Officer of Nijazone.com, High Chief Joachim Nwogu described the initiative as a historic step toward transforming commerce in underserved communities across Nigeria.

According to him, Nijazone.com was created as a digital marketplace designed to bridge the gap between local producers and international buyers while empowering youths, farmers, artisans and small-scale business owners.

He noted that the platform would provide rural entrepreneurs with access to wider markets, digital tools and business opportunities that were previously beyond their reach.

Nwogu, who resides in the United States, explained that the initiative is expected to stimulate economic growth, reduce unemployment and encourage local production by giving visibility to products made in rural communities.

He added that the platform aligns with ongoing efforts to deepen digital inclusion and expand Nigeria’s non-oil export sector through technology-driven commerce.

On her own, the Country Director of Nijazone.com, Dr. Ngozi Okechukwu said: “With Nijazone.com you can now reach the farmers, artisans, craftsmen and entrepreneurs in the rural areas.”

She emphasized the benefits of the digital marketing platform to include: showcasing African heritage to the world, value addition to local products and reduction in crime rates with engagements of young people productively.

According to Okechukwu, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Array Venture Consultancy Firm, Nijazone.com plans to create 1,000 jobs in Imo State in 2026, with employees expected to undertake responsibilities in onboarding, digital marketing, customer service, logistics, among others.

She urged residents of the state across various production sectors to onboard and secure online stores on Nijazone.com in order to create global visibility for their products. She also provided their contact address as 65 Christ Church Street, Owerri, and the website, Nijazone.com.

Similarly, the Project Manager of Nijazone.com, Mr. Elvis Okechukwu, commended the large turnout of participants at the launch, stating that the platform would bring numerous benefits to the people of the state and beyond. He also encouraged citizens to onboard the platform.

Meanwhile, stakeholders at the event commended the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention capable of transforming rural economies and boosting Nigeria’s participation in the global digital marketplace, and pledged support and collaboration.

They expressed confidence that the platform would open new opportunities for small businesses and strengthen economic development at the grassroots level, adding that such aligned with federal and state government’s policies for an export-driven economy, skills acquisition and business development among others.

Speakers at the event included, the Imo State Coordinator of the NEPC, Mr. Anthony Ajuluchukwu; his counterpart at the Raw Materials Research and Development Council, Mr. David Enenmuo and the Director of Skills in the Imo State Ministry of Entrepreneurship, Skills Acquisition and Social Responsibility, Mrs. Ukamaka Umeh.

Others were the Technical Adviser in the Office of the Chief Economic Adviser to the Imo State Government, Mrs. Jovita Agwu; the Chairman of ABC Transport Plc, Mr. Frank Nneji and Apostle Uche Ndubuisi.

Fielding questions from newsmen, some participants at the event, including Elder Ruben Achionye and Dr. Mrs. Adeola Ilechukwu, expressed excitement that Nijazone.com would help their businesses gain global visibility, attract wider patronage, and expand access to international markets.