Digital Revolution: Nijazone.com To Create 1,000 Jobs in Imo, Showcase Rural Products Globally
By Ifeanyichukwu Ibe
An emerging digital commerce platform, Nijazone.com, has unveiled plans to create 1,000 jobs in Imo State in 2026 through a rural e-commerce initiative aimed at connecting local producers with global markets.
The initiative was announced during the launch of the online marketplace at the Imo State office of the Nigeria Export Promotion Council in Owerri, where stakeholders described the platform as a major step toward transforming rural commerce and expanding non-oil exports in Nigeria.
Chief Executive Officer of Nijazone.com, High Chief Joachim Nwogu, said the platform was designed to empower rural entrepreneurs, farmers, artisans and small-scale manufacturers by giving their products international visibility through digital technology.
According to him, the initiative would provide employment opportunities for youths in logistics, digital marketing, customer support, product sourcing, packaging and online sales management.
Nwogu described the project as part of a broader effort to bridge the gap between rural producers and global consumers, noting that many locally made products often fail to reach international markets because of poor visibility and limited access to digital tools.
He said the platform would help rural businesses secure online stores, attract international buyers and conduct transactions digitally from the comfort of their communities.
“Nijazone.com is not just an online marketplace. It is a digital gateway created to transform rural commerce, empower communities, create opportunities for unemployed youths and connect Nigerian products to the global economy,” he stated.
He urged entrepreneurs, farmers and producers across Imo State and beyond to embrace digital commerce in order to expand their businesses and compete globally.
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.
