As part of its development plan, the Abia State Government under the leadership of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has said it remains committed to the promotion of locally made goods popularly known as Made-In-Aba.
The commitment of the State Government fits well with Nigeria’s economic recovery growth plan puts a premium on diversification, export, and discouraging importation.
The efforts of the State Government in its campaign for “Made-In-Aba” goods are yielding fruits with increased local patronage from various government agencies.
Even the military and para-military agencies like the NYSC are not left out as they now conveniently patronize Made-In-Aba for their uniforms, boots, and other fatigues.
To improve on quality, the Abia State Government sponsored 30 shoemakers from the state to China a few years ago to be trained in automated shoemaking.
The government followed up with the establishment of a fully automated shoe factory in the state with a production capacity of about 5000 pairs of shoes daily.
The shoes are sold across the West African sub-region and even beyond, increasing the acceptance and visibility of Made-In-Aba goods.
However, to improve entrepreneurs’ market share value, the state-organized a one week – Aba Fashion Show late last year.
Under the watch of Governor Ikpeazu, the fashion industry in Aba has received tremendous support, making Made-in-Aba products much more competitive and a global brand to be reckoned with.
To maintain the tempo, the state government said it will in the next few months establish an automated fashion factory for Aba designers.
With these, experts are optimistic that the local industry will in no time begin to provide the much-needed foreign exchange earnings; a feat every Nigerian citizen will be genuinely proud of.
