By Kingsley Maduforo
Aba represents the resilience and enterprising spirit of the Igbo nation and also serves as a point of convergence for men and cultures. In the history of commerce in Nigeria, Aba is known to be the headquarters of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) and has provided the highest SMEs market for the entire South-East and South-South geo-political zones.
The Small and Medium Scale Enterprises are seen as one of the means to boost the country’s economy. The SMEs are pivotal to the economic growth and development of the State especially as the government wants to diversify the economy as a result of declining revenue due to declining oil price in the international market.
It is imperative to know that for the required growth in the SMEs to be achieved, there is need for innovative marketing, excellent financial and management skill that are useful for effective business operation and favourable policies that would help attract funding and investment.
To this end, Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State upon assumption of office initiated strategies that would drive the infrastructural renewal and economic growth of the State. There is massive road construction in Abia State especially in the city of Aba which is undoubtedly the commercial hub of the State. The construction of 32 roads has been completed and Aba has the highest number due to its great economic importance what with the recent rebranding of Made-in-Aba products.
Governor Ikpeazu is keeping to his promise of using the dry season window to fix the dilapidated Faulks Road which leads to Ariaria International Market, which itself is the engine house of Made-in-Aba goods.
It is important to note that the construction of the 4.7km Faulks Road with a contract sum of #6.8billion had been flagged off earlier. This is aimed at providing a permanent solution to the strategic road which has defied previous efforts due to the menace of flood.
Indeed the radical change and progess which Made-in-Aba products are witnessing presently is attributable to the favourable programmes and policies laid down for the SMEs in the State by the Gov. Ikpeazu-led administration. He (Ikpeazu) is a man who understands the importance of SMEs and the proper attention Made-in-Aba goods need in order to become a national and international brand.
Truly, artisans in Aba have the potential and capacity to produce and launch standard local products into the international market. Aba artisans are well known in the business of fabrication of equipment and tools, garment, finished leather products – shoe, belt, bag and sandals, furniture and other sundry products which can compete favourably with other global brands.
It would be recalled that Bar. Sam Hart, the Senior Special Assistant to Gov. Ikpeazu on Public Communication led a delegation of Aba artisans (producers of Made-in-Aba goods) to a meeting with the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki aimed at persuading the Senate to mandate Ministries, Departments, Agencies and Parastatals of the Nigerian government to emulate the Nigerian Army in patronizing Made-in-Aba products.
It would also be recalled that the progress recorded in boosting the SMEs in Abia State had attracted the attention of the Nigerian Army hence the ordering of 50,000 pairs of military boots.
Abians in diaspora have also cue into the promotion of Made-in-Aba goods and have also placed an order for an initial 1000 pairs of school sandals that would be distributed to pupils in Abia State for free.
The Made-in-Aba brand has regained its lost glory and is now a global name.y to give a contract for the production of 50,000 military boots.
Abians in diaspora have keyed into the promotion of Made – in – Aba products,by ordering an initial 1,000 pair of school shoe and sandals to be distributed free to pupils in Abia State.
The Made – in – Aba products is now a global name and is gaining back its lost glory. Looking at Made – in – Aba products what it was and now, you can agree with me that Gov. Ikpeazu has done alot in showing commitment to the promotion, rebranding and bringing a facelift to Aba products which led the purchesing rate of the products to drastically increased. This new development have provide more jobs and reduced the unemployment rate in the state and increased the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state.
Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has given Made – in – Aba a facelift by being the chief brand ambassador of Made – in – Aba products. Since assumption of office he has embarked on an aggressive promotion of the Aba products, which reflects on his wears – Made – in – Aba clothes and shoes and it shows a leader who is passionate and proud of his own.
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