Governor Alex Chioma Otti says his administration will roll out a campaign to promote Made-in-Aba products, with a focus on fashion and lifestyle accessories.
Otti made the announcement on Wednesday at the Enyimba International Stadium during the graduation of 4,000 trainees under the Fashion Future Programme, implemented by Ethnocentrique Limited in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and the Abia State Government.
The governor said the initiative is aimed at boosting local production and expanding opportunities for entrepreneurs.
“This campaign will highlight the creative changes of our local entrepreneurs and the extensive economic benefits of their offering over foreign competition.
“I’ve also directed that funds be allocated to develop and equip the production hubs around the State, especially in Aba.
“You can also be sure that the fashion industry will be a prime beneficiary, because we are mindful of our comparative advantage in this regard,” Gov. Otti stated.
He added that the government would deploy resources to revive the ENASCO facility and strengthen production capacity in the state.
Otti described the programme as a key component of his administration’s strategy to tackle unemployment and stimulate economic growth.
“This is one of the ways to engage our youth. This is one of the ways to ensure that unemployment is reduced, poverty level is reduced, the gross domestic product is increased and at the long run, the internally generated revenue of the government is increased.
“Thank you (Mrs Ejibe) for igniting us back in the minds of our young people, for giving them the platform to carry their dream forward.
“May we also use this opportunity to convey our gratitude to the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) for providing the technical guidance for the FFP through its skills qualification framework,” Gov. Otti stated.
The governor said the programme could be expanded to about 8,000 beneficiaries, up from the current 4,000 trainees.
In her remarks, Rosy Fynn, country director of the Mastercard Foundation, commended the Abia government for prioritising empowerment and economic development.
Also speaking, Mrs Irunna Ejibe, CEO of Ethnocentrique Limited, said the “Ahia 360” initiative is designed to develop talent across the fashion value chain and position Aba as a global hub for creative production.
The programme featured a showcase of garments produced by participants and attracted dignitaries from across sectors.