From Nonye Udumiri,
Aba
Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has said that Nigerians have no reason to look elsewhere to buy products that are properly produced within the country.
The Abia governor who spoke in Aba, urged Nigerians to take pride in patronizing and showcasing made-in-Nigeria products, stressing that such actions will boost the economy.
Ikpeazu took the chance to explain to newsmen why Abia chose to support the establishment of a footwear academy in Aba, stressing that it became necessary to consolidate what the city is known for.
The Governor applauded the intellectual dimension the founder of the academy, Mr. Bentley Chukwuemeka is bringing into shoe making and stressed the need for stronger collaboration between it and the Enyimba Automated Shoe Company (ENASCO) owned by the state government.
He lamented that Nigerians are supporting the economic growth of other nations, while constantly refusing to take pride in endorsing their own. A situation he said is increasing unemployment.
Ikpeazu said that whenever Nigerians take the lead in consuming their products, it will not take time for other African nations to follow suit, stressing that the country’s position in Africa makes it easier. He unequivocally said that Aba now has whatever it takes to compete with China and other countries well known in the Manufacturing of shoes and other leather products.
He expressed optimism that with the new improvement and machines that have helped in changing the narratives, no one will ignore the shoes produced from Aba anymore. Ikpeazu expressed delight at what he saw at the Footwear Academy and promised to give them all necessary support for more growth, as he is willing to provide land to enable them expand and enroll more students into the school.
