Anambra state governor-elect Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo recently spoke on the vision he intends to carry out immediately he resumes office as the governor of Anambra state. The governor-elect promised to revive firms (Akwaete clothing) in Anambra and make innoson his official vehicle.
In his words, “Igbo land is one and we must protect it. We want to bring back the zeal of patronizing our own. I have said it even during campaigns, and I meant it, that if I win, the official car of the governor of Anambra state will be innoson motors”.
While giving this speech, the governor was seen putting on a locally made fabric, known as Akwete, which is produced by Akwete women in Abia State. He emphasized that his outfit was not a coincidence as he did it on purpose to support local firms and also make a statement. In his words, ” My Akwete dress is not just a dress, it is a statement. You know in the entire South-east, this is the only textile alive, and it is handmade. The dresses I will be wearing are those made locally in our place here. We must protect the things that are made in our place. Something is about to happen in Igboland, and together we will get there”.
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This statement by Prof. Charles Soludo demonstrates his support and commitment towards supporting Nigerian-made products and the manufacturing sector. This initiative is very commendable, and it will be great if all government officials can take a cue from him. Just recently, the governor of Abia state, Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu was seen rocking a locally made in Aba shoe. I said to myself, “this is how it should be”. Sometimes I feel that most government officials haven’t yet emancipated themselves from mental slavery to think that foreign-made products are more superior and durable to locally made products. This is why Nigeria has been hampered by a high level of importation, with billions of dollars wasted on things that could be produced locally. Over-dependence on the importation of these foreign goods has devalued the Naira and weakened the economy.
This move by Prof. Soludo, if implemented will be beneficial because it will reverse the trend of patronizing foreign-made goods to locally made ones. It will restore confidence in locally made goods. One thing he should ensure to do, is to provide financial and other forms of support needed to manufacturers of these locally made goods so that they will have the needed facilities and equipment to be able to manufacture such goods, especially in very large quantities.
It would be a thing of pride for not just the Igbo Nation but Nigeria as a whole if locally made brands compete with well-known foreign brands. For instance, Innoson motors competing with top brands like Toyota, Nissan, etc, and locally made brands competing with top brands like Zara, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, etc. Once these brands gain not just local dominance but penetrate the foreign market, it will positively impact the economy. Money spent on the importation of these goods will be invested home, which can also lead to the exportation of locally made products.
If only the Nigerian government is visionary enough to see that promoting locally made goods will greatly improve the economy, they will take a cue from Prof. Charles soludo. There are so many creative talents untapped here. Proper investment and patronage will turn things around. Not only will poverty be kept at bay, the teeming youths would not resort to vice in the society, because they would be productively engaged. The economy of any nation grows rapidly when locally made goods are promoted.