Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti has expressed his administrations readiness to support SMEs and collaborate with stakeholders to strengthen Aba’s shoe and textile industry.
Governor Otti stated this on Friday, at his conference hall in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area, during a meeting with a delegation from Ethnocentrique LTD, a pioneer indigenous Fashion Company led by its Founder, Mrs Irunna Ejibe.
The Governor commended the efforts of the Company in promoting the State’s garment industry, especially the Akwete fabric, a traditional textile predominantly produced in the South-East, as well as the Shoe industry, noting that it aligns with his administration’s vision.
“What you are doing is actually at the heart of what we want to do. Interestingly, you have moved ahead which is very good.
“I am very happy about that, because it shows that you are not just thinking ahead, you are doing”, he said.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to revitalizing the textile and garment sector in Aba, describing it as a key industry with a vast potential to drive economic growth, create jobs, and enhance local production.
Governor Otti who addressed the decline of Nigeria’s textile mills, acknowledged that the sector has shrunk drastically due to external factors, including the impact of the World Trade Organization (WTO) agreements.
The Governor highlighted the global significance of the textile industry, citing his 2020 article in ThisDay, titled Who Made the Cloth You Are Wearing?”, where he underscored that $1.8 trillion value of the global Cutting, Textiles, and Garment (CTG) industry with significant shares controlled by countries like the United States, China, Bangladesh, and Vietnam.
“Every time you talk about this, we make reference to WTO dropping from 400 textile mills to like 22 and most of those 22 are just importing”, he remarked.
He assured the delegation that his government is ready to provide support, not merely as an enabler but as an active participant in the industry’s revival.
“We do not fully agree with the notion that government should only create an enabling environment. Yes, that is important, but there are businesses that still need direct intervention”, he said.
He also drew comparisons to practices in the United States, where the government spends over $200 billion annually to subsidize agriculture.
Governor Otto pointed out that t his administration has initiated similar support systems, such as the N1 billion interest-free loan scheme for nano businesses which has already benefitted many entrepreneurs.
He also referenced a 2017 study he conducted in the Ariaria Market, which identified at least 50,000 artisans engaged in shoemaking, with an even larger number involved in textile and garment production.
On the subject of Akwaete fabric, Governor Otti called for a comprehensive plan to modernize it’s production and advocated for technological advancements, large-scale manufacturing, and legislative support to promote the use of Akwete fabric.
He urged the Commissioner for Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy to engage with stakeholders to explore strategies for improving the quality and accessibility of the Akwete fabric.
Earlier in her presentation, the Founder, Ethnorcentrique LTD, Mrs Irunna Ejibe said that the pioneer indigenous Fashion Company is focused on strengthening Africa’s creative industries and MSMEs and expressed satisfaction that global attention is now focused on Nigeria and Africa which has validated the company’s efforts.
Mrs Ejibe disclosed that the company selected Aba to launch it’s fashion future initiative aimed at upskilling 5,000 youths and supporting small businesses to stimulate local economy with the help of donor agencies, including the Mastercard Foundation.
“In it’s pilot phase, the program seeks to train with secure work for 5000 youths”, Mrs Ejibe further disclosed.
According to her, the choice of Abia was due to its emerging governance structure, under the leadership of Governor Otti which she noted aligns with the company’s objectives.
Mrs Ejibe who recounted past struggles with business in Aba due to poor infrastructure said she was pleased to see significant improvements, particularly in road Infrastructure and commended the Governor for making meaningful impacts.
She however listed areas of support and strategic collaboration with the State Government with a view to positioning Aba as a leading Micro Small and Medium-Scale.Enterprises (MSME) global fashion hub.
