Management of Sterling Bank Plc,has stated it’s preparedness to partner with the Abia State Government in shoe production to drive the Made in Aba initiative.
Executive Director, Institutional Banking Division of Sterling Bank Plc, Emmanuel
Emefinim stated this when he led a delegation of the bank on a visit to Governor Okezie Ikpeazu at the Government House, Umuahia.
Emefinim noted that they have gone into sourcing of raw materials for shoe production as well as engaged local producers of leather in Kano state to ensure that those in production of shoes and allied materials get the needed raw materials of top quality.
He added that the bank will finance the project with a view to creating a seamless platform for artisans in shoe production and manufacturing.
In his words: “What we are trying to do is to see that we partner with Abia state government end to end, from sourcing the raw materials to the production of the goods, to the sales and even getting off takers.
“Specifically, we are looking at partnering with the state government in local production and we are starting with shoe making.
“We have engaged local producers and have gone into agreements that will make it possible for those into production of shoes to get the needed raw materials of top quality.
“What we are here to do is to validate this position and let you know that the entire board of the bank and the executive Management is very much behind this Initiative and we will do everything possible to make it work”.
Emefinim expressed hope that at the end, artisans will no longer source for materials as the process will make it easier for them to get raw materials for production.
He commended the governor for his efforts in driving the Socio economic growth of the state, promotion of made in Aba products as well as creating enabling environment for their business to thrive , assuring that they will do everything possible to ensure the success of the project.
In his response, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu while noting that his administration’s commitment to the made in Aba project is unwavering, thanked Management of the bank for keying into the state government’s initiative to improve the state’s economy.
Ikpeazu who pointed out that over 250,000 artisans are currently doing business in Aba, said no serious government will ignore them.
He added that his administration has tackled the challenges of Power,Automation, Marketing and Capacity building in his relentless effort in promoting the made in Aba project and expressed hope that the partnership will be fruitful.
