Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting and commercialising the famous Akwete cloth, assuring that the traditional fabric would be positioned for global relevance and economic value.
Governor Otti gave the assurance on Saturday at his country home in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area, while receiving a delegation of political stakeholders from Ukwa East led by the member representing Ukwa East State Constituency, Hon. Lewis Obianyi, who formally declared their intention to join the Labour Party (LP).
The Governor, who expressed appreciation for the Akwete cloth presented to him by the delegation, said his administration, through the Office of the Wife of the Governor, has been actively promoting Akwete cloth beyond Africa, including at the United Nations General Assembly.
He noted that the First Lady of the State has taken the campaign to the global stage, adding that former World Bank Vice President, Dr Mrs Oby Ezekwesili, has also been supportive of efforts to project Akwete cloth internationally.
“We must commercialise it, bring the price down and make it available. We want people to sit down and weave; that is how we create jobs and sustain the economy”, the Governor said.
He congratulated Hon. Obianyi and the other stakeholders on their decision to join the Labour Party, assuring them that a date would soon be fixed for their official reception in Ukwa East as requested.
Governor Otti stressed that his political philosophy is anchored on the welfare and happiness of the people.
“The most important thing is that we belong to one political party called Abia State. Everything we do is to promote the welfare and happiness of our people”, he said.
The Governor announced that the General Hospital approved for Ukwa East would be delivered before the end of the year, adding that construction would commence immediately.
He explained that the initial site proposed for the Hospital was inadequate, which prompted the search for an alternative location donated by an Ndoki indigene.
“To the glory of God, a large parcel of land was donated and handed over to the contractor just yesterday. I have given the contractor until the end of the year to deliver a state-of-the-art General Hospital for our people”, the Governor said.
He added that the project could be officially flagged off during his forthcoming visit to Ukwa East.
Earlier, Hon. Obianyi announced his defection to the Labour Party alongside several prominent Political Leaders and Stakeholders from Ukwa East, describing the move as a decision inspired by Governor Otti’s performance in office.
He recalled that in September last year, he had informed the Governor of his intention to join the Labour Party and commended the warm reception he received.
According to him, the visit was part of an earlier understanding that the decampees would first pay homage to the Governor ahead of a formal reception in Ukwa East.
Hon. Obianyi said the Governor’s delivery of “tangible and lasting infrastructure” had convinced them to align with his leadership.
“Abians are no longer seeing audio infrastructure. What they are seeing now are projects that can stand the test of time”, he said.
He added that the Governor had laid a solid foundation that would make governance easier for future administrations beyond 2031.
“That is why I said I have come to follow you, because you are a good Governor. We are not looking for a party to belong to; we are looking for good governance, and today you have provided leadership for us”, Obianyi stated.
Introducing the decampees, the Mayor of Ukwa East, Hon. Chibunna Akara, said the delegation comprised leaders from various opposition parties who had resolved to join the Labour Party and were awaiting a formal reception date.
Among the stakeholders who declared for the Labour Party are: the Deputy Majority Leader of the 7th Abia House of Assembly and former PDP Campaign Director-General in Ukwa East, Hon. Paul Taribo; former YPP House of Representatives candidate and YPP leader in Ukwa East/West Federal Constituency, Chief Bright Benson; two-time former Commissioner for Women Affairs, Lady Chinedu Brown; PDP Ward Chairman in Ukwa East, Hon. Hyacinth Iheanacho.
Others are Prof. Kamalu of the University of Port Harcourt; retired Superintendent of Police and APC stakeholder, Barr. Ben Ogbonna; women leaders Mrs Esther Bright and Chief (Lolo) Theresa Aja; former Special Adviser on Agriculture, Elder Israel Bethel; and Chairman of the Ijaw National Congress, Ndoki Clan, Dr Felix Idah Waboso.
The Commissioner for Information and Ndoki son, Prince Okey Kanu, was also present at the meeting.
