Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has restated the total commitment of his administration to the relentless promotion and expansion of goods and services manufactured by Abians as a key ingredient of the economic development plans of his government.
The Governor stated this yesterday while speaking at a Fashion Show organized by Zenith Bank Plc in Lagos. The show which is sponsored by Zenith Bank created a platform for the exhibition of Garment and Leather products that are made in Aba.
The Governor, who was invited by the Bank Management to speak at the event in recognition of his commitment and support to the growth and expansion of locally made products, stated that his administration will consistently support our local producers because it was the only way to grow the economy of the State.
Governor Ikpeazu thanked the Board and Management of Zenith Bank Plc for creating such a wonderful platform for our local producers and assured them that the leather and garment industry in Aba is a goldmine with a guaranteed return on investments. He challenged other financial institutions and discerning investors to take advantage of the huge opportunities in Aba and the entire state, assuring that our people will work with them to fully recoup their investments.
He used the opportunity to state that the first-ever automated shoe factory in the state would roll out the first set of shoes by the first quarter of next year, as installation of machines imported from China was currently ongoing at the factory site in Aba.
The event was witnessed by the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo Olu, Chairman of Zenith Bank, Mr Jim Ovia, Group Managing Director of the Bank, Mr Ebenezer Onyeagwu and other top executives of the Bank.
Top icons of fashion and Nollywood were also present at the event.
The Abia delegation included the Honorable Commissioner for SME Development, Mr Onyema Wachuku, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr Nkwachukwu Agomuo and a Head of Department in the Ministry, Mrs Ngozi Nwosu, as well as the Director-General of the Abia State Marketing and Quality Control Agency, Mr Sam Hart.
The Governor is expected to return home today.
