Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, says his government will formalize the promotion, patronage and usage of Akwete handmade clothes in the state, nation and in Africa.
Gov. Otti stated this at the weekend, during a courtesy visit by a delegation from Ethnorcentrique Limited.
He commended the organisation’s ongoing efforts to boost the state’s shoe and garment industry, describing it as aligning with his administration’s vision.
The governor who acknowledged the traditional structure of the Akwaete fabric industry, described it as oligopolistic.
He highlighted the importance of applying technology to enhance the industry’s capacity, improve product quality, and reduce production costs.
Also, Gov. Otti spoke of the possibility of a legislation to promote the use of Akwete fabrics.
This is contained in a statement issued by the governor’s Chief press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha and made available to journalists in Umuahia, the Abia State capital.
“The Akwaete market looks like an oligopolistic market just like you said; where daughters – mothers and grandmothers handle the business. It doesn’t go beyond that, we need to find a way to expand it.
“While not deriding what they have done, we can always improve by applying technology, maybe cost of production may become cheaper by the time you have large scale production.
“We can also pass a legislation that ensures that people use it and it must be available for people to get it,” Gov. Otti stated.
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The governor further told the team, of the need for further discussions to achieve the common goal of the government and the organisation.
Gov. Otti, who thanked the team for chosen Aba for the programme, noted that the global textile, cotton, and garment space remains a lucrative industry worth $1.8 trillion, with significant shares controlled by countries like the United States, China, Bangladesh, and Vietnam.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Ethnocentrique Limited, Mrs. Irunna Ejibe said that the group has been in Aba since May last year, to skill up support for 5, 000 young people and activate the local economy in a programme tagged: “Fashion future programme“.
She said that Abia State was chosen because of the place and status of Aba as the heart of fashion in West Africa, adding that, there is now a visionary government in Abia that came prepared to change the story of the state.
