How Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu Became Mr. Made-In-Aba

Aba, a commercial city in Abia State, has always been reputed for its entrepreneurial qualities and industrial innovative drive. But textile and leather products from its factories have been largely regarded as being of inferior quality. Aba-made became a euphemism for sub-standard products.

But not anymore; Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has changed the narrative and brought the good days to Aba.

 Ikpeazu has kept the promise he made in 2015 to ensure that “Made-in-Aba” products become something of high quality and in high demand.”

He had taken four important steps to turn things around for Aba industries, and one of these is wearing Made-in-Aba dresses and shoes and encouraging members of his administration to do same.

 Besides this,  he has tried to provide steady power supply to some parts of Ariaria market, where the shoemaking enterprise is flourishing. His administration was able to do this by moving the responsibility of electricity supply to the area to the agency in charge of rural power supply.

Another step that was instrumental in boosting the industry was the hosting of the Made-in-Aba fashion show which was held in Abuja and New York. The show brought Aba manufacturers face–to-face with world-class designers and internationalized the campaign for Aba made products.

Governor Ikpeazu also provided road infrastructure for the city to facilitate vehicular movements. Out of the 45 roads constructed by the Ikpeazu administration so far, 25 are in Aba.

The governor’s effort has been rewarded by the amount of income that has accrued to Aba industries in the last two years. Figures from the state show that Made-in-Aba goods have generated about N1.4 billion worth of sales in the 24 months since the Made-in-Nigeria campaign was inaugurated.

Speaking on why he wears Made-in –Aba, Ikpeazu said it is because the products can compete favourably with similar products around the world. So, his intention was to promote the products of Aba and turn them to international brands.

Just last week, the Abia State Marketing and Quality Management Agency opened a Made-in-Aba clothing store in the United Kingdom.  Sam Hart, the Director-General, announced this on social media while also sharing pictures from the new store.

A fashion designer ,Mr Ifeanyi  Njoku, who spoke to our correspondent in Aba,  said he now has more customers than before because of the publicity the governor has given made in Aba products.