Making Abia State the japan of Nigeria

The made in Abia products exhibition has come and gone, but its accomplishment and success are still fresh in the memory of Abians and Nigerians at large, which graced the occasion or had a ghimpse of it through the broadcast station.

The exhibition which was powered by the office of her Excellency, Chief Mrs. Odochi Orji (Osinulomaranma), in collaboration with the organized private sector – under the public – private partnership initiative (PPP) has its theme: promoting made in Abia products for accelerated economic development.

The exhibition which lasted for one week, was flagged off by the amiable governor of Abia State, Sir Dr. T.A Orji (Ochendo) accompanied by the Abia first Lady and the crème – de – la – crème of Abia Politicians, amongst others. The high point of the occasion was the display of made – in Abia products ranging from solid minerals, agriculture products, artifacts, science equipment, tourism products, industrial products etc.

In her remarks, wife of the Deputy Chief of Staff office of the Deputy Governor, Chief Mrs. Vivian Ogbonnaya lauded Lady Odochi Orji for her legacies and vision of championing the first ever made in Abia Goods exhibition which also has provided manufacturers, producers, innovators, inventors, entrepreneurs, women and youths operating within Abia State the opportunity to showcase their products and services to the world.

The programme manager, Abia State Agricultural Development Programme, Sir EnyinnayaElekwachi opined that apart from the numerous charity works her Excellency is associated with, she has this time again come with this wonderful initiative of showcasing and promoting made in Abia Products for Accelerated Economic Development by way of Exhibition, which her predecessors could not achieve. In his contribution, the Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Engr. Emma Nwabuko, extolled the wife of the Governor, for her exemplary leadership style towards the people of Abia State as typified in upgrading the standard and general welfare of the less privileged, children and women of the State.

He also, thanked her for another milestone in her complementary effort in repositioning the State. The Hon. Commissioner of Finance, Chief Sam Onuigbo reiterated that this is the first time in her Twenty two years of existence, that the State is mounting an exhibition to showcase products made in the State. He showered encomiums on the wife of the Governor for her human and modest ingenuity to ensuring that the programme was a success. The transition committee Chairman of Umuahia North Local Government Area Hon. ChukwudiNdumele commended Chief Mrs. Mercy Odochi Orji for creating a very strategic window of opportunities for all business enterprises in the State that manufactures Local Products. “By this singular feat in the drive of industrialization of the State, your creative tendencies and technological capability have been exposed beyond boarders”.

It has now been known to the world that Abia State is the Japan of Africa. In the same vain, the transition committee Chairman, Umuahia South Local Government Area, Hon. Jerry Uzosike praised Governor T.A. Orji and his wife for lifting Abia State to an enviable height through celebrating our local manufacturers, thereby creating a platform for their markets to compete favourably with manufacturers of international repute. His colleague in the Ohafia Local Government Area, Chief Mandela Obasi saluted the wife of the Governor for her numerous goal oriented programmes in the State, and that with the exhibition, Abia Business climate will generally experience a boom that will not be forgotten.

Hon Emeka Ejiogu, the Member representing (Ohuhu constituency in Umuahia North Local Government Area), lauded Governor Orji and his wife for promoting the exhibition; thus adding to the development of the economy of Abia State. This he has exemplified through the provision of infrastructure, maintenance of security to enable industries thrive.

Also, the state coordinator of fadama III project Eziada Dr. Mrs. Ezinne F. Otuka poured encomiums on the wife of the Governor for her novel contributions to the less privileged, building of houses for widows, giving out scholarships to indigent pupils, taking care of motherless babies and empowerment of the youths through Agriculture. While showcasing various products and food items like vegetables, palm oil, plantain etc and locally made machines for the processing of Garri, yam etc.

She commended ‘Osinulo, Nne Abia’ for her good initiative for using Local solution to solve local problem. In his own contribution, the State Director of Sports, Mr. EjikemeIkwunze harped on the need for sustainability since it has to do with manufacturing and provision of local products for exhibition.

He congratulated the first family on their giant strides of provision of democracy dividends to Abians. The General Manager, Abia roads maintenance Agency, Chief Ndukwe Agwu also felicitated with the wife of the Governor for her milestone and supportive role in the onerous task of taking Abia State to the next level. He also prayed God to continue to grant her with wisdom and courage in her efforts to touch more lives.

The Executive Secretary, Secondary Education management Board (SEMB), Chief NdubuisiUmezurike opined that the exhibition will afford entrepreneurs and manufacturers, the opportunity to showcase their wares thereby assisting in Job creation and minimizing unemployment.

He thanked the Governor and his wife for the well thought, timely and innovative idea in bringing Abia State to limelight. Dr. Mrs. Queen Obioma, Director of Extension, Abia State (ADP), highlighted the importance of the exhibition by displaying made in Abia Agricultural Products, which are products of Abia (ADP).

She tasked manufacturers to always be proud to write ‘Made in Nigeria’ in their products instead of Made in Italy or China. She also praised ‘Mama Abia’ for her vision and developmental strides. All in all, the programme was a huge success worthy of emulation and should be sustained.source: http://www.naijanetworknews.com/?p=1723

It's a task that must be done and is very doable. Aba has been on the verge of full industrialization for decades. The only set back is governance.
Umuahia boosts a level of indigenous industry only out done by Onitcha, Aba and Lagos.

Yes, Abia is on the verge of exploding industrially in the near future, as the present governor has been taking adequate steps in making that happen. Abia - Truly God's Own State