Ime Uwah

It is no news that the establishment of the Dakkada Cottage Industry has created opportunities for many job seekers in Akwa Ibom State. However, we must appreciate its potential of promoting and encouraging establishment of more cottage and small industries in the state, especially in the rural areas.

Cottage Industry, according to Investopedia, is a small-scale, decentralized manufacturing business often operated out of a home rather than a purpose-built facility. Also, Cottage industries are defined by the amount of investment required to start, as well as the number of people employed.

This description of cottage industries mirror the model of some of the common cottage industries in the State, which includes, Palm Oil Processing Mills, Garri Processing Mills, Fish drying facilities, Fashion Design Houses, iron fabricators, and now, with the establishment of Dakkada Cottage Industries, mini paper, pencil , toothpick production factory, and plastics crafting facilities have been added to the list.

The Dakkada Cottage industry uses bamboo as its major raw materials to produce pencil, tooth-picks, and tissue papers while using recycled local plastic waste gathered within and outside the state for its plastic products.

The establishment of the Dakkada Cottage industries by a visionary leader, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Gov. Udom Emmanuel goes beyond investment in a lucrative and profitable venture, but rather setting the tone, opening the doors and making available business models and resources for small business owners to invest in the sector, thereby effectively mobilizing the local economy.

With a growing market that seeks original handcrafted products as opposed to mass-produced products, there’s an investment opportunity for Akwa Ibom indigenes in this bamboo products sector.

Recently, during a tour of the Dakkada Cottage Industry at the Itam Industrial Park, the Commissioner incharge of the Ministry of Industries and Investment in the State, Prince Ukpong Akpabio, noted that some of the possible small scale industries that can be created in homes and small spaces with lesser capital requirements includes pulp/paper making factories, handcrafted pencil factories, pulp furniture factories, pencil and toothpick factories. He also said that, other associated business opportunities include; Supply of Bamboo (locally sourced raw materials), Commercial cultivation of bamboo, Sourcing and supplies of recycled local waste plastics and finished products distributorship opportunities.

Cottage and small scale industries are labour intensive and provides employment. This reduces unemployment and offers opportunities for self-employment. It provides economic opportunities to the poor.

With rising demand for reusable and disposable plastic containers for storage and packaging, handcrafted and customized pulp, paper and pencil products in the domestic and international market, it is very necessary to communicate and mobilize wide interest in the State cottage industry development, especially in rural areas. With an expanded market for our cottage products, it will promote our own culture and sustain the state's status as a destination State.