Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, is set to roll out an integrated campaign to promote made-in-Aba products, especially Aba fashion and lifestyle accessories.
He made this statement at the Enyimba International Stadium recently at the graduation ceremony of 4,000 trainees of Cohort 3 and 4 of the Fashion Future Programme, Showcasing Africa’s Creative Excellence, an initiative of Ethnocentrique and the Mastercard Foundation in collaboration with the Abia State Government.
The governor said, “This campaign will highlight the creative changes of our local entrepreneurs and the extensive economic benefits of their offering over foreign competition. I’ve also directed that funds be allocated to develop and equip the production hubs around the state, especially in Aba.
“You can also be sure that the fashion industry will be a prime beneficiary, because we are mindful of our comparative advantage in this regard.”
Otti appreciated the Chief Executive of Ethnocentrique Limited and the Mastercard Foundation and praised the successful completion of the training.
In his words, “The successful graduation of our sons and daughters from the Fashion Future Programme, delivered by Ethnocentrique Limited with support from the Mastercard Foundation and the state government, is a landmark achievement.
“This initiative has proven to be a masterclass in talent incubation, business development and enterprise exposure. I am impressed with the structure, organisation and the hands-on delivery model.
“The most interesting thing for us is that the FFP represents a preferred empowerment outlook, which targets the holistic development of the human faculties, expanding the capacity of individuals to imagine, create and bring forth new ideas.”
Otti congratulated the 4,000 graduates, adding that Aba as the location of the programme “speaks to the sincerity and commitment of the drivers of the initiative to make genuine impact, hone the skills of our young designers and set them up for dominance on the global fashion stage.”
