Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, has lent his voice to the promotion of made in Nigeria products as an economic catalyst and job creator.
The former governor of Nigeria’s Central Bank made the call over the weekend at the International Convention Center in Awka, Anambra State Capital, during the Anambra Fashion Expo, (AFE 2022) an initiative spearheaded by his daughter, Ms. Adorah Soludo, to promote indigenous fabrics and made-in-Nigeria fashion.
Governor Soludo is famour for his love and promotion of local ‘akwete’ fabrics, disclosed at the event that his choice of wears is designed and sewn by his fashionista daughter, while his shoes are also locally made in Ogbunike.
“Our primary job is to promote anything made in Anambra. When my daughter was 12 years old, she insisted that we must buy her a sewing machine. We did. Little did we know that she would end up being a fashion person; notwithstanding her degrees.
“The message here is that we parents should encourage our children to take up to whatever they have passion for. So, I congratulate them for the effort they made in putting this together.
“I’m impressed because not a single kobo of Anambra money entered into this project. Even this hall, they paid for it. I’m amazed coming here.”
“For us, it is about made in Anambra, South-East or Nigeria. I think in time, we will begin to talk about Nigerian fabrics globally
“The organizers of this event represent passion and creativity. Look at the shoes that I wear, all made in Anambra. I’ll get advice from the organizers to see how we can help to promote this industry. By next year, we will support this project. This is the Anambra that we should be celebrating”.
Governor Soludo also used the occasion to appreciate his predecessor, Willie Obiano, for the 12,000 capacity ICC structure. “May I use this opportunity to appreciate my predecessor in office for putting this kind of edifice in place. We will do everything to make it functional by attracting economic activities here”.
The Governor again reassured the audience on the vision of building a liveable and prosperous homeland in Anambra State. “We are working very hard to make Ndi Anambra proud, to build that liveable and prosperous homeland. We will create the enabling environment for businesses to thrive so that our youths can be empowered,” concluded the Governor.
Adaora Soludo, the brain behind the expo, said she floated the idea in order to promote indigenous fashion and celebrate those, especially women, who have kept production of local fabrics alive.
Soludo, who dropped her Economics degree to start Aurah Fashion World, said there’s a whole lot that Nigeria and the youths especially can benefit through indigenous fashion promotion.
Members of Anambra State Executive Council, top government officials, fashion entrepreneurs and others, graced the occasion which also witnessed many side attractions and red carpet displays.
