By Izunna Okafor
The incoming Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has said only palmwine and locally-made beer will be served in government house and at government functions when he assumes office.
Mr Joe Anatune, an aide to Prof. Soludo, disclosed in a write up, in which he also revealed the Governor-elect is committed to promoting locally-made products. He also claimed that his (Soludo’s) desire to be wearing locally-made Akwete dresses has increased its demand.
According to him, the media team of the Governor-elect sent one of its reporters to Akwete in Abia State, where the fabric is mostly made, and it was discovered that the demand for the locally-made material has now soared high since he announced that he will be wearing the material.
He wrote: “Akwete today is being popularised as a metaphor by Anambra State Governor–elect, Cee Cee Soludo for the purchase and consumption of made in Anambra products and services.
“Already, the women of Akwete are smiling to the bank due to the association of their products with an iconic figure who many look up to as a role model. Our reporter visited the Akwete community recently and said the women can’t thank Soludo enough for igniting a spike in demand for their product.
“They have heard of what Cee Cee Soludo is doing for Akwete weavers which no state actor has done for them earlier.
“Beyond Akwete, Soludo will model other brands and commodities produced in Anambra in all industries and categories. He has not hidden his decision to use Innoson Vehicle as his official car or enforce that the only drinks that will be taken in Government House or at government functions will be beers produced in Anambra or the organic palm wine from Awa/ Awgbu axis.
“The list is long as he will not wear any shoes that are not made in Anambra. Soludo is aware that most of these products may not be the best in their classes globally but is of the well considered opinion that our patronage will help upscale their quality standards and make them competitive beyond our shores.
“Let’s face it, product development and diffusion is tough and gritty. All over the world, state actors take deliberate actions in nurturing and supporting global brands which no doubt have become veritable tools for economic diplomacy.
“We know a good salesman many poles away. Soludo is one. He sees solutions where others see bottlenecks. His total commitment to made in Anambra products will hugely improve the input-output matrix of Anambra’s agro value chain and ultimately make the state the most attractive place to live happily, learn happily, work happily, invest happily and enjoy happily in Nigeria.”
