ABIA: GOVERNOR OTTI PLEDGES TO PROMOTE AKWETE FABRIC LOCALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has expressed his administration’s commitment to formalizing the promotion, patronage, and use of Akwete handmade fabrics across the state, Nigeria, and the African continent.

During a courtesy visit by Ethnorcentrique Limited, Governor Otti commended the group’s efforts in supporting the shoe and garment industry in the state, aligning with his administration’s economic vision. He described the Akwete industry as traditionally oligopolistic, largely dominated by generational family businesses, and emphasized the need to apply technology to improve production quality, lower costs, and scale up operations.

He also hinted at the possibility of introducing legislation to ensure widespread usage of the fabric and encouraged broader conversations with producers to enhance the quality and texture of Akwete.

Highlighting the economic potential of the global textile, cotton, and garment (CTG) industry, which is valued at $1.8 trillion, Governor Otti welcomed the group’s choice of Aba as the center for their programme.

Ethnocentrique Limited’s CEO, Mrs. Irunna Ejibe, noted that the ‘Fashion Future Programme’ launched in May 2024 aims to empower 5000 youths and activate Aba’s local economy. The group has already set up 25 MSME fashion clusters, engaging 2000 businesses and aiming for 4000. They also called on the Governor to issue an executive order prioritizing public procurement of MSME products.

The team presented a sample of the Akwete fabric to Governor Otti and invited him to their fashion show scheduled for April 30, 2025, in Aba.