IKPEAZU'S STANDARDIZATION OF MADE-IN-ABA PRODUCTS- Uzoukwa

By Ebere Uzoukwa


On assumption of duty as Governor of Abia state, Dr. Okezie
Ikpeazu wittingly hit the ground running by unveiling a renewal
agenda aimed at rediscovering Aba, the great and famous
Enyimba city. Recall Aba was not only prided as the economic
and entrepreneurial hub of the south east and south south but the
emerging Japan of Africa owing to the ingenuity and creative
nature of the people before it was abandoned by past
administrations.

Many small scale industries and conglomerates were located in
Aba and its environ. Local and foreign investors competed
favourably as they deploy huge resources and capital in growing
the economy of the city. The harsh consequences of
unemployment were rarely felt as many people were legitimately
engaged due to massive jobs created by the private sector that
actively propelled the economy.
Today, the story of Aba has assumed a saddened but
unimaginable dimension. Most of the small scale industries and
foreign companies have closed shop mainly for reasons beyond
their control. Epileptic power supply, collapsed public
infrastructure, unfavorable business environment and bad
economic policies contributed to the sudden demise of most of
the industries. The link and inner roads of Aba collapsed and
deteriorated to an impassible and horrible conditions. The
drainages were blocked by refuse and all manner of wastage that
no doubt created the perennial flooding problems that almost
lowered Aba to a zoo republic.
Today, the unfortunate and pitiable story of Aba is gradually
changing for better. Aside the ongoing massive reconstruction of
some major roads and opening of the drainage system, Gov.
Ikpeazu has initiated potent economic measures and policies
ambitiously aimed at reviving and repositioning the economy of
Abia with Aba as the hub. These measures include the
standardization of Aba-Made-Products. Needless to say that
serious-minded governors have started thinking outside the box
as the tradition of relying solely on monthly allocation is no longer
helping the states. The dwindling global economy that continues
to crash the oil prices has awakened and challenged some
governors that are desirous of success.
To this effect, Gov. Ikpeazu conceived a rare economic module to
standardize some locally produced goods also known as Made-
In-Aba products.
An deep study into this very policy reveals the vision and
generosity of the governor for Aba small scale entrepreneurs,
manufacturers and artisans. The shoemakers, leather and allied
manufactures, fabricators and many others stand to benefit from
this unique economic plan by the governor.
Beyond creating market for Made-in-Aba goods at the global
arena, this wonderful initiative will definitely intensify and speedily
propel Gov. Ikpeazu's coordinated moves to revamp and diversify
Abia economy. The dividends the state and people of Abia shall
reap in the face of the current dwindling oil prices and looming
economic woes are rather enormous. While Abia increases her
internally generated revenue owing to enhanced economic
activities and entrepreneurial advancement, the local
manufacturers, traders and other key players would have
developed individually in business as they will definitely extend
their business dragnet to the global market.
Another dividend associated with the standardization of Made-In-
Aba products is the possibility of creating a sustainable
entrepreneurial framework that will inject substantial value and
standard to the locally produced goods. This becomes feasible
as the state devices certain mechanisms to regulate standard and
ensure quality control to meet the prescribed minimum standard
in the global market.
This will end up connecting many manufacturers and
entrepreneurs in Aba with their counterparts in some developed
and developing economies of the world using the apparatus of
the state. Such economic forum and interface will definitely create
opportunities for exchange of ideas, increased productivity and
high turnover of locally produced goods.
Expectedly, the economy would have been stimulated and
charged to a noticeable degree that attracts direct foreign
investments to the state. Apart from entrenching an institutionaliz
ed public private partnership(PPP) framework, the harmony and
confidence investors always seek will certainly prevail in the
system. This will ultimately lead to jobs creation by the private
sector under the vision of the governor and purposeful
partnership with the state government. The focal point remains
that the private sector only creates jobs for the people when
government develops sound economic blueprint and creates
enabling environment for industrial growth and entrepreneurial
advancement.
Another derivable gain from the policy is the marginal attainment
of products satisfaction in the national domestic market. The
flooding of the Nigerian markets with substandard and inferior
goods has contributed negatively to the economy and human
satisfaction. The standardized Made-In-Aba goods will drastically
reduce the massive importation of substandard products from
China and some Asian countries to give protection to local
producers and consumers. It will also send a strong signal to
importers regarding the quality of products that can compete with
locally produced goods.
In conclusion, there is no doubt that present economic uncertainty
in the country vis-a-vis the standardization policy of Gov. Ikpeazu
calls for close and purposeful collaboration among government,
relevant stakeholders and the people. The ongoing renewal
projects to rediscover Aba in terms of infrastructure and certain
measures by government to redevelop Aba markets should be
supported by the residents to actualize the desired objectives.
The Aba Chamber of Commerce and Industry(ACCI) should
become the rallying point for the local manufacturers and
entrepreneurs as well as drive the standardization policy of the
state government.