Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra has charged Nigerians to patronize locally made fabrics to save monies, create jobs and build a thriving economy for the country.
Soludo made the call in his goodwill message at the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit in Asaba on Monday, with the theme, “Harnessing Our Strengths, Unlocking Our Potential”.
He said the current economic reforms of the Federal Government have placed the states and local government areas in vantage positions to redefine their economies.
Soludo said the need to promote locally made products to create jobs and strengthen Nigeria’s economy had become more important now, while urging a stronger synergy between the Federal, states and local governments to build a better economy.
He lamented that Nigerians continued to depend heavily on imported fabrics, in spite of the country’s rich textile and fashion industries.
He said that since he resorted to wearing local fabrics, “Akwete” that many Nigerians are now buying the local materials and using them as outing wears to social gatherings.
The governor said that his decision had increased demand for the product, resulting in higher incomes and more employment for local producers.
“If all Nigerians deliberately wear Made-in-Nigeria clothing, we could create millions of jobs across the country,” he said.
Soludo suggested that future investment summits should encourage participants to wear locally made outfits, adding that such a practice would help promote indigenous industries and stimulate local production. “I hope that at future summits, we can proudly showcase Made-in-Nigeria products.
“Supporting local industries is one of the fastest ways to create jobs and grow our economy,” the governor said.
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He said Nigeria’s improving macroeconomic stability has created fresh opportunities for local and foreign investors.
Soludo described Delta as a close neighbor and strategic partner, adding, “this summit is very important, and I am delighted to be here”.
Soludo said discussions at the summit highlighted important issues concerning Nigeria’s economy and the role of states in attracting investments.
He said the recent economic reforms by the Federal Government had improved macroeconomic stability and created a more predictable investment environment.
According to him, exchange rate reforms and stronger foreign reserves had improved Nigeria’s economic outlook.
“From a macroeconomic standpoint, Nigeria has become more stable, and that is something we should celebrate because we know where we are coming from.”
The governor said the economic situation had changed, with foreign exchange reserves increasing significantly and the exchange rate becoming more stable.
He said the improved environment would encourage foreign investors to bring capital into Nigeria and support development across the states.
Soludo, however, stressed that no state could achieve sustainable economic growth in isolation, and called for stronger ties between the various tiers of government.
The governor urged Delta and Anambra to deepen their economic partnership, particularly following completion of the Second Niger Bridge.
“The Second Niger Bridge has brought our states closer. “Delta and Anambra should now see themselves as twin economic centres and work more closely in areas of mutual benefit,” he said.
He said both states could collaborate in trade, industrialization, infrastructure development and investment promotion.
The governor also commended the summit organizers for focusing on practical outcomes rather than speeches.
“I am happy to hear that this summit is not just another talk shop. “What matters is the investment deals and partnerships that will emerge after the discussions,” he said.
He advised the state governments to make investment promotion a continuous process, rather than organizing occasional summits without effective follow-up.
The governor congratulated the Delta government for organizing the summit and wished participants fruitful deliberations and successful investment outcomes.
It was reported that the summit was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, ministers, investors, and captains of industries among other stakeholders.
NAN
