By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Incoming Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, has reiterated his resolve to promote local brands in the course of his leadership as the state governor.

Soludo who spoke through his publicist, Mr Joe Anatune, in a write-up, explained that his decision to be wearing Akwete dresses has shot up the demand for the locally made fabric.

He stressed that only palm wine and locally made beer will be served in government house and at government functions when sworn-in.

According to Anatune, the media team of the in-coming Governor sent one of its reporters to Akwete in Abia State, where the fabric of mostly made, and it was discovered that the demand for the material is now high since Soludo announced that he will be wearing the locally made material.

He added: “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, Chimeziri Franklin visited the Akwete community recently and said the women can’t thank Soludo enough for igniting a spike in demand for their product.”

Quoting the reporter, Anatune said: “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,” Anatune wrote.

He noted that beyond Akwete dresses, Soludo will also market other local brands, including local shoes, Innoson Vehicles and only drinks made in Anambra will be served at government functions, including palm wine.

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