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, who under the inspiration of the pioneering works of Dada Nwakata, gave the world this fascinating fabric 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.
Ace 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. Hear Mr Franklin, “They have heard of what Cee Cee Soludo is doing for Akwete weavers, which no state actor has done for them earlier.”
Akwete is a town in Abia State, of the Ndoki sub-group in Igbo land, whose dialect is close to that of Opobo and Bonny towns, both in Rivers State.
So 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. I had the experience of using the first set of Kia with few options in Nigeria. Today, the story is beautifully different for this Korean auto brand that is increasingly finding space in the hearts of auto lovers across the globe.
Innoson can rule the world and so would many of our organic agro packaged products, especially given that we are a rapidly nascent globalising tribe with strong affinity to our homeland. Of course, this is a sure bet for recruitment of early adopters.
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.
Meanwhile, have you placed your orders for your Akwete or that beautiful Innoson sedan?
March 17 is indeed around the corner. Are you ready for the journey to the Liveable and prosperous Anambra Smart Megacity?
Be of good cheer!!
*Joe C. Anatune writes from Awa
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