With the flagging off of the First Made-in-Abia-Products Exhibition, Governor Theodore Orji has called on industrialists and manufacturers in the state to correctly label their goods as products made in the state.

Orji expressed worry that products of high quality made in Abia were being falsely labelled and sold as foreign made products across West Africa. He charged manufacturers in the state to be proud in marketing their products as Made-in-Abia.

Declaring the 10-day exhibition open at Ibeku High School playground in the state capital Umuahia, Orji explained that the event was organised to rekindle the can-do spirit of Abians, especially the commercially-minded citizens of the state.

The exhibition is organised by the office of the wife of the governor, Chief (Mrs.) Mercy Odochi Orji, in collaboration with the Organised Private Sector (OPS) in the state under the Public/Private Partnership (PPP) initiative.

On display at the pavilions include solid minerals, industrial products, artefacts, science equipment and agricultural products.

“I find this exhibition very unique as it is a celebration of the famed ingenuity of our people, especially our local entrepreneurs, whose can-do spirit and legendary quality goods were once celebrated and sold all over the world under false labels even though they were indeed Aba-made products. Aba made products are Abia made products and these are still sold throughout the countries of West Africa and the world under false labels,” Governor Orji said.

“It is time for Abia to reclaim the pride of their franchise. It is my belief that today’s exhibition and many goods showcased here will provide an ample and timely opportunity for Abians to become proud again to market their products as Abia made products and flaunt their ingenuity,” he added.

The governor reaffirmed that his administration would continue to ensure the maintenance of peace and security so that the enabling environment for business, equitable politics and good life which the people crave for and enjoy would be firmly established in the State.

Chairman of the occasion, Mazi Alex Otti, Managing Director of Diamond Bank, commended the initiative, saying it was a pathway to economic growth in the state and commended the Orji-led administration in the state for its sound economic policies.

Earlier in his remarks, Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Dr Sampson Orji, said government recognised the contributions of exhibitors at the fair to uplifting the fortunes of the state and would be rewarded.

Chairman, Planning Committee of the exhibition, Sir Frank Ibe, said the event provides opportunity for beneficiaries of the state’s youth and women empowerment programmes, agricultural loans and other entrepreneurs to showcase what they have been able to produce.

•Photo: Gov. Orji and wife, with other top state functionaries touring some of the stands at the exhibition.