In line with the present Gov Willie Obiano administration's vision to improve trades and commerce sector and industrialize Anambra state he has inaugurated the Ultramodern modern Shoe and Allied products market, at Nkwelle Ezunaka/Ogbunike in Oyi council of the state.
According to Kingsley Ezekwelu, the market which sits at the Nkwelle junction along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway was a brainchild of the Obiano administration, financed through loans from the Anambra Small Business Agency (ASBA) that was given to clusters of shoe manufacturers.
Inaugurating the Project, Gov Obiano said when he came into power, he set up ASBA to coordinate lending activities to Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME)who are the major drivers of any economy.
Describing the project as a dream come true, the governor expressed confidence that it would give impetus to the state's export initiative as Anambra brand of shoes would gain access to the global market.
He urged the beneficiaries of the ASBA loan to endeavour to repay so as to ensure that the scheme was sustained, reminding them of the need to support his second term bid for more developmental milestones in the state.
The Chairman of ASBA Board, Mr Greg Obi revealed that plans have been concluded for the establishment of clusters for garment dealers beside the market
The Managing Director and Chief executive officer of ASBA, Chief Clement Chukwuka noted that the agency was able to achieve the project by extending micro credit of N500,000 per beneficiary of over 800 shoe manufacturers and dealers under a tripartite arrangement it had with the Shoe Manufacturers Association and the project developer.
A representative of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Osita Nwasinobi commended the State government over its prudence in judiciously applying the funds released by the bank for MSMEs in creating massive economic activities in the state, saying the Anambra model will be replicated across the country.
In a goodwill message, the Coordinator of the Standard Organization of Nigeria(SON) in the state, Engr Ihuoma Olujie said they will partner the state to give the shoe manufacturers the required training to ensure that their products meets the necessary standards for global competitiveness.
The Chairman of the State Shoe Manufacturers Association, Chief Clement Emesim noted that Governor Obiano was able to follow through the project because he has the interest of the traders at heart and assured him that votes are for him.
The governor also during the event inaugurated an administrative complex constructed by the market under the 10 million naira per market choose-your-project initiative.
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