The Made-in-Aba campaign, spearheaded, by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, of Abia State, to promote goods made in the State and stimulate industrialization, has received a boost.
This is following the launch of a branding and marketing campaign initiated by TBWA Concepts, an award winning advertising, media and public relations outfit with support from Ford Foundation.
Ford Foundation is funding the project, which is aimed at providing branding and marketing to finished leather goods, garments and machine tools, made in Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State.
Kelechi Nwosu, managing director, TBWA Concept, explained that the proudly made-in-Aba initiative offers to start the branding conversation to build an Aba area brand, as well as stimulate and grow local brands from Aba.
He stated that Aba has talented and industrious people, but lack branding and marketing to compete favourably at the international arena, stressing that branding, would bring standards and innovation to goods produced in the area.
“It is time for us to begin to build strong brands out of Aba. Branding is about how to bring standards, innovation into the brands that we have and project them to the world.
“It has been done in many parts of the world. We must learn about marketing, we must learn about branding, we must get our people to start thinking about good marketing; we need to develop our products and brand them.
He explained that TBWA offers services that can make that happen, but stated that Aba people must support and build those brands.
“We can make Aba the next place for marketing. We need to understand Aba, understand marketing and get things working in Aba”, he satted.
He thanked the Governor for his steadfastness in ensuring that Aba made goods are recognized, not only in Nigeria, but all over the world and pleaded for additional support, especially financial support in other phases of the project.
He affirmed that the project, would create opportunity to grow the State’s gross domestic product (GDP) and create more jobs.
Paul Nwulu, programme officer (advancing public service, media) West Africa, Ford Foundation, observed that Aba will do wonders, if a platform that can elevate the city is created.
In his words, “Aba can be the driver of economic growth, not only in Abia, but also in the entire South-East region.
He explained that Ford Foundation has been behind the campaign from inception, because they have found a worthy partner in Abia State Government.
The Ford Foundation according to him, is an international Development funder that supports innovative ideas and innovative efforts and when Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, came on board two years ago, we initiated a conversation and since then, there has been several engagements with Abia State Government and the Ford Foundation and they have all being fruitful engagements.
GODFREY OFURUM, Aba
