..Ends 2 Day Sensitization Seminar in Anambra
By Uzo Ugwunze
Importers Association of Nigeria, (IMAN), Anambra state branch, warned during her two-day statewide stakeholders’ sensitization seminar, themed, “Securing trade corridors and unlocking blue economy opportunities,” that there is no going back in its resolve to intensify war against fake/substandard products in the state.
Sounding the note of warning at HollyWood Events Centre, Awka, its State Director General, (DG),. Obinna Muolokwu, reiterated that days were gone when Anambra was used as dumping ground for all manners of adulterated products, adding that it is synergizing with the state government, through the office of the Commerce Ministry, to ensure that goods imported into the state are genuine.
The seminar, which was organised in collaboration with the state government, Muolokwu stated, is aimed at positioning Anambra state for safe Commerce, African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA), competitiveness and sustainable economic growth.
“We have come to fight fake/substandard products found everywhere within the state and we will not relent to assist the state government supervise goods imported into Anambra in its effort to make the state the Dubai of Africa.
“When you see what our governor is doing, transforming Anambra to be Dubai of Africa, you will give him all the necessary support. This government is also making everybody to relax in terms of security as we now sleep with our two eyes closed.
“This seminar has provided an important platform for Anambra to engage with National institutions, organised private sectors and professional stakeholders on practical pathways for strenghtening its commercial, industrial, logistics and investment potentials,” he stated.
Speaking, Minister, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, expressed Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that industrialists and importers adhere strictly to stipulated standards.
The Minister, represented by Kingsley Ibe, pledged government support to the association.
Ibe described the Minister as a gentle man and people’s mover who is seriously piloting the affairs of Nigeria for the better.
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“The Minister is implementing Nigerian policy in line with international standard as concerns local products for International market. We depend on the Minister and We are happy with IMAN and encourage you not to relent,” he pleaded.
In his speech, the Anambra state Commissioner, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Wealth Creation, , Nomso Chukwuma Ebonwu, who represented Governor Chukwuma Soludo, stated that the state government welcomed the partnership with IMAN on the stakeholders’ sensitization seminar, adding that the theme of the seminar is relevant to the state development aspirations.
He said, “Trade facilitation, secure supply chains, efficient logistics, inland waterways, product standards, and AFCFTA market access are interconnected elements of a modern and competitive economy.
“It is our expectation that this dialogue will produce practical recommendations and partnerships capable of advancing Anambra’s position as a competitive commercial, industrial and logistics hub,” he pleaded.
Earlier, the National Secretary-General, IMAN, Aliyu Ahmed Yar’adua, expressed profound appreciation to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, government functionaries, regulators, security agencies traditional rulers, members of the academia, captains of industry, panelists, sponsors, partners and the media for their support towards the success of the seminar.
“I particularly appreciate the distinguished resource persons and institutional representatives towards strenghtening Nigeria’s trading environment and unlocking the economic potential of Anambra state and the wider Southeast.
“As IMAN, we remain committed to ensuring that the outcomes of this seminar transcend the event itself and contribute to sustain stakeholder collaboration, practical policy engagement and measurable economic development,” he stated.
Contributing, the President General, Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders’ Association, ASMATA, Humphrey Anuna, expressed satisfaction with the organizers of the seminar, adding that it would go a long way towards curtailing the rate of importation of substandard products into Anambra state.
He paid tribute to Governor Chukwuma Soludo who, he disclosed, knows the importance of the seminar and directed the Commissioner for Commerce, Ebonwu, to synergise and collaborate with IMAN for the seminar.
Also the President-General, Ogidi Building Materials International market, Jude Nwankwo, expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the seminar adding, “What I heard at the seminar was fantastic. This seminar should be repeated within Onitsha axis.
“Most of the people who attended the seminar here are not the main Importers, the main Importers are in Onitsha and they will not like to leave their business to be here, the people here are more from the academia.
“I discussed with the National patron of IMAN, Ozo Augustine Azubuike Ekweozor, (Ide), to repeat this seminar in Onitsha because the Onitsha man will not leave his business to be here in Awka for this seminar. However, this kind of seminar will assist the people a lot,” he revealed.
Among the resource persons that brainstormed on the theme of the seminar included, the IMAN Secretary-General, Aliyu Ahmed Yar’adua, Ifeanyichukwu Jude Ngama, Prof Kate Omenugha – Vice Chancellor, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Lilian Njideka – Director, Southeast/CEO Nigeria Shippers Council, Elisha from Standard Organization of Nigeria, Prof. CC Ibe – Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Chairman on the occasion- DCG Dera Nnadi, lead seminar lecturer/DG ACSC-Dr. Obiora Madu, moderator-Prof Samuel Babatunde, and Eugene Nweke-seminar organization consultant.
Among those that graced the event were, former Chief of Staff to Gov. Soludo-Prof. Ernest Ezeajughi, Permanent Secretary Anambra State Ministry of Commerce- Michael Obiekwe, IMAN National Patron/sponsor of the seminar-Ozo Dr. Augustine Azubuike Ekweozor, Igwe Peter Uyanwa Ezedike of Ukwuru/Southeast IMAN patron.
Highpoint on the occasion was presentation of awards to distinguished personalities and resource persons by IMAN in the state.
