…Canvasses for patronages of indigenous goods.
From Everest Ezihe, Aba Considering his immense contributions in upliftment of businesses in Nigeria and beyond, couple with the dare need of the Association of Nigerian Exporters, ANE to repositioned her socioeconomic activities, especially in South East region of Nigeria, Prof. Vitalis Orikeze Ajumbe of Beaton Investments Limited, Owerri has been decorated as the Association’s Coordinator of the region.
The well attended event which happened on Tuesday at the mini conference hall of Abia Hotels LTD, Aba during the inauguration of the Abia State Chapter and her executives by, Prince Joseph Idiong, the Director General of the Association.
Idiong commended Ajumbe for his sterling leadership qualities, most especially his commitments in promoting and supporting the exports of made in Nigeria goods and services having also for years being the Association’s Coordinator for Imo/ Abia State chapter.
The Director General pointed out some strategic efforts, the Association is making with relevant federal and state government agencies towards the promotion and encouragement of export businesses in the country especially agro products.
Ajumbe who expressed happiness for the trust reposed on him through the elevated appointment, reiterated the patriotic needs for Nigerians to be patronizing made in Nigeria goods and services, using himself as an example.
” One major problem with Nigerians are the feelings of inferiority complex over their own goods and services. In the 21st century, Nigerians should have out grown this, for instance, made in Aba shoes and textiles are of international standard and in high demand outside the shores of Nigeria. We must always be proud of our own.
“If we don’t proudly patronizes our own goods and services, many of the youths will be out of employment opportunities and may embrace criminal activities, like unknown gun men for their survivals, and the society will be worst off. Moreso, most of the goods and services produced in Nigeria passes global quality assurance tests” he attested.
He also expressed dismay that many Nigerians are ignorant of the existence of Association of Nigerian Exporters, ANE and its fundamental roles in the nation’s socioeconomic upliftment.
Ajumbe informed that ANE registered and incorporated since 37 years ago is a critical member of Nigerian Export and Import Bank, NEXIM and Nigerian Export Promotion Council, NEPC which are Federal Government export interventionist agencies.
Ajumbe who’s one time Commissioner for Internal Resources and Pension Matters in Imo State and also the Imo/ Abia States Coordinator of ANE for years, thanked the Director General of the Association for deeming it fit and proper now for making each of the States independent of the Association.
He pointed out that the Association plays a pivotal roles in the nation’s vision and mission for supporting and promotion of her goods and services through exports, capacity building trainings, seminars and workshops on documentations and intricacies of exports.
Other important roles the Association plays include; market accessibilities through trade missions, exhibitions and trade fairs as well as interfaces with government agencies and institutions to advocate and canvassed for programmes and policies that encourages export promotion, support and sustenance.
He equally insisted that the Association is equally pivotal in relevant information dissemination, research, networking and collaborations even as he encouraged interested exporters to register with the Association and participates in the benefits thereof.