Otti Condemns Product Adulteration, Promotes Made-In-Aba Goods

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has strongly condemned the adulteration of products particularly food, drugs, and beverages.

Speaking at his residence while handing over 24 Vehicles for the 24 State Constituencies to Members of the Abia State House of Assembly on Saturday, he emphasized that such practices endanger lives and assured that the government would take necessary measures to curb the menace and promote the production of safe, high-quality goods in Abia State.

He said that he aims to promote locally made products especially those manufactured in Aba, noting that there is a marked improvement in the quality of locally made products, especially in the commercial city of Aba.

“Everything I’m wearing here, including this shoe, is made in Aba. Forget about what is written on it, I don’t even know what they wrote.

“What we are doing now is to encourage them to boldly write their own names instead of putting Prada, Gucci, or Fendi. If you make shoes, put in Emeka, Obioma, Iwoma, or Chioma. If people don’t want to buy, that’s their business,” Otti stated.

Furthermore, the governor disclosed the establishment of an export growth lab in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), an initiative aimed at upscaling the quality of products from Abia to meet international export standards.

“Our people are fantastic and there is nothing they cannot produce with their hands, they just need a little support,” he said

He provided an update on an automobile manufacturing plant being set up in Ukwa by Roxxette, a company founded by an Abia indigene.

“The project, which was initially proposed in 2022, was given government support and a designated location under his leadership.

According to the Governor, the road to the site is almost completed, and the factory is making significant progress.

In addition, the Governor announced that a maintenance workshop for the vehicles is now operational in Ohia, and all necessary permits have been issued to ensure smooth operations.

He wrapped up his remarks by appreciating lawmakers, especially a new Labour Party member of the House of Assembly, Hon. Rowland Dennis, who recently joined the administration’s fold. He maintained that his government does not pressure anyone to join but welcomes those who believe in its vision.

“We don’t put anybody under pressure. If you like what we are doing, the door is open. But if you choose to remain where you are, we will still work together,” he concluded.

Commending the governor for the new vehicles, the Deputy Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Austin Okezie Mmeregini, expressed pride in knowing that the vehicles were assembled in Abia by an Abia indigene. He assured that the lawmakers would continue to support the governor in achieving his administration’s goals.