By Linus Effiong, Umuahia
Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, has formally inaugurated a seven-member Management Board for the newly established Enyimba Automated Shoe Factory in Aba with a charge to them to make Made in Aba a trusted global brand in leather works.
Governor Ikpeazu while inaugurating the Board at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Umuahia, said that the first ever Enyimba automated shoe factory is the sign post of a culmination of efforts to mainstream Aba and Abia in the competitive global shoe market.
The Governor stated that the objective is to lead out a paradigm shift in the old way of shoe production and key into the new dynamics of footwear manufacturing within acceptable global standards.
Governor Ikpeazu said that all equipment in the factory are brand new and among the best in the world, adding that the factory is expected to produce five thousand pairs of shoes daily.
He charged the Managing Director, Mr Kito Dominic, and other Board members to bring to bear their wealth of experience in producing and positioning a brand that will compete favourably in the global footwear market.
Responding on behalf of Members of the Board, the Chairman, Mr Mark Atasie, said that Aba and Abia already have identifiable brands in the global leather market, describing the event as a good foundation for a globally acceptable leather work brand.
Mr Atasie further said that according to a recent World Bank report, Aba houses over one hundred thousand shoe makers and promised that the Board members will be committed to ensuring high productivity, professionalism and profitability, adding that Abia will soon take the lead in the leather and garment sectors of Africa.
Members of the Board include Mr Mark Atasie, Chairman, Mr Kito Dominic, Managing Director, Mr Chima Nwafor, member, Chinenye Nwogu, Executive Director (Operations), Ada Asaze, Executive Director (Marketing), Chief Udeji Udeagbala and Mr Osaro Ekomwererem, Technical Partner.
The Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Chris Ezem, Chief of staff to the Governor, Dr ACB Agbazuere, among other government functionaries were present during the inauguration.
