THE ‘AKWETE’ BRAND: HOW GOV. IKPEAZU AMBUSHED PDP GOVERNORS, DEMAND FOR FABRIC SKYROCKETS
It is no longer news that Governors of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) converged at the Umuobiakwa home of their host Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu. What looks like the uncommon is Gov. Ikpeazu’s smart effort at showcasing the alluring AKWETE fabric, produced by Indigenous Akwete people of Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State.
You may call it ambush marketing, however, the Governor, an unapologetic marketer of Made in Abia brand of products, ensured that ‘Akwete’, the rich fabric exclusive to Abians stole the show. The major highlight of that meeting was the urge to say between the Governors who rocked the brand better. While Communique was issued at the end of the one day meeting, truth remains that, thousands of potential buyers started making frantic efforts to contact loom owners, secondary suppliers and just about any person who can supply this fabric that has the ability to make other fabrics look ordinary.
BENUDECHUKWU.COM gathered that, like the Governor’s smart moves aimed at promoting Made in Abia goods since 2015, this particular endorsement has given the ‘Akwete’ fabric, one quantum lift, too many.
It would be recalled that Governor Ikpeazu made a promise in 2015 to wear and promote Made in Aba products as his modest way of awakening the consciousness of Small and Medium scale entrepreneurs, attract customers and by far add to the economic development of the State.
Only recently, the newly sworn in Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukuma Charles Soludo answered Gov. Ikpeazu’s clarion call, by announcing that he would adorn ‘Akwete’ while his Governorship lasts. Apart from ‘Convert’ Soludo, more and more people had long queued Ikpeazu to promote Made in Abia products.
It would be noted that though the ‘Akwete’ fabric is as old as the original owners, its fortunes improved tremendously with the involvement of Gov. Ikpeazu in its marketing.
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The pragmatic governor is keeping to his promise to not only wear the Akwaette but to ensure that the producers count their gains while the governor last in office and beyond.