30 Abia shoemakers leave for China, N65 million involved

The first batch of 30 Abia shoemakers Friday, departed for China to learn automated shoe making. Speaking during a departure ceremony put together by the state government for the first batch of nominees for the Abia/China Automated Shoe Training programme at the Government House, Umuahia, the Abia state Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu said his government is spending N65million to send the first batch of 30 Abia youths out of the proposed 100 to China to learn automated shoe making, stating that capacity building and human capital development are essential elements of development.

He charged the trainees to remember that the foundation and essence of their trip to China is God and urged them not to disappoint the state and their families.

According to him, they should focus squarely on the purpose of their trip to China pay close attention to the machines and everything that would be taught them, assuring that government would be ordering automated shoe equipment end-to-end on their return from China.

“I am sending you to China with a lot of confidence. This is my wish to you that you go to China and conquer for us”, Ikpeazu said pointing out that what is lacking in this part of the world is the management and use of science and technology.

Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Social Investment, Mr Chinenye Nwogu and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Communication, Mr. Sam Hart explained that though Aba is renowned in shoe making, the town lacks automated shoe making machines, and this they said prompted the Governor during his trip to China last April to decide to send Abia youths to learn modern shoe making.

They revealed that those travelling to China are actual shoemakers, adding that their selection was transparent while their training will be in three layers: artisan, design and management.

In an exhortation, the Archbishop of the Methodist Archdiocese of Umuahia, Most Rev Raphael Opoko advised the beneficiaries not to deviate from the purpose of the trip but should ensure commitment, hard work, punctuality and ability to yield themselves to learning as well as to be good ambassadors of the state.

Responding on behalf of the others, the team leader of the shoemakers, Mr. Ihueze Uchechukwu expressed gratitude to the Governor for the opportunity given them and promised that they will make Abia proud while in China.

Earlier at Amizi Oloko Ikwuano LGA when he paid a visit to Dr Nwabunka earlier in the week, Governor Ikpeazu had disclosed that the group will form the nucleus to work on the proposed Abia shoe factory to be set up before the end of the year.

He stated that the shoe factory will create employment for youths as there are a number of opportunities from the value chain, pointing out that his government is paying for the tickets, feeding, accommodation and stipend of the trainees.

He called on Abia youths to find avenues of getting themselves gainfully employed through skills rather than folding their arms, maintaining that the economy of the world today is driven by those with skills.

The Governor described Dr Nwabunka as one of Abians brightest who has been a source of support to his administration.

In his speech, Dr. Nwabunka thanked the Governor for the visit and assured him of the support of Amizi Oloko people.

The Governor later inspected a skills training centre and town hall built by Dr Nwabunka for his people.

By Sunday Nwakanma, Umuahia