Recession: Local fabric marketers urge Amosun to concentrate on cottage industry

As the country is seeking for ways out of the economic recession, the Kemta Adire/Kampala dealers and marketers in Abeokuta, under the aegis of Kemta Adire/Kampala association have appealed to the Ogun state governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun to assist them in boosting their trade.

The market head of the association, Chief Sadiat Akamo, gave the appeal during a press conference held in Abeokuta to herald the annual Adire/Kampala cultural festival.

Akamo who lauded the efforts of the state government on the renewal of Urban and Infrastructure in the state, said the traders need assistance in assessing various loan facilities that could help in boosting their trade while also adding that the renovation of the cottage industry and establishment of cloth factory would reduce the cost of production and ease their business.

The market leader said the cottage industry was built by past military government in the state , but has been abandoned for about 10 years ago, saying, it renovation would provide more jobs to the people of the state.

Akamo who however, lauded the state government for the construction of lock-up shops , called for speedy allocation of the shops to those that have applied.

She said, the state governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun who had promised them to make the shops available to them after the demolition of their stalls and shops for the expansion of the road in the area would fulfil his promise.

She said most of their members have obtained the forms from the government at the rate of N10,000 while others who could not afford the amount wanted to go for that of N5,000 and N1,000 have been assisted by the association and have obtained the N10,000 form.

Akamo said the desire of the members is to be in one place doing the business, appealing that they would appreciate the government if they did not scatter their members while allocating the shops to them.

While speaking on the challenges confronting their members, Akamo lamented that they were still facing customs problems whenever they wanted to buy materials especially cloths from Kano state.

She also said they were facing problems of basic amenities such as water and raw materials while producing Adire, lamenting that some of the materials are not locally sourced ,but, are imported.

The association however, urged the state government to encourage the use of Adire or official events, adding that government officials must be encouraged to wear Adire to their important functions.