I’ll wear only Aba-made attires – Ikpeazu

The newly- inaugurated Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, has announced that he will be wearing only Aba- made attires all through his tenure as governor.

Ikpeazu, who made the declaration on Friday at the Umuahia Township Stadium during his acceptance speech, said the decision was to patronise and promote made- in- Aba products, which he said would compete favourably in the global market if given government support.

He promised to put in place infrastructure that would facilitate economic growth in the state, adding that his administration would also encourage private – sector participation in the economy.

Promising to pursue accelerated economic growth that would provide jobs for a number of Abians, Ikpeazu vowed to restructure the public service for efficient service delivery.

He promised to overhaul Aba, the commercial nerve centre of the state and equip at least two hospitals in every council area within his first 100 days in office to improve access to quality health care.

On the dwindling state of federal allocations to states, Ikpeazu hinted that he would plug all financial leakages and prune down government spending to save costs, while appealing for prompt payment of taxes.

He thanked his predecessor, Theodore Orji and Abia State residents for supporting his bid to be the state governor.

Earlier in his valedictory speech at the International Conference Centre, Orji expressed satisfaction that he had handed over to a successor of Ukwa- Ngwa extraction, a development he described as “fair and just” in the governance of the state.

Orji said he felt fulfilled that the cause which was opposed by so many people had at last prevailed.

“As of the time we embarked on the journey, not many people gave us a chance,” Orji said.

Orji said he was happy leaving the state better than he met it, enumerating some of his achievements to include the construction of new markets, workers’ secretariat, hospitals and others.

He thanked Abians for supporting him and also commended his critics, saying their criticisms helped in keeping him focused.

Punch