By Our Reporter
A non governmental organization, Obudu Primus Interpares, has donated an industrial sewing machine to facilitate the production of quality footwear to an old time shoemaker in Obudu local government area, Cross River State.
“At Primus Interpares, we look to bring the solution, we want people to be part of the solution and what is happening here is just a quarter of a drop in an ocean and drop by drop we will get to develop Obudu. We want that development to be fast as we look to help those who are already doing something so that they too can develop others” said Julius Agbor, a member of the NGO at the official launching of the refurbished shoemaking factory along market road in Obudu urban.
Julius said with the proper utilization of this, he saw the factory expanding in the near future with Obudu becoming a destination for footwear citing the instance of the Republic of Togo which is viewed today as one of the best destinations for footwear.
The owner of the facility, Julius Aniah told CrossRiverWatch in an interview that he was excited at the gesture of the NGO especially as he needs to train others as the payback value, hoping that the NGO continues in this stride and aid other business outfits and ideas.
The Chairman of the local government council, Emmanuel Ugbe, represented by the Secretary to the Council, Obi Ogboaka pledged the government’s readiness to support the business with favorable tax by laws and security while a former Chairman of the council, Dr. Abu Undiaundeye told all who cared to listen that it was time to patronize Obudu products, urging them not to only join in the momentarily applause but to purchase the products as it was the only way to grow the business outfit.
“Wear made in Obudu, buy made in Obudu, it is the only way Obudu can grow” Abu said with the Chairman of Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, Federal College of Education, Obudu chapter, Peter Betiang calling on the council to deliberately support business ideas with financing and favorable policies.