Edith CHUKU
Ahead of the 41st Annual General Meeting AGM, of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria MAN, scheduled to hold in Bayelsa State, manufacturers have been charged to participate and exhibit made in Bayelsa products.
MAN Chairman for Rivers and Bayelsa states, Elder Vincent Okuku, gave this charge in an all inclusive meeting with manufacturers in the state, weekend, at the ministry’s conference hall, secretariat annex 4, Yenagoa.
In his remarks, Okuku noted that showcasing made in Bayelsa products would boost the state’s economy and change the narrative from consuming to producing state.
He expressed gratitude to the state government for organizing the meeting through the ministry and the manufacturers for their attendance.
He further encouraged manufacturers in Bayelsa to focus on growing their capacity, regardless of their current size, emphasizing that starting small is better than not starting at all.
He said that joining the association will be beneficial to producers in the state and also boost the state’s economy.
Okuku who urged manufacturers present at the meeting to actively participate in the activities of the association, reiterated that maximum participation in the association’s activities will provide opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing, and collective growth.
On his part, the Commissioner, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment, Dr. Ebieri Jones, re-emphasized the importance of focusing on a specific idea at a time and turning it into reality, as creating a niche in a particular area of specialization would enable establishing a strong presence in the market.
Jones who encouraged manufacturers to collaborate with the state government, highlighted the government’s efforts to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
He stated that by working together, manufacturers can leverage on government support and resources to drive growth.
He further assured nanufacturers that the state government is committed to collaborating with businesses that can propel growth in the private sector and with the state government’s goal of making the state a private sector-powered economy by 2026, nothing that manufacturers should expect support and partnership in achieving this vision.
In her closing remark, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment, Dr. Azebi Toyin expressed her appreciation for the turnout and encouraged Manufacturers to fully participate in the Association and take their Manufacturing business seriously, stating that their contributions would boost the state’s economy and change the narrative of the State from consumer state to producing state.
