True to his bidding, the new governor of Anambra state, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, appeared in an apparel of Akwete stock on his day of inauguration in office yesterday. He had earlier promised to adorn the Akwete on that historic day and even throughout his years in office.

By deciding to wear clothes made from weavings by the famous women and men of Akwete, Professor Soludo is already standing shoulder taller than his peers and contemporaries in the promotion of indigenous trade and industry proven to be the most pragmatic way to achieve a favourable balance of trade in the international market arena.

No testament could be bolder and more sincere than the fact that the new Anambra state helmsman is leading the push to appreciate and patronize the work of our hands, by patronizing the weaving industry himself.

By wearing Akwete clothing materials, the governor has practically demonstrated his willingness to walk the talk, as contained in his manifesto.

It is his way of saying that he is black and proud; a better way of proving to the world that time is now for the true colour of the African man to manifest. That true colour is the ingenuity, industry and ethical nature of the Igbo man.

Cloth is material of great economic, cultural, political and social importance.

And so, by wearing Akwete weave about, the governor has indicated more than a passing interest in expanding its economic values, and, more importantly, telling the world of the industrious nature of the Igbo women from of old.

Akwete weaving has its origin from a famous woman inventor, known as Dada Nwakwata from Ndoki town of Akwete in Ukwa East local government area of Abia state.

History has it that she was ingenious, creative and original, all qualities still maintained by those who took over from her.

With this demonstration of faith in our indigenous attire by Governor Soludo, the stakes are high already as the tide is changing for the industry. More people are taking a cue from him, and that is good for the market, just as the greater demand will improve quality, expand production, employ more hands and create further wealth.

Eventually such growth will lead to an Akwete brand that will stand side by side with Oyibo materials, or even out compete them.

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