The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has decried the ‘sit-at-home’ order by the separatist group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), saying it is impeding the growth and development of the south-east region of the country.
Kalu stated this in Abuja when he received a delegation from Aba Creatives Collective, the organizers of Aba Fashion Show, who paid him a courtesy visit in his office at the National Assembly.
The event, which is aimed at showcasing the creativity of fashion designers and enthusiasts in Abia State, holds every December.
In a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Press Affairs, Udora Orizu, the deputy speaker commended the delegation on the initiative, saying that it perfectly aligns with the objectives of highlighting the rich cultural heritage and artistic talents of the people of Abia State.
While noting that the event also presents a unique opportunity to harness potentials of the untapped fashion industry to drive economic growth, Kalu, however, said the issue of insecurity in the region has been a great challenge.
According to him, the ‘sit-at-home’ agenda of non-state actors has led to loss of manpower, increasing unemployment and an exodus of investors from the region.
The deputy speaker, therefore, urged the Igbos to reject the ‘sit-at-home’ agenda, and say no to the fear being sold by “these faceless individuals, who don’t mean any good for the indigenes”.
Calls to Reject the ‘Sit-at-Home’ Order
“I am genuinely excited about Aba Fashion Week, an initiative that promotes our local economy. I know what fashion, fashion designing, tailoring – anything that has to do with clothing – can do to an economy because we talk about the three basic needs of man: shelter, food and clothing.
“The economic losses that the region has suffered by the sit-at-home agenda of the non-state actors have integrated impediments to regional growth, regional economic integration, even into our regional leadership integration and into regional development integration.
“It has affected the fabric of everything that we hold dearly. Now fashion designers are feeling the direct impacts because investors are saying the place is not activated for our investment.
“And the pain in your hearts is the same pain that is felt by those in all sectors of our economy:
“In the agricultural sector, they are crying because post harvest productions that are supposed to be taken to the markets are destroyed at home due to ‘sit-at-home’.
“The educational sector is suffering because students can no longer go to school freely, without fear.
“Why we’ll think about fashion week, let’s think about mindsets that is devoid of sentiments imposed on all by non-state actors, who want to sell to us. Our people are hard working people. Our people don’t sit at home. We don’t relax at home. Our people are farmers so we farm.
“We are fashion designers and tailors so we make clothes. We are bricklayers so we build houses. We are not home-sitters.
“This is a call to every youth whose mindset has been influenced negatively by a call from the pit of hell that says that Igbo people will sit at home one day every seven days.
“The impact is not only felt by you; it is felt by others, and that is why we must all come together to say no to “sit at home”, to say no to this insecurity, the sale of fear that has been sold by this non-state actors, these faceless individuals, who don’t mean any good for us.
“I am a proud Abia son, I am a lover of Abia State, but I am sad with what I have seen happening to our dear state.
Collaboration
The deputy speaker commended the commitment and dedication of the organizers and stakeholders of the fashion week, describing the event as a remarkable initiative. He also assured them of his full support.
“Your efforts have not gone unnoticed. Despite all the odds, you still want to push on, and I’m eager to explore ways in which we can collaborate for the betterment of Abia State and for its vibrant fashion industry.
“I invite you all to join us on the journey of collaboration and innovation. This is the strength of the region; this is the strength of Abia State. Fashion Industry is one of our strengths; we must leverage. We must welcome the world back again.
“Cameroonians used to come to shop in Abia State. Benin Republic used to come to shop in Abia State. Most of the states used to come to shop in Abia and new markets.
“It is high time we welcome them back so that we can increase the economy of the state.
“Let us harness the power of fashion to shape the future of Abia State to empower our youths and to showcase the incredible talents that our state possesses,” Kalu said.
Earlier, the team led by Mr Chinyere Akataobi told Kalu that they visited to congratulate him on his emergence as deputy speaker and as well solicit for his support at the upcoming event.
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