Oba of Benin, Ewuare II calls for Patronage of Made-in-Nigeria Products
- condemns influx of fake imported goods, especially pharmaceutical products into Nigeria by unpatriotic merchants
The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, has called for patronage of made-in-Nigeria products.
He also condemned the influx of fake imported goods, especially pharmaceutical products, into Nigeria by unpatriotic merchants.
According to his Chief Press Secretary, Osaigbovo Iguobaro, the monarch disclosed this on Sunday, March 24, at his palace in Benin while responding to a call by the president of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Otunba Francis Meshioye, to champion advocacy for locally made products.
The Royal Monarch highlighted his role as the custodian of Nigerian culture and tradition and harped on the importance of boosting local content for sustainable economic growth.
Oba of Benin pointed out that Nigerians would patronise made-in-Nigeria products, if they were competitive in quality and pricing.
He called on relevant agencies of government to address fake drugs’ menace, and shatter stereotypes that made illicit deals to thrive, towards making Nigeria’s pharmaceutical markets to stand out, with the support of relevant regulatory agencies.
The renowned traditional ruler advocated for enduring intervention that would boost Nigerians’ confidence in local pharmaceutical industries and patronage by recognising opportunities.
He also called on governments at all levels in Nigeria to put modalities in place and boost productivity, aimed at reducing high dependency on crude oil export revenue for economic survival.
The Royal father said: “I do not know how you are going to deal with the problem of importation, exportation and so on and so forth. The Federal Government needs to do a lot of work.
“It is good to do more advocacy to patronise made-in-Nigeria goods, but if the made-in-Nigeria goods are competitive in quality and pricing, I am sure that Nigerians will patronise them.”
The president of MAN, Otunba Francis Meshioye who was accompanied by some members of the executive, commended the eminent monarch on his contributions to peaceful co-existence and progress of Nigeria.
