The Kano state director, National Orientation Agency, Alhaji Lawal Haruna Makarfi has charged Nigerians to patronize made in Nigeria products and services for economic growth and development.
Alhaji Lawal made the call while declaring open a four day sensitization programme , aimed at ensuring that made in Nigerian goods and services are patronized , held in Kano.
According to him , economy of any nation grows rapidly when locally made products are promoted through patronage, saying that using foreign products and services is one of the catalysts of under development in the country.
The state director maintained that, lack of patronage has resulted in a decline on gross domestic product (GDP), unemployment, low capacity production and decline in value of naira to other foreign currency among others.
“The most developed nations of the world are those whose economies are based on production.This fact underscores the need for the campaign to patronize made in Nigerian products and services”
Alhaji Lawal explained that the national orientation agency has engaged various stakeholders at all levels through advocacy, interactive session and media engagements to achieve the desired objectives.
He pointed out that the four day sensitization, would focus more attention on educating Nigerians on the implications of preference of foreign goods on the nations economy, as well as encourage Nigerian industries to be competitive by producing high standard goods.
The state director noted that, the four day event will be marked by media engagements, advocacy visits to traditional and religious leaders, people living with disabilities and social media engagements.
“Our activities include production and distribution of SBCC materials in local languages like handbills,flyers and stickers”
He said,the national orientation agency would not relent in its efforts of enlightening the general public and ensuring that Nigeria competes with others globally.
Alhaji Lawal called on Nigerians to complement government’s efforts by patronizing made in Nigeria goods to boost the economy.
The sensitization tagged ‘change begins with me”patronize made in Nigeria products and services’ is a national campaign that will reorient Nigerians to change their attitude towards locally made goods to enable the revival of local industries and create jobs.
KHADIJAH ALIYU