The Coalition of South East Youths (CESYD) has warmly welcomed the launch of a new garment and shoe factory in Aba, Abia State, hailing it as a significant boost to the local and national economy.
The factory, opened by the minister of interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in partnership with Erojim Nig Ltd, marks a pivotal moment for both the region’s youth and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).
The coordinator of CESYD, Wisdom Akunna, expressed enthusiasm about the project’s potential impact.
“This singular project will trigger the local and national economy, cut down and save the nation hundreds of millions of taxpayers’ money that would have been expended on kitting our officers and men of the correctional services,” Akunna stated in a press release.
The youth coalition emphasised the far-reaching effects of the initiative, suggesting that it could catalyse growth in allied industries.
“The buzz that this will trigger for allied industries can only be imagined,” the statement read, highlighting the potential for a ripple effect across various sectors of the economy.
CESYD also pointed out the transformative nature of the project for inmates in correctional facilities.
“Our custodial centres now have, for the first time in many decades, an opportunity for inmates to be equipped to better our society rather than finding their ways back to any of the 240 custodial centres,” Akunna noted.
The coalition called on the federal government and National Assembly to increase support for the Interior Ministry’s efforts.
“We in the CESYD believe the best way to get even better results out of a performing ministry or agency is by paying much more attention to such a Ministry,” the statement emphasised, advocating for increased budgetary allocations to the NCoS and the Interior Ministry.
Looking to the future, CESYD challenged the Tinubu administration to expand the model nationwide. “We challenge the President Tinubu administration to massively replicate the Aba factory across the 36 states and the FCT,” Akunna said.
He suggested that such expansion could be synchronised with MSME empowerment initiatives of the Bank of Industry to provide post-release support for inmates who gain vocational skills.
The youth coalition views this development as a testament to the government’s potential to drive positive change.
“This initiative is a testament to the fact that government and its agencies can serve as vehicles for transformation of lives of our citizens,” he said.
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