- It’s kudos for “walking the talk” – MAN
BY UBON EKANEM, CALABAR – In recognition of his administration’s commitment to the growth and patronage of indigenous products and services, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has honoured Governor Bassey Edet Otu with the Champion of Made-in-Nigeria Products Award
The award was presented to Governor Otu during the 5th Adeola Odutola Lecture held at the Oriental Hotel in Lagos, where captains of industry, policymakers, and development partners gathered to celebrate outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s industrial advancement.
Governor Otu was represented at the event by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Agbe Odey, who received the plaque on his behalf and thanked members of MAN and the organisers for not betraying the trust and confidence which the state Government has in the local manufacturing industry.
In presenting the award, officials of MAN lauded Governor Otu’s administration for “walking the talk” on local content development through practical policies and procurement choices that have stimulated domestic manufacturing and created jobs.
According to one of the MAN executive member, “The Cross River example proves that leadership by example is the most powerful endorsement of the Made-in-Nigeria vision.”
Speaking at the occasion, Deputy Governor Peter Odey described the recognition as “a validation of Governor Otu’s deliberate and consistent policies to reawaken Nigeria’s productive capacity.”
He said the administration is not merely focusing on consumption but also on creating a strong ecosystem where local manufacturers thrive, adding, “We have shown preference for locally made goods not out of sentiment, but conviction that Nigeria’s future lies in what we produce.”
Odey, who highlighted tangible examples of this commitment, said the Cross River State Government has, within two years, procured about eighty vehicles from Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM), the Anambra-based automobile giant to promote investment in the agricultural sector of the State’s economy.
He further stated that, “This singular action reflects our belief that Nigerian ingenuity deserves the highest level of state patronage.”
The Deputy Governor also revealed that Cross River State had already purchased over one hundred tractors from Bespoke Design Concepts Ltd, an indigenous manufacturing company based in Kwara State.
In his words, “Our agricultural mechanization drive is proudly supported by Nigerian-made equipment, showing that local manufacturers can compete on quality and reliability on the global stage.”
Explaining that the administration’s local content drive extends beyond procurement, Odey said, “Several of the roads we have completed, and those ongoing, are being executed by indigenous contractors”.
This is as the Deputy Governor also stressed that such empowerment would strengthen local capacity, creates employment, and retains the much-needed capital within Nigeria’s economy.
He reiterated the government’s readiness to sustain an enabling environment for industry to flourish, noting that tax policies have been reviewed to incentivize local producers.
“We are building a Cross River where industry, innovation, and investment can thrive. Our bias for homegrown solutions is unwavering,” the Deputy Governor said.
In a symbolic gesture of partnership, Odey invited the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria to host its 2026 Annual General Meeting in Calabar.
Besides assuring MAN that “Cross River offers not just hospitality but a growing industrial base that reflects the spirit of the Nigerian manufacturer”, the Deputy Governor further pledged that the State government’s full support in advancing the nation’s industrial renaissance through robust partnership with the Association and its members.
