By Valentine Amanze
The people of Ezinihitte Mbaise, Imo State, have been advised to invest in small-scale industries to fight poverty and boost the economy of the area.
Dr. Fred Odoemene, an engineer, gave the advice at this year’s Oji (kolanut) Ezinihitte festival, hosted by Oboama na Umunama communities at Central School Umunama, Ezinihitte Mbaise, Imo State.
He wondered why Ezinihitte indigenes would prefer investing in developed areas, when they could use their investments to fight crime and poverty at home.
Collaborating Odoemene, who chaired the annual event, the Chairman of Oboama Development Union, Lagos branch, Barrister Steve Ihunze, advised artisans and farmers in the area to form co-operative societies to enhance funding of their businesses.
He pointed out that opportunities abound for improved economy if the people in the rural areas could embrace co-operative societies.
Ihunze said that co-operative associations could help people in the rural areas set up cottage industries like block-moulding and thereby reducing the cost of buying blocks in towns like Owerri and Umuahia.
The highlight of the event was the blessing of the traditional kolanuts and sharing them to the communities that made up Ezinihitte Mbaise, which Oboama na Umunama are the head.
The occasion was made more colourful with Ekpe dancing by each community in Ezinihitte.
