This was disclosed when the Omu Anioma and Nneoha, HRM Obi
Martha Dunkwu unveiled the Anioma eternal native attire, “Akwa Ocha” to the
Entertainment world during the Delta Music, Comedy and Fashion Expo held at the
Dome Event Centre, Asaba, Delta State. Meanwhile, during a contest for best
dancers dressed in Akwa-Ocha, organized by 2Things Promotion and prize money
guaranteed by Heritage Bank Ynspyre Account, the 1st Prize winner, Friday
Nkechi received N250,000, whilst Opene-Terry Joseph and Usanga Joseph as the
2nd and 3rd winners carted away N150,000 and N100,000, respectively
The MD/CEO of the bank, Ifie Sekibo, in his remarks said the
partnership is in line with its culture as timeless wealth partners which has
continued to impact positively on the nation’s socio-economic development.
“The Akwa Ocha fabric Industry, Entertainment and Creative
Industry that Delta State is known for, may be the revenue base of the State
Government beyond Oil. Heritage Bank is always available and ready to partner
with the State and players in the industry to achieve Delta beyond Oil,” he
said.
According to him, the music and entertainment industry has
done so much for Nigeria in terms of employment and foreign exchange earnings
and if more resources could be put into it, the country would be better for it.
Sekibo who was represented by the Ag. Group Head,
South-South 2/ECM, Charles Ojakovo affirmed that the bank would continue to
support initiatives that have to do with sustainable growth, adding that the
bank has always supported the Entertainment and Creative Industry.
“This Industry over the years has had a huge impact on our
GDP and engaging a very large number of our youths thereby reducing the level
of unemployment.
“Akwa ocha is an Anioma Heritage and our Heritage, and there
is need to take it to the next level and international standards, as a hub to
orchestrate economic growth,” he noted.
He further explained that Heritage Bank’s various
entrepreneural schemes in support of business had always focused on dependable
job-creating sectors, such as agricultural value chain (fish farming, poultry,
snail farming), cottage industry, mining and solid minerals, creative industry
(tourism, arts, and crafts), and Information and Communications Technology
(ICT).
HRM Dunkwu commended Heritage Bank for its partnership with
the organizers of the event for factoring a concept that introduces the Akwa
Ocha fabric into fashion shows.
She emphasized how impressed she was at the beautiful
appearance of all the models who were gorgeously dressed in the attire in such
a dignified and holy exhibition.
Omu Dunkwu said she couldn’t have been more excited having
been chosen as the one to do the unveiling of the Akwa Ocha for which she had
devoted over a decade to promoting in line with propagating the unique identity
and values of the Anioma people of Delta State.
Dunkwu affirmed that there was no fabric like the Akwa Ocha
all over the world, which is why different people of the world are coming to
identify with the source of the captivating attire – Anioma land.
The cerebral Queen Mother of the Anioma nation advised that
conscious effort be made to market the brand by the younger generation who are
willing to go into fashion business, maintaining that Akwa Ocha fabric could be
money spinning venture if well packaged because of its unique and attractive
features.