By Adadareporters
In the aftermath of the Igbo Day celebration held in Enugu on 29th September, 2023, Igbo leaders have been asked to patronise home-made products to promote Igbo ingenuities and create jobs.
Those who spoke to our correspondent at the event expressed disappointment that aside the governor of Anambra State, whose vehicular convoy was made by Innoson Motors, Nnewi, other governors and prominent Igbo leaders attended the event in foreign manufactured vehicles.
Jude Okeke, a student of sociology and anthropology, said, “I was attracted to this event to witness the display of Igbo home-made products and cultures. I am happy with what I have seen so far, in terms of cultural displays and the enthusiasm of a people. But I am disappointed that it is only Prof Charles Soludo that has made Innoson products his official vehicles.
“That is how to lead by example. And from the look of things, Soludo’s IVM G80 was unique at the event. I learnt it is also bullet proof. Why then couldn’t our leaders demonstrate the same?”
For Nze Casmir Okpara, a researcher, “Even the president general of Ohanaeze didn’t come in Innoson SUV. It is an irony, and we ought to learn better. Each vehicle from Innoson Motors driven by our leaders creates at least one job, and also promotes sales for more. But when all of them crave for foreign SUVs and still want us to believe they are sincere, I would differ because charity begins at home. Korea started like Innoson, and gradually domesticated their technology. Of course, Nigeria easily became major sources to market Korean vehicles. If we don’t patronise our own, we remain where we are.”
Recall that Soludo had during his campaign said he would be the major buyers of made-in Anambra products. Quoting him, “The Anambra State government will only patronise made-in Anambra products and services unless such goods or services are not currently made in Anambra; then made in Nigeria, Africa, etc, in that sequence.
“When you see me in Innoson vehicles or in my Akwete dress with a pair of shoes made in Ogbunike/Nkwelle Ezunaka and Onitsha, we are making a statement. As part of our ‘made-in Anambra’ cultural renaissance and healthy living agenda, when you come to the Governor’s Lodge or attend any state government’s function, be sure to be served only ‘made-in Anambra’ delicacies.”
According to autojosh, Innoson IVM G80, a mid-size four-wheel drive luxury SUV, which is Soludo’s official vehicle, is the first made-in-Nigeria vehicle to be used as an official vehicle by any Nigerian state governor. Quoting the source, “IVM G80 replaces a 2014 bulletproof Toyota Land Cruiser SUV used by Soludo’s predecessors. Likely armored to the BR6 level, the bulletproof IVM G80 SUV is uniquely designed with reinforced structures to safeguard the governor against assaults from bullets, blasts and assaults.
“The boxy 5-seat IVM G80 Sports Utility Vehicle, with a superb blend of advanced technology, bold styling and powerful performance, stands out in the crowd. Its price starts at around ₦27,825,000 (or about ₦28 million), but the customized version used by Anambra State governor is expected to be pricier than the base Innoson IVM G80 SUV.
“Powering the Innoson G80 mid-size four-wheel drive luxury SUV is a Mitsubishi 4G69S4N (2.4L) petrol engine, and an upgraded 3.0 Turbocharged petrol engine.”
