Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed gratitude to Nigerians who wished him well during his brief medical break, announcing that he has resumed his engagements.
Obi said his first outing was a visit to Maison de Helen (MDH), a Nigerian luxury fashion brand established in 1990 by designer Helen Unuane and now run with her daughter, Elsie. He described the visit as fulfilling, noting that the factory showcases Nigerian creativity through the use of indigenous fabrics such as Akwete to produce globally sought-after fashion pieces.
He commended MDH for providing direct and indirect employment to over 50 young Nigerians, while stressing that the business reflects the vast potential of the textile industry if adequately supported.
Obi lamented the collapse of Nigeria’s textile sector, contrasting it with Bangladesh, where textiles account for over 70 percent of exports, valued at about $50 billion—more than Nigeria’s oil earnings.
He reiterated that SMEs remain the backbone of economies worldwide and called for greater investment in the sector to lift millions out of poverty, create jobs, and reposition Nigeria as a hub for creativity and trade.
“Looking at the factory today and the dedication of the workers shows what is possible if we commit to supporting SMEs. We must replicate this success story across thousands of businesses in Nigeria,” Obi said.
