As he resumes duty, the newly appointed Director General of Standard Organisation of Nigeria, SON, Ifeanyi Okeke, promising unflinching commitment to promoting all made in Nigeria products and as well boosting exportation in the industry.
He further highlighted that amongst other things, he would also focus on fostering job creation, poverty reduction, and increasing confidence in the export sector.
The new DG would also facilitate ‘easier access to advanced laboratories for small and medium-sized enterprises, enabling them to enhance product quality and compete globally.’
In a statement he relayed on Friday, Oct. 20, Okeke said;
“I have received the baton of stewardship today; my immediate priority will be to review the handover notes quickly to achieve our objectives timely.
“Stakeholder engagements shall form critical pillars of my administration while encouraging the micro, small, and medium scale enterprises, as they are the engine drivers of the nation’s economy and growth.
“We are going to encourage the industry operators to take the issue of product testing as a very key element to productivity and economic growth.”
Okeke who was among the beneficiaries of the president’s reshuffling of DGs and CEOs, was appointed to take over from the former DG, Farouk Salim, with immediate effect.
In his speech, he extended his gratitude to President Tinubu, for the opportunity to serve and pledged to diversify the nation’s economy away from oil by ensuring locally made goods meet global standards.
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“I remain ever grateful for this opportunity while soliciting the support of all in this important mandate,” Okeke said.
The new DG also acknowledged his predecessor, Farouk Salim, and promised to continue on the already existing ‘noble projects’, which would help in achieving the President’s homegrown economy agenda and increasing the competitiveness of Nigerian products both at home and at the international markets, acknowledging that “governance is a continuum”.
Highlighting on the importance of product testing, SON’s DG promises to protect the nation from substandard products and promote the growth of industries, while eradicating substandard products, which would lead to higher capacity utilization and increased youth employment opportunities.