JACOB OGODO, Abakaliki
As part of his industrial thrive in the state, Ebonyi State Governor, Chief Francis Nwifuru, has initiated concrete steps toward the reactivation of the moribund Nigeria Cement Company (NIGERCEM) in Nkalagu, Ishielu Local Government Area, as part of its industrialization drive.
Nwifuru on Sunday announced the constitution of a 15-member committee mandated to work toward the reactivation of the factory during a church service held at the Government House Chapel in Abakaliki.
He tasked the committee to liaise with core investors and shareholders to develop a clear roadmap for the resumption of operations at the long-abandoned cement plant.
The governor gave the committee a two-week deadline to submit actionable recommendations.
According to him, the committee included Mrs. Catherine Ogbu, Prof. Adline Idike, Hon. Iduma Igariwey, Associate Prof. Ben Odoh, Hon. Sunday Eze, Sen. Chris Nwankwo, Sen. Ken Eze, Sen. Antony Ani, Sen. Onyekachi Nwebonyi, Engr. Elias Mbam, Sen. Sonni Ogbuoji, Barr. Roy Umahi (SAN), Sen. Obinna Ogba, Sen. Sylvanus Ngiji Ngele, and Chief Ben Okah.
Governor Nwifuru reiterated that reviving NIGERCEM was one of his core campaign promises to the people of Nkalagu.
“I assured the community that the factory would be brought back to life within my first tenure, and I remain committed to fulfilling that promise,” he stated.
He also emphasized his administration’s commitment to infrastructure renewal and urban development, particularly the ongoing transformation of Abakaliki, the state capital.
The governor directed the Ministry of Capital City Development to enforce strict compliance with the original master plan of the city among developers.
He further disclosed that land would be allocated at the Ezzangbo Industrial City to individuals and organizations with credible plans and capacity to establish factories.
This, he said, is part of efforts to attract local investment and stimulate economic growth.
As part of wider consultations, Governor Nwifuru also announced plans to convene a town hall meeting with key stakeholders to gather input and refine strategies for the state’s industrial goals.
He called on Ebonyians, both at home and in the diaspora, to take advantage of the state’s enabling environment to invest in viable economic ventures that will create jobs and increase the state’s internally generated revenue.
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