The Governor, Anambra State Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has approved funding for the construction of a warehouse to support the production of pharmaceutical-grade kaolin in Umunuko, Ukpor, located in Nnewi South Local Government Area.
The initiative is part of the state government’s broader investment strategy aimed at attracting pharmaceutical companies through public-private partnerships, fostering industrialization and sustainable development within the state.
Speaking at the official handover of the project site to the contractor, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Anambra State Solid Minerals Development Company Limited, Prof. Charles O. Ofoegbu, represented by the General Manager, Mr. Ebuka Ujubuonu described the warehouse construction as the second phase of the Kaolin Processing Plant initiative, which is already in commercial operation for industrial applications.
Mr. Ujubuonu highlighted the importance of pharmaceutical-grade kaolin, valued for its high purity and controlled particle size in drug formulation. He explained that the kaolin would serve as an excipient in the production of tablets, capsules, suspensions, and topical creams, underscoring that stringent quality control measures will be implemented to ensure it meets pharmaceutical standards and remains free from harmful contaminants.
Community leaders present at the event, speaking through the village chairman, Chief Mike Anoliefo, welcomed the development with enthusiasm and pledged their full support to the state government.
Officials from the Ministry of Housing also participated in the inspection and provided technical input on the warehouse design to ensure compliance with regulatory and structural standards.
The project’s contractor, Engr. Chigozie Igwe assured all stakeholders that the warehouse would be delivered within the stipulated timeline and to the required specifications.