The Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has Inaugurated 15 members committee aimed at revitalising the moribund NIGERCEM Factory located in Nkalagu in Ishielu Local Government of Ebonyi State Southeast Nigeria.
The Inauguration was performed at Governor’s office, new Government House Abakaliki the State Capital.
Governor Nwifuru stated that the newly Inaugurated committee is expected to collaborate closely with key investors and stakeholders to devise a concrete plan for re-establishing operations in the cement factory, which has remained inactive for decades.
Feasible solutions
The committee has been given a tight two-week deadline to present feasible solutions for implementation.
In his address, the governor reaffirmed that the revival of NIGERCEM is a significant part of his campaign promises, assuring the community that the factory would be operational again within his first term in office.
The committee is composed of a diverse group of individuals, including The Senate Deputy Chief Whip, Onyekachi Nwebonyi, Mrs. Catherine Ogbu, Prof. Adline Idike, Hon. Iduma Igariwey, Associate Prof. Ben Odoh, Hon. Sunday Eze, Senators Chris Nwankwo, Ken Eze, Antony Ani, Engr. Elias Mbam, Sonni Ogbuoji, Barr. Roy Umahi, SAN, Obinna Ogba, Sylvanus Ngiji Ngele, and Chief Ben Okah.
Governor Nwifuru emphasised his dedication to transforming the Abakaliki metropolitan area to align with its original master plan as the old Eastern City.
Enforce compliance
He instructed the Ministry of Capital City to enforce compliance among developers to ensure the city’s restoration as planned.
In support of industrial growth, the Governor announced that land would be allocated to individuals willing to establish factories in the Ezzangbo Industrial City. He encouraged indigene to return home and invest in Ebonyi State to enhance its revenue generation.
“Many Ebonyi people are busy building factories, industries and companies because of undue criticism from Ebonyi people but I am pleading with them to come home and develop their State,” he said.
The Governor later had a Town Hall meeting with Landlords at Banquet hall, Old Government House Abakaliki where they discussed strategies to fulfill his administration’s goals related to infrastructure, industrial development, and urban renewal.
Lateefah Ibrahim