Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo has vowed to encourage industrialisation in Anambra State by providing enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
Soludo affirmed his commitment on Friday, while commisioning Milton Steel Manufacturing Company Limited, located in Awkuzu, Oyi local government area of Anambra State.
Speaking at the event, Governor Soludo said,”my administration’s objective is to transition from a primarily informal commercial sector to one that is industrialized, a technology hub, and a spot for leisure and entertainment.
“As a government, we stand ready to provide every assistance. We have signed an agreement with EEDC to provide the state with 24-hour electricity. We will put in necessary infrastructure to make this happen now that power is on the concurrent list.
“My primary responsibility as a Governor is to serve as the chief marketing officer for everything produced in Anambra. The best way to create jobs is to buy items made in the state. When you buy products made in the diaspora, you are creating jobs in other countries.
“I am here to celebrate three things; the company, industry, and the homeland consciousness of the Founder. This is another reminder to Ndi Anambra in Diaspora and, indeed the world, that Anambra is ready for business.”
Presenting his address, the Chairman and Managing Director of Milton Steel Manufacturing Company Limited and member-elect , Anambra State House of Assembly, Oyi constituency, Mr Innocent Ojike, emphasised that the company was brought to exiatence to help bridge the gap of unemployment in Anambra State and beyond.
“We at Milton Steel Manufacturing Company Limited are determined to take our place at the forefront against the twin evils of poverty and unemployment the country.The company which specializes in the production and manufacturing of steel rods of all sizes, currently has a strength of 200 employees including expatriates and also has capacity to employ over 2000 Anambrarians in the nearest future.
“Moreso,the Milton Steel Manufacturing Company Limited will collectively among other things, build a seamless Nail Plant, which will also create jobs that will improve the standard of living of all workers in the company and their households.
“We would like to use this opportunity to appeal to Mr Governor to grant us permission to connect to the Airport 33kv feeder as these will sustain the heating and melting equipment that are timed for eight hours nonstop processing,as the current Aguleri feeder cannot guarantee such hours of power supply.The equipment mechanism works in a way that,if they are interrupted during production,as a result of power outage,all raw materials in processing will become waste.We plead that our request will be considered to increase our productivity.”
However, the chairman appreciated Governor Soludo for his efforts in repositioning the state, and promised their support.
The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Ernest Ezeajughi, Commissioner for Industry, Mr Christian Udechukwu, other government functionaries attended the event.
