Charles Nwaoguji ,Chiamaka Ajeamo
In an effort to reposition Ebony State as an industrial hub, Governor David Umahi has called for massive investment in the state.
Umahi, who stated this at Ebony State Special Day at the ongoing Lagos International Trade Fair, said that his administration has been working hard to provide infrastructure in the three senatorial zones of the state.
The governor, who spoke through the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mrs Ugo Nnachi, noted that the government of Ebonyi, desirous to deliver projects that will directly and positively impact on the lives of the citizens ,has seriously embarked on policies and programmes that would attract investments, eliminate unemployment, hunger, insecurity, diseases, illiteracy and many others.
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He explained that Small and Medium Scale Enterprises have been identified by his administration as vehicles for self reliance, poverty alleviation and job creation.
He added that the state is blessed with abundant solid mineral resources waiting to be tapped.
However, the state is inviting genuine investors to invest in the state, promising that his government will provide the enabling environment.
He stressed that his administration has achieved a lot in terms of providing infrastructures in the state such as the Abakakili international market, which is an ultra-modern market, and the state has also constructed at least two markets in each of the three zones of the state and many old ones have been rehabilitated.
In the area of rice production, he said that the state would ensure the production of enough rice for local consumption and export.
“We are looking at the following steps to achieve this: procurement of over 40 tractors of 75hp and 65 HP with full complement of their implements, purchase of 30 gigantic threshers and tillers and distribution of 2,000 planters.”
Also speaking at the event, the president of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Babatunde Ruwase, said the private sector has the biggest capacity to generate jobs and life people away from poverty.
“We look forward to Ebonyi state becoming a fast growing industrialized state in Nigeria. Let me use thus opportunity to congratulate his Excellency, the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, David Nweze Umahi on the reformatory and visionary leadership offered by him to the people of the state,” he said.
He then called on the government to create an enabling environment for business to thrive in the country