Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi yesterday flagged off the construction of Ebonyi State Industrial City in Izhiamgbo, Ohaukwu Local Government Area of the State.
Nwifuru said the move was part of his administration’d efforts to industrialize the State and position it as a major commercial hub in Nigeria, and to engage youths of the state in various skills development programs for self reliance.
In his address at the event, Governor Nwifuru described the project as a transformative initiative with immense economic benefits. He emphasized that the Industrial City would act as a catalyst for job creation, stimulate economic growth, enhance the state’s revenue base, and uplift the standard of living for the people of Ebonyi.
He explained that the Industrial City, when completed, will not only drive innovation and industrialization, but will also provide broadband internet connectivity and attract investments that will boost productivity and efficiency across sectors.
The Governor commended the State founding fathers, elders and stakeholders for their immense contributions to the state’s development. He called on the people to take full ownership of the project by supporting its actualization, stressing that such support is vital for sustainable progress.
Governor Nwifuru also lamented the high number of Ebonyians involved in street hawking across Nigerian major cities, and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling unemployment and bringing home indigenes by creating viable job opportunities through industrialization.
He further announced that the state government is formulating investor-friendly policies and incentives aimed at attracting both local and foreign businesses. These initiatives, he said, are designed to break the chains of underdevelopment and economic stagnation, while steering the wheels of economic growth in Ebonyi State.
The Governor also used the event to urge the youths in the state to be very reasonable, develop positive mindset and embrace attitudinal change in their daily activities so as to be productive and useful to themselves, their families and the society at large.
In their goodwill messages, some stakeholders including the Executive Chairman of Ohaukwu LGA, Prince Hon. Ikechukwu Odono; the Member representing Ohaukwu/Ebonyi Federal Constituency, Hon. Eze Nwachukwu Eze; former Senator representing Ebonyi North Zone, Distinguished Senator Chris Nwankwo; former Vice Chancellor of Ebonyi State University, Prof. Chigozie Ogbu; Chairman of the Ebonyi State Elders Council, Engr. Ben Okah; and the representative of the National President of Izzi Nnodo Youth Forum, Engr. Nwite Joseph, all expressed deep appreciation for the governor’s visionary leadership and pledged total support for the realization of the project.
In an interview, the State Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Business Development, Hon. Oguzor Offia Nwali, lauded the governor for his bold vision and commitment, stressing that the Industrial City, alongside the revitalization of the Ebonyi Building Materials hub in Izhiamgbo would significantly reduce youth unemployment and stimulate local enterprise.
Governor Nwifuru also revealed plans to establish an iron production company and scale up energy generation to ensure adequate power supply for industries and upcoming businesses within the state.
