From Nabob Ogbonna, Abakaliki
The governor of Ebonyi state, Francis Nwifuru yesterday inaugurated a 15 men Economic Committee to drive industrialization and activation of the moribund Niger cement factory popularly known as Nigercem.
The committee headed by former Minister of Power Prof. Barth Nnaji is made up of Economists, Industrialists and technocrats.
Other members include Chief Ben Oka, Chief Mrs. Augustina Nwaoma Ekuma , Dr. Joe Abah , High Chief Ituma Chukwuemeka Enviable, Gen. Abel Obi Umahi, Chief Chibuike Orogwu, Chief Dominic Nwibo
Also were, Chief Elechi Innocent Ojiugwo, Anayo Omoke, Dr. Mark Abani, High Chief Ifeanyi Clement Okorie, Dr. Edward Nkwegu, Mr. Mike Chukwu, while Associate Prof. Ben Uruchi Odoh is to serve as the Secretary.
Speaking, governor Nwifuru said addressing erratic power supply, harness solid minerals and assist in the industrialization of the state was the philosophy and motive of formating the Committee
He called on the members to use their wealth of experience in discharging their duty.
“People will be commending us for bringing industrialists, technocrats to guide us in the development of our dear State.
“We are badly challenged that is why we say we must sit down and bring people to guide us. Our manifesto is christened the People’s Charter of Needs.
“We want to industrialise this State. We want to show the world that we have what it takes to do business.
On Nigercem, Nwifuru charged them to guide the state on how to activate the factory and possiblity of establishing another cement factory in the state.
“And also we are called Salt of the Nation, but we don’t have where we produce Salt anywhere in Ebonyi State. We need to establish a Salt production factory.
“We have the issue of power and I am happy the Chairman was a former Minister of Power. We are the only State without the required energy for industrialization. We want you to address the issue of power through your recommendations.
According to the Governor ” We have created an industrial zone. You have the capacity to put an industry in that area”.
Speaking on behalf of other members, the Chairman of the Committee Professor Barth Nnaji described Governor Nwifuru as a visionary leader who reflects vision, boldness and courage towards developing the State.
The famous Nigercem was producing cement during the early stage of the first civilian governor of the state, Dr. Sam Egwu but went moribund when Ibeto Group of Company bought the company.
