Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
As part of his administration’s drive toward industrialization, Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has inaugurated a 15-member committee to spearhead the reactivation of the moribund Nigeria Cement Company (NIGERCEM) located in Nkalagu, Ishielu Local Government Area.
Governor Nwifuru made the announcement during a church service at the Government House Chapel, Abakaliki, capital of the state.
He reaffirmed his commitment to reviving the once-thriving cement factory, which has remained dormant for decades.
The committee, he said, is tasked with liaising with core investors and shareholders to work out modalities for the immediate commencement of operations at the plant.
The governor gave the committee a two-week deadline to submit practical solutions that would enable the revival of the factory.
Members of the committee include:.Mrs. Catherine Ogbu, Prof. Adline Idike, Hon. Iduma Igariwey, Associate Prof. Ben Odoh, Hon. Sunday Eze, Chief Ben Okah, Engr. Elias Mbam and Barr. Roy Umahi (SAN).
Others are: Sen. Chris Nwankwo, Sen. Ken Eze, Sen. Antony Ani, Sen. Onyekachi Nwebonyi, Sen. Sonni Ogbuoji, Sen. Obinna Ogba and Sen. Sylvanus Ngele.
“Reactivation of the NIGERCEM Nkalagu was part of my campaign promises when I visited the community.”
“I assured the people that the factory would be revived within my first tenure in office,” Nwifuru said.
The governor, who also spoke extensively on infrastructure, urban renewal, and industrialization, said a Town Hall meeting had been convened to engage stakeholders on the best approach to realize his administration’s development goals.
He further directed the Ministry of Capital City Development to enforce stricter compliance among developers with the Abakaliki masterplan, in a bid to restore the ancient city’s lost glory.
Governor Nwifuru also disclosed plans to allocate land to individuals with the capacity and commitment to establish industries at the newly designated Ezzangbo Industrial City.
He called on indigenes of Ebonyi State to return home and invest in the state, stressing that local investment was key to boosting internally generated revenue and long-term prosperity.
