Gov Nwifuru Inaugurates Economic Team To Industrialize Ebonyi

By; MKPUMA ENYINNA, Abakaliki

Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has inaugurated a 15-member Economic Committee to drive industrialization in the state.

The committee headed by former Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji is made up of economists, industrialists and technocrats.

Members include, Chief Ben Oka, Mrs. Augustina Nwaoma Ekuma, Dr. Joe Abah, High Chief Ituma Chukwuemeka Enviable, Gen. Abel Obi Umahi, Chief Chibuike Orogwu and Chief Dominic Nwibo.

Others are, Chief Elechi Innocent Ojiugwo, Anayo Omoke, Dr. Mark Abani, High Chief Ifeanyi Clement Okorie, Dr. Edward Nkwegu and Mr. Mike Chukwu, while Associate Prof. Ben Uruchi Odoh is to serve as the Secretary.

In his charge, Governor Nwifuru explained that to address erratic power supply, harness solid minerals and assist in the industrialization drive is the philosophy behind the formation of the committee.

He called on the members to use their wealth of experience in the discharge of the assignment.

“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.

The governor particularly requested the committee to guide government on how to activate NIGERCEM and establish another cement factory.

“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 this place”.

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 to drive the development process for the state.