Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State set up a 15-man committee with the primary goal of reviving the moribund Nigercem Cement production factory in Nkalagu, Ebonyi State.
The Governor announced the move while speaking at the Government House state chapel on Sunday, where he discussed his industrial agenda for the state. He tasked the newly formed committee to do everything in their power to revive the old industrial horse, which was once the pride of the Eastern Region.
Members of the committee include Mrs. Catherine Ogbu, Prof. Adline Idike, Iduma Igariwey, Associate Prof. Ben Odoh, Sunday Eze, and Senator Chris Nwankwo. Others are Senator Ken Eze, Senator Anthony Ani, Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, Engr. Elias Mbam, Senator Sonni Ogbuoji, Roy Umahi, SAN, Senator Obinna Ogba, Senator Sylvanus Ngiji Ngele, and Ben Okah.
“The committee is to liaise with the core investor and shareholders to work out modalities for the immediate commencement of operations at the company, which has remained moribund for several decades. The committee has two weeks to provide a workable solution.” The Governor said.
Nwifuru reminded the committee that the revitalisation of the Nigercem factory was part of his campaign promises, and he hopes to bring it to fruition. On industrialization, Governor Nwifuru reaffirmed his drive to turn Abakaliki into a modern city reminiscent of the glory days of Eastern Nigeria.
The Governor harped on business opportunities domiciled in the state, calling all Ebonyi indigenes in diaspora to come and invest in the state. He stated that he has allocated lands at the Ezzangbo Industrial City to individuals who have shown capacity in industrializing the area and creating jobs for locals.
Infoeast earlier reported the Nwifuru’s administration efforts to partner with Thailand on livestock and rice production. Ebonyi State had the least Internally Generated Revenue in 2022, pulling in only N12.43bn for the year.
