Industrialists Hail Obi’s Developmental Stride

Industrialists under the umbrella of Anambra State
Association of Industrialists, have praised the on-going infrastructural
development in the state.

The association made the commendation in a statement signed
by its Chairman, Chief P.A. Okonkwor, and the Secretary, Mr Felix Otta, in Awka
on Wednesday.

It expressed gratitude to Governor Peter Obi for the
construction of roads in the state, especially at the Harbour Industrial Layout
near Onitsha Main Market.

It also commended the governor’s sustained efforts in
attracting foreign investors to the state, including the multi-million dollar
SABmiller Brewery.

The statement noted that the brewery had the potential of
creating more than 2,000 jobs for the people of the state as well as increase
its internally-generated revenue.

“We equally commend the governor’s successful efforts in
providing office accommodation and attracting Bank of Industry to open its
office in the state.

“The disbursement of approved funds to the first set of
beneficiaries of the N2 billion intervention funds for industrialists by the
bank is also commendable.

“By these gestures, you have brought the source of funds for
industrialisation closer to industrialists in the state,” it said.

It described as “radical and innovative,” the governor’s
routine meetings with manufacturers in the state, which they noted could expand
the manufacturing base of the state, especially through the conscious effort of
encouraging made in Nigeria products.

The group expressed confidence that the Federal Government’s
authorisation allowing the state government to take over the reconstruction of
the Onitsha axis of the Onitsha-Enugu expressway would give a face lift to the
gateway into the state.

It urged Obi not to relent in his efforts to change the face
and image of the state.