Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has inaugurated a 15-member Economic Committee to spearhead industrialisation in Ebonyi State.
The committee, chaired by former Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji, comprises economists, industrialists, and technocrats. 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, Chief Elechi Innocent Ojiugwo, Anayo Omoke, Dr. Mark Abani, High Chief Ifeanyi Clement Okorie, Dr. Edward Nkwegu, and Mr. Mike Chukwu. Associate Prof. Ben Uruchi Odoh will serve as Secretary.
In his charge, Governor Nwifuru said the committee was set up to address erratic power supply, harness solid minerals, and support the state’s industrialisation agenda. He urged members to bring their wealth of experience to bear on 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 said.
He specifically tasked the committee with guiding government on reactivating NIGERCEM and establishing 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 industrialisation. We want you to address the issue of power through your recommendations. We have created an industrial zone. You have the capacity to put an industry in this place,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the committee, Prof. Nnaji hailed Governor Nwifuru as a visionary leader.
“Governor Nwifuru reflects vision, boldness, and courage to drive the development process for the state,” he said.