By Praise Necherem
Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo has restated Federal Government’s commitment to improving commercial and economic activities in the SouthEastern part of the country.
He also assured completion of all federal government projects in the region.
Osinbajo spoke on Tuesday in Ogbunike, Oyi Local Government Area of the State at the official opening of an ultra-modern, multifunctional and digital leather industrial hub jointly equipped by the Federal and State governments.
The Vice President also explained that the commissioning of the facility was to ensure that small businesses got opportunities to also utilize sophisticated equipment, assuring that governments at both levels would not relent in making the area conducive for investment.
According to him, “The Federal Government have fulfilled its promise to equip a one-stop-centre that will house ultra-modern industrial shoe-making hub, with cutting-edge technology.
“The shared facility is geared towards the enhancement of industrialisation drives in Anambra State in the area of shoe and other leather production.”
Minister of State, Trade, Investment and Industry Amb. Mariam Katagum described the commissioning of the project as a step in the right direction, reiterating Federal Government’s willingness to empower Nigerians.
Earlier, Governor Willie Obiano highlighted the enormous economic benefits of the complex, including job creation for hundreds of small businesses, with a corresponding huge impact on the State’s Gross Domestic Product, (GDP).
He revealed that the facility is fully equipped with the latest technology for shoe-making, adding that the process of manufacturing shoes in the State is fully automated from start to finish, comparing same with the highest shoe making processes in advanced world.
On his part, Managing Director, Anambra State Small Business Agency (ASBA), Mr Clement Chukwuka disclosed the agency’s judicious and prudent utilization of the N2billion Micro and Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME’s) from the Central Bank of Nigeria which it said achieved its feat.
He praised the Federal Government for the creation and management of the national MSME’s programs that resulted in the provision of shoe and leather making digital equipment.
He urged the shoe makers in the complex to apply professionalism in their production, expressing hope that the project would be a legacy project with multiplier effects to the State in particular and the nation in general.
Osinbajo was also in Awka, the State capital to commission a two by sixty MVA and a One hundred and thirty-two by thirty-three KVA substations.
Commissioning the facility, the VP commended the work done by Governor Obiano in driving economic development in the State, stressing that the economy of Nigeria depends on the aggregation of the good work done in the composite States.
He revealed that the State’s revenue rose from N10billion plus to N26 billion plus, attributing the increase to enabling environment and Ease of Doing business measures introduced by the governor, describing the people of the State as those with great entrepreneurial ability.
“Since creation of the State, industrial activities grew, leading to the installation of a 132/33 KVA installed in Awka. The one being commissioned today will serve as an upgrade of the existing one, which will make the airport business more effective,” he added.
Responding, Governor Obiano revealed that his administration has provided 730 transformers, in addition to other support systems.
He expressed confidence that the project would provide steady power supply to the new airport as well as industrialists who were driving their businesses by purchase of diesel, adding that access to power would support production and export.
Earlier, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria Delta Power Holding Company Ltd, Mr. Chinedu Ugbo said the reason for the installation of the substation was informed by high demand of electricity by the citizenry, saying the power station would provide 24-hour power supply to the State.