Ikpeazu woos Diaspora-Igbos to invest back home

GODFREY OFURUM

Aba

Igbos in the Diaspora have been urged to take advantage of the infrastructure being provided by the various state governments in the South-East region to boost their businesses.

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, made the appeal, Tuesday at the inauguration of the automobile industrial and mechanic spare parts cluster at Ovom, Ogbo Hill Area of Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State. He observed that such investments would create employment and boost the economy of the region.

He explained that the cluster would have over 2,000 shops and create employment for over 5,000 youths and enhance the economy of the State.

Henry Ikoh, commissioner for Industry, Science and Technology, Abia State, reiterated the state government’s commitment to provide a conducive environment for auto-technicians and artisans in Aba, the commercial hub of the State to operate.

Ikoh stated that the focal point of the Governor Ikpeazu-led administration in Abia is to reposition the state’s economy, through the promotion of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The commissioner affirmed that the state government has pledged to partner and support the micro, small and medium enterprises, which it observed holds key to the economic development of the State.

According to Ikoh, improving the economy of the State, is the focal point of the Ikpeazu-led administration.

“If his administration succeeds in getting the economy right, it will generate employment and put food on the table of many, “he observed.

He promised that his ministry will continue to assist micro, small and medium industrialists in the State to improve their businesses and attract more patronage to the State.

The commissioner at a recent meeting with leaders of the group in Umuahia, Abia State capital, revealed government’s intention to support entrepreneurship in the state, stressing that such cluster arrangements, would enable government to provide the needed infrastructure-road, power and water for the group.

The commissioner also observed that with a well planned cluster, the Bank of Industry (BoI) and other financial institutions would be attracted to support the group with loans to expand their enterprises and urged them to embrace the idea.

John Osuala, leader of the group, who expressed satisfaction with government’s plan for the group, however appealed for a speedy realisation of the project.

Osuala said,” we’ve started sensitising our members on the need to be in a cluster and they are all excited about it, but we are desirous that the project, would be completed within the specified period.

Enoch Uduma, chairman, auto technicians, Ogbo-Hill, Aba, lauded Abia State Government effort at establishing a cluster for artisans in Aba, noting that a similar plan muted 20 years ago failed.

He regretted that most promises made by the State Government, which include a mechanic village and a common facility centre have not been fulfilled, but however expressed optimism that the present administration under Governor Ikpeazu, would actualise the projects.