From Nwogha Ndubuisi, Abakaliki
Ebonyi State governor, Francis Nwifuru has inaugurated a 15-member economic committee tasked with accelerating industrialisation in the state.
The committee, chaired by a former Minister of Power, Professor Barth Nnaji, comprises seasoned economists, industrialists and technocrats.
According to a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Dr Monday Uzor, members of the committee include Chief Ben Oka, Mrs Augustina Ekuma, Dr Joe Abah, Chief Ituma Chukwuemeka Enviable, General Obi Umahi, Chief Chibuike Orogwu and Chief Dominic Nwibo.
Others are Chief Elechi Ojiugwo, Anayo Omoke, Dr Mark Abani, Chief Ifeanyi Okorie, Dr Edward Nkwegu, and Mr Mike Chukwu, while Associate Professor Ben Odoh would serve as Secretary.
Governor Nwifuru said the committee was constituted to address erratic power supply, harness solid minerals and support his administration’s industrialisation agenda.
“People will commend us for bringing industrialists and technocrats to guide us in developing our dear state.
“We are badly challenged, that is why we decided to bring people of experience to guide us. Our manifesto, christened ‘The People’s Charter of Needs’, is focused on industrialising Ebonyi and proving that we have what it takes to do business,” the governor said.
He urged the committee to advise on the reactivation of NIGERCEM, establishment of another cement factory and the creation of a salt production plant to justify Ebonyi’s identity as ‘Salt of the Nation.’
He expressed optimism that Professor Nnaji’s expertise as a former Minister of Power would be instrumental in proffering solutions to the state’s power challenges.
Responding on behalf of the committee, Nnaji described Governor Nwifuru as a visionary leader with the boldness and courage to drive Ebonyi’s development process.
