By Nkechinyere Ewa, Abakaliki
Stakeholders from the four host communities of the proposed Abakaliki Cement Factory have pledged total support for the multi-billion-naira project, assuring the Ebonyi State Government and investors of a peaceful and secure environment for its successful execution.
The endorsement was announced on Monday in Abakaliki by former Senator Obinna Ogba after a stakeholders’ meeting involving representatives of Umuhuali, Nkalaha, Nkalagu and Amezu communities.
Ogba said the communities unanimously resolved to support Governor Francis Nwifuru’s administration for initiating what they described as a landmark industrial investment capable of transforming Ebonyi’s economy and creating thousands of employment opportunities.
He commended the governor for personally inspecting the proposed factory site alongside Chinese contractors before embarking on an investment mission to China, which culminated in the award of the contract, the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement and the mobilisation of contractors to begin work on the project.
According to him, the proposed cement factory represents a major step in the state’s industrialisation agenda and demonstrates the administration’s commitment to delivering on its campaign promises through sustainable economic growth.
Ogba said the project would create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, stimulate commerce and entrepreneurship, facilitate technology transfer, expand Ebonyi’s manufacturing base, increase internally generated revenue and attract additional local and foreign investments.
He added that the factory would establish a new era of cement production in Ebonyi, strengthen the construction sector, improve household incomes and accelerate infrastructure development across the state.
The stakeholders pledged to maintain peace, unity and adequate security in the host communities to ensure uninterrupted construction and future operations of the factory.
They, however, urged the state government to sustain regular consultations and engagement with leaders and representatives of the four host communities throughout the planning, construction and operational stages of the project.
The communities also cautioned against unauthorised individuals or groups issuing statements on behalf of the host communities concerning the project.
Ogba maintained that only the duly constituted stakeholders’ forum representing Umuhuali, Nkalaha, Nkalagu and Amezu communities has the mandate to speak on matters relating to the Abakaliki Cement Factory.
He urged the government, investors and the public to disregard any contrary statements issued outside the recognised forum, warning that such actions were capable of creating unnecessary confusion and undermining the successful implementation of the project.