Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has inaugurated a 15-member Economic Committee tasked with accelerating industrialisation in the state.
The committee, chaired by 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 Nwaoma Ekuma, Dr Joe Abah, High Chief Ituma Chukwuemeka Enviable, General Abel Obi Umahi, Chief Chibuike Orogwu, and Chief Dominic Nwibo.
Others are Chief Elechi Innocent Ojiugwo, Anayo Omoke, Dr Mark Abani, High Chief Ifeanyi Clement Okorie, Dr Edward Nkwegu, and Mr Mike Chukwu, while Associate Professor Ben Uruchi Odoh will serve as Secretary.
Charging the members, 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,” the governor said.
“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 specifically urged the committee to advise on the reactivation of NIGERCEM, the establishment of another cement factory, and the creation of a salt production plant to justify Ebonyi’s identity as the “Salt of the Nation.”
He further noted the state’s power challenges, expressing optimism that Prof Nnaji’s expertise as a former Minister of Power would be instrumental in proffering solutions.
“We have created an industrial zone, and you have the capacity to put industries in this place,” Nwifuru added.
Responding on behalf of the committee, the chairman, Prof Barth Nnaji, described Governor Nwifuru as a visionary leader with the boldness and courage to drive Ebonyi’s development process.
