ABIA IS FULLY READY TO HOST A MODULAR REFINERY – IKPEAZU TELLS ESKOM MANAGEMENT
The Governor of Abia state, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has declared his readiness and commitment to take necessary steps to actualize the dream of establishing a modular refinery in Abia state.
The Governor made the statement while receiving in audience a delegation of the management of ESKOM PLC at Government House Umuahia, where he stated that the only way forward is to create jobs for Abians and emphasized the importance of job creation as a direct link to security and sustainable economy for those in the South East and South South regions of the country.
He stated further that this is philosophy behind the flagship project of the Enyimba Economic City and the proposed Agro-Industrial City in Umuahia stressing that Agriculture and Industrialization are fundamental to the vision of his administration.
The Governor also pointed out that his administration will not spare any effort in providing all the necessary institutional support needed to get the projects working.
He expressed confidence that the project will bear fruits and promised to collaborate with the company to bring the project to limelight.
He also noted that Oil and Gas are amongst the five pillars of his administration, as well as laying emphasis on Trade and Commerce stressing that the Made in Aba paradigm was about the ingenuity of the Nigerian youth and particular, Ndigbo who have become known for the works of their enterprising spirit.
He also noted that the Federal Government has recognized Abia state as the SME capital of Nigeria, stating further that the State stood at The Number Three State in Foreign Direct Investment by the close of business in 2018, courtesy of the prospect of the Enyimba Economic City Project.
The Governor thanked them for coming, noting that their presence today underscored the fact that Abia can turn some of her natural resources into money for the benefit of Nigeria.
Speaking earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of David Twin Oil West Africa, Chief Emmanuel Obiora and his counterpart at the ESKOM PLC, Chief Orjiakor in their separate speeches said that the essence of their visit was to explore and cement the possibility of establishing a modular refinery in Abia state. According to them, the Governor has demonstrated huge passion for investments in the state, to the point that no serious business that seeks expansion and growth can afford to ignore Abia State.
The ESKOM PLC CEO, further noted that the company is active in the Oil and Gas sector, Energy, Real Estate and Construction, assuring that they possess capacity and financial muscle to deliver on the proposed project.
The delegation was led by frontline business man, Chief Jerry Kalu.
Onyebuchi Ememanka, Esq
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.
22nd July, 2019.