By Kingsley Maduforo
Considering all the facts and benefits a good, reliable and affordable road network brings to the growth of an economy and the general development of the state, and despite the Ikpeazu road revolution across the state, the apostolic truth remains: all is not yet done, we are making progress, Abians want more because there is a change.
Gov. Ikpeazu has laid a solid foundation that serves as a springboard for rapid development in the state, even at a time the economic downturn is biting hard. He has remained a silent achiever. The transparency with which he handles the affairs of the government has been vital to the high accelerated growth in economic and social activities.
In five years, Gov. Ikpeazu has tackled the deteriorating macro-economic environment of the state and turned it into a final destination for both local and foreign investors. The now global acceptability of the made-in-Aba brand is also a proof that five yesrs in office, there is a change. The governor, as the Chief Brand Ambassador of made-in-Aba, has shown commitment in the promotion and rebranding of Aba products, and this has drastically increased the purchasing rate. Two things achieved: increased Internally Generated Revenue(IGR) and reduced unemployment.
Right now, the governor of Abia state has changed the narrative of the local industries, manufacturers and the artisans in Aba by making sure they inject quality in their finished products. The present administration is harnessing both human and material resources towards the promotion of the made-in-Aba brand so as to enable it compete favourably both in local and international markets. This novel idea of Gov. Ikpeazu has given birth to the ‘Abia State Marketing and Quality Management Agency’, with Barr. Sam Hart, as the pioneer Director General (DG).
The Agency has the sole responsibility of marketing all goods and services produced in Abia state, as well as setting out and enforcing quality standards in Abia state. ASMQCA is also expected to expand the existing markets and find new markets for all goods produced in the state and as well serve as aggregators for producers and traders based in the state. This will sustian both economic and infrastructural development in the state.
In five years, one of the economic blueprints of the Ikpeazu administration is the New Enyimba Economic City Project, which is a new birth of the present administration. Before the end of last year, all the necessary definitive agreement between the Federal and Abia state government was signed. The aim of Gov. Ikpeazu is to create an economic hub central to the nine south-east and south-south states, with easy access to good roads, railways, seaports and airports, and to enable the transformation of the south-east and south-south regions into a manufacturing and industrial power house that will drive commerce, entertainment, education, health and logistics.
What changed? Five years under Gov. Ikpeazu, Abia rice (Osikapa Abia), has hit the market, being an alternative to imported rice due to the lockdown of our borders. Before Ikpeazu, rice farmers in Abia were faced with the challenge of how to improve their yield, package and market their produce. The change still remains the establishment of 4 cottage Rice mills with de-stonning and packaging facilities in Acha (Isiukwato LGA), Uzuakoli (Bende LGA), Bende (Bende), Ofeme (Umuahia North LGA) and Abam (Arochukwu LGA).
The state is blessed with natural resources, and fertile land. There is also the engagement of citizens to drive agro-business in the state, more especially in mechanised farming of cassava, rice, palm oil in line with Federal government programmes. This is a right step in a right direction for the present administration.
The place of the private sector in agro-business is indispensable and a key factor to the growth and development of the state economy. It is no longer an option but has been the only hope. The state government under Ikpeazu has increased spending on agriculture, more credits and loans to farmers, aimed at engaging them properly for profiting. The government through the initiative makes land, finance and training available to farmers. The vision is to explore the agro-economy as a support base for the state economy.
In five years of Ikpeazu, the change in agriculture, health care, trade and commerce, infrastructure, education and security, speaks volume.
The proactive nature of the Ikpeazu-led administration in five years, to handle and curtail violence, crime and crises in the state has helped boost development and reduce poverty by generating growth through increased commercial activities, opportunities, and investments. It has facilitated our export diversification by allowing investors to invest in our products and materials which has opened up new production possibilities.
To be continued.
Kingsley Maduforo, writes from Umuahia