By Kingsley Maduforo
It is no longer a doubt that the present government in Abia State,under the leadership of Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu is now making developmental progress and there is a new economic blue print in the state. Since the beginning of the present administration, Abia State has experienced unprecedented infrastructural progress and like wise economic growth. This has happened as a result of recent push and upgrading of Made-in-Aba products to become a global brand and into the international market. The economic growth of Abia State enters into a new era,with the accelerated growth and demand of our local products which have a good impact in the economic development of the state. Gov. Ikpeazu understands that our local products is the force that drive growth, trade and investment in Abia today.He focuses both on the macro – economic influences, as well as that micro decision making processes by inbound and outbound investors.
Gov. Ikpeazu has express his gratitude over the private sectors in partnering with the state government towards making the state an investment destination in Nigeria and also the input of the private sectors on it’s economic policy. The new economic policies laid down by Gov. Ikpeazu, has quickened the state economic pulse, infusing both local and international market. Private investors are now tripping in the state,signing Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) with the state government because the rate returns we are experiencing from our local products is huge.Diversifying the economy from agrarian to urban economics, multiple sectors to contribute to growth.
Still on the state economic diversification, the Governor has created a conducive environment for the business to thrive in the state, as SMEs is seen to be pivotal to the economic growth and development of the state.For the required growth in SMEs,the governor provided the innovative marketing, financial and management skill that are useful to their business operations and favorable policies that help in attracting funding for growth. Gov. Ikpeazu has given SMEs in the state a proper attention required. Right now,the Small and Medium Scale Enterprises is striving at a high velocity speed because of the platform laid down for them.In Abia today,every Abia Youth has come to terms with the numerous Windows of entrepreneurship opportunities which they can take advantage of in the state. The present administration is not only running physical empowerment, but also intellectual empowerment to enable the youths take advantage of every opportunity that come their way and succeed, to be great ambassadors of the state. Gov. Ikpeazu who is a youth friendly governor understands that for the required increase in output and promoting the state economic growth, youth empowerment is vital and UE is using all mechanism to achieve it.
Another area of importance of Gov. Ikpeazu administration is infrastructure. Infrastructural renewal been one of the five cardinal pillars of this administration. The Governor concentration on road construction shows that road construction or rehabilitation is the way forward in solving the drowning economy. The rate Gov. Ikpeazu is moving from one road to another as if his life and tenure are tied only on roads,because the condition of the roads in the state needed an urgent attention. Again, this sector of public life is critical to the overall socioeconomic activities of the state.
The caterpillars, bulldozers and earth moving equipment of Gov. Ikpeazu, who are always at work round the clock are about to visit Immaculate road by Umungasi in Aba,it will have a by pass to Kamalu street. The idea is to solve the dilapidated road network there and give it’s residents a facelift. The Governor also directed to use what is called cement technology to address the road challenge. The Ikpeazu road revolution is no doubt has indeed turn the state into a huge construction site,Aba especially. A good road network is a strategic road – map towards the recovery ofbthe drowning economy. Aba as the commercial hub and center of the state economy, Gov. Ikpeazu is on the speed lane to address the road challenges in the ancient city.Aba provide the largest market for South – East and South – South, as a point of covegence and SMEs capital of Nigeria.
Furthermore, the provision of adequate infrastructure is a long – term development and economic stability. Is one of the necessary condition for sustainable economic and social development. Investing in infrastructure constitutes one of the main mechanisms to increase income, employment, productivity and consequently the competitiveness of an economy.To this end,the economic growth Abia State is experiencing now is credited to the quality and extensiveness of infrastructural network Gov. Ikpeazu administration is driving in the state. Both social and economic infrastructures has receive a big boost the under this Workman.
Finally, Dr. Jeffrey Delmon,Senior Infrastructure Specialist of the World Bank,begins his book Indicating that,”Poor infrastructure impedes a nations economic growth and international competitiveness. Insufficient infrastructure also represents a major cause of loss of quality of life,illness and death.This raises infrastructure services from good investment to a moral and economic imperative”.In order to stimulate growth and reduce poverty, it is essential to improve the supply and quality and affordable of infrastructural services. This was an impetus for Gov. Ikpeazu,to have a well developed infrastructural network, which is a prerequisite for growth in economic and social welfare its citizens.
Kingsley Maduforo is a Media Analyst, writes from Aba.
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