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By Ikechukwu Iroha.
“Only States in the South East can develop the region. When people blame the Federal Government for neglecting South East, I read and laugh. I say to myself, the writers are really ignorant of what they have and can achieve together. Let me echo it here, South East has what it takes to develop the region. The truth is, South East can feed the nation but States need to come together to look inwards and form synergy”.
These were the exact words the former President of Nigeria, General Olusegun Obasanjo said at a recent South East Economic & Security Summit in Enugu.
After the comment by OBJ , the hall became quiet and empty even with thousands comfortably seated. It was thought provoking. I feel we have something to learn from the speech as delivered by OBJ. Irrespective of any form of neglect, we can develop our region. I wondered what it will look like if we take advantage of regional /economic integration to exploit opportunities and create a unique environment for the greater good of the region.
The historic working visit of the Governor of Ebonyi State and Chairman of South East Governors Forum, Engr Dave Umahi to Abia State has further proved that South East is ready for even development.
South Eastern States are ready to unite. That’s the bold statement that accompanied the visit.
Regional integration will promote economic growth and closer ties between States by creating policies that vary from trade agreements to greater diffusion of technologies.
I heard Engr Dave Umahi clearly.. “We have come to tap from your ingenuity, we will not leave unless you bless us”.
The comment pronounced by Engr Umahi, means that Ebonyi is ready to borrow a leaf from Abia State in the area Abia has advantage over Ebonyi. Such agreement is pegged on the basis of give and take (Quid pro quod)
Team from Ebonyi State was able to tap from our experience in Mushroom farming and poultry management which have contributed in no small measure to our food varieties and improvement of Internally Generated Revenue. Agricultural Revolution in Abia will give rise to self sufficiency. With over 2 million tenera species variety of palm seedlings, the State will continue to attract attention from neighboring States who wish to replicate such effort in their respective States.
Economic integration are formed because of expected benefits. A rapid increase of trade among States will lead to rapid economic growth. Such increase will lead to creation of larger markets and a stronger potential for economics of scales.
Abia State’s emphasis on technical education could yield positive results if replicated and applied in the entire region. We have a track record of excellence in Education.
Already, Engr Umahi announced a complete takeover of local production of school chairs after his tour of the skills acquisition facility at Umuobiakwa in Obingwa LGA, where chairs, tables, gates and other building materials are fabricated.
“Please, I want to know how we can set up similar facility in Ebonyi State and the number of youths we can send to Abia State for training. My contractors will come for a knowledge transfer so that the next 15,000 school furniture will be produced here in Abia State.” that was Engr Umahi glowing with excitement at what could be achieved when two or more States share ideas.
The Facility is simply a common facility centre for students and entrepreneurs in the construction and garment industry, production of quality products for State Governments using local workforce, training and retraining of youths with interest in the construction and garment industry as well as Centre for partnerships with competent local organisations in the construction and garment industry to effect production and training.
Economic integration creates more employment opportunities for people to move from one State to another with ease.
As a renowned Engineer, The Governor of Ebonyi was pleased with the quality of our newly constructed roads. The verdict is enough to assure Abians that they are getting value for their money.
It’s important to state that Dr. Ikpeazu has set a pace and pioneered something that will change the narrative in the whole of South East.
The journey to go round to encourage one another and see those things that are unique to bring home for the overall development of the entire Igbo race, has just started.
We will take advantage of such giant step if as a people despite our political affiliation, live above clannishness and primordial sentiment.
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