Abia governor lays foundation of 2, 000-capacity industrial cluster for canopy, allied workers

[From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia]

The foundation of the over 2, 000-shop capacity Canopy and Allied Workers Industrial Cluster was Wednesday laid at Umuikaa in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of the State of Abia State.

Performing the foundation laying ceremony of the cluster which is a Public-Private Partnership project, Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, explained that his administration was establishing industrial clusters in the state to provide ample opportunities for artisans to contribute to the development of the state.

It is the fourth industrial cluster that is being established by the present administration in the state.

The Governor told the gathering that over 2000 shops would be built in the cluster which would have machineries for processing materials for making of canopies and allied products. He said that the economic activities that would go in the cluster would also benefit the local government area and communities around the facility and charged the developer to build the project according to specifications.  

Abia State House of Assembly Committee Chairman on Industry, Hon. Chukwu Chijioke, on his part, praised the Governor for his sustained efforts in industrializing the State.

Chijioke noted that the benefits of the industrial clusters being established in the state would boost the economy of the state by stimulating greater economic and commercial activities.

The lawmaker who was represented by his colleague, Hon. Emeka Okoroafor, assured the Governor that the House would support him in his industrialization strides.  

In his address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Rev. Mba Emeh, said the Ikpeazu-led administration has shown uncommon determination in supporting artisans in state through building of industrial clusters, adding that the Canopy and Allied Workers Industrial Cluster was the 4th of the clusters being developed by the present administration.  

Emeh said the cluster, a processing industry would have modern facilities, electricity supply, banks, conveniences, security, parking spaces, among others, was expected to bring about greater development and commended the Canopy Makers Association for their cooperation.  

The Permanent Secretary stated that the cluster would provide a purpose-built and properly regulated business premises for the Canopy makers who are currently scattered around the Osisioma Junction area.

He explained that the cluster was a Public Private Partnership arrangement with two private sector operators, AB Brainy Technocrats and AG Mortgage Bank Plc.  

Executive Chairman, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area, Chief Ike Anyatonwu, expressed happiness that the cluster was located in his local government; stressing tha Umuikaa was very strategic for every enterprise and assured of the sustained support of the people of the local government to the governor.

Also speaking, representatives of the private sector partners lauded the Ikpeazu administration for creating a conducive environment that had enabled different private sector operators to come to Abia State to invest.

They assured that the cluster would be of immense benefit to the state and the canopy makers, who would be availed different kinds of facilities to support their businesses at the cluster.  

In his remarks, Chairman, Canopy Makers Association, Mr Chamberlain Nwaohamuo, thanked the Governor for the project, saying that for over 30 years, no government has remembered their contributions to the economy of the State and the large number of people engaged in their business.  

According to Nwaohamuo, they have seen the Governor’s impact on shoe and garment makers and now, it has come to their turn. He assured of the continuous support of his colleagues to the project.

Chief of Staff to the Governor, Professor ACB Agbazuere, Traditional Rulers and some prominent sons of Isiala Ngwa South local government witnessed the event.