“We’ll make Enugu State regional hub for manufacturing”-  Tinubu

The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has promised to make Enugu state (also known as the “Coal City State”) in South-east Nigeria the manufacturing hub of the country, saying the state has what it takes to be the economic powerhouse of the nation.

Speaking to party supporters at the presidential campaign rally in the state held at the Michael Okpara Square on Wednesday, Tinubu said not only is the state blessed with mineral resources, it has a friendly climate good for national prosperity.

“Nothing will stop us if we are determined to make this state a regional hub of Nigeria’s manufacturing sector,” he said.

Tinubu praised the people of the state for also being very talented and showcasing this wherever they find themselves.

“Enugu is a richly endowed state with some of the most talented and able people you can find anywhere.

“You have an enlightened and progressive outlook. You are creative and inventive. You are not content with tomorrow being the same as yesterday.

“Incredible mineral resources lie at your very feet. These resources can fuel economic growth and recovery.

“Enugu has the largest deposits of coal nationwide. We cannot be afraid to put these deposits to use to fuel industries and light homes.

“The climate is sweet here. The soil is fertile. The state has the potential to be an agrarian powerhouse, producing and exporting an array of cash crops.

“This will increase our foreign reserves while raising the standard of living with better paying jobs.

“Let us not forget the progress that is the trademark of Enugu regarding the production, assembly and manufacturing of machinery. There is so much potential here.

“You are a beacon of hope, a lantern shining the way to a greater and better society,” Tinubu said.

While urging Nigerians who are yet to collect their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) to do so, Tinubu spoke on his plan for Enugu state, if elected president.

He said he would make the state an international export hub, while also making the state which houses one of the oldest football clubs in the country – Enugu Rangers – a tourism destinatio

“I dream of an Enugu state where agriculture is flourishing, and national and international exportation is the norm.

“I envision a state where manufacturing and production are booming… where domestic and international automobile, heavy machinery and other companies set up assembly plants.

“In this visionary state, tourism will be a major source of income.

“People will travel far and wide to watch their favourite teams play at the Nnamdi International Azikiwe Stadium, to enjoy a game of golf at the Enugu Golf Club and to visit the National Museum of Unity.

“I dream of an Enugu state where the intelligent, talented and hardworking citizens standing before me today have access to quality education, affordable healthcare, lucrative jobs and real opportunities.

“My industrial master plan encourages domestic manufacturers and producers.

“My administration will create the right business environment through lower import tariffs on the semi-manufactured inputs needed to increase manufacturing here.

“We will provide tax credits and reduce interest rate loans for businesses.

“Youth employment will be increased through employer credits and on-the-job training,” he promised.

Just like he said wherever he had visited, the APC candidate vowed to secure the nation and make it possible for everyone to go about their daily activities without any fear.

“I am determined to solve insecurity at the state, regional and national levels.

“Citizens will no longer fear bandits, kidnappers, and terrorists.

“I will increase our security forces, upgrade tactical communications and transportation, improve our surveillance and protection of critical places and facilities like marketplaces and roads.

“Those who seek to do harm will be tracked down and will know no rest until they change their violent ways,” he explained.

On the agitation for more control of resources and police by states, Tinubu added:

“States need more authority and resources to spur grassroots democracy and development.

“States must have more of a say regarding law enforcement. State police and other measures will be explored.”

The Imo state governor and South-east co-ordinator of Tinubu/Shettima Campaign, Senator Hope Uzodinnma, urged Ndigbo (the Igbo ethnic group) to rethink their politics, saying the time has come to frontally confront the challenges of the South-east.

He said the people of the region needed a courageous leader who can take bold decisions and guarantee fairness and justice, describing Asíwájú Tinubu as such a leader.

“We cannot follow a vehicle that has no tyre. Even when you push it, it’s going nowhere,” he said.

Speaking in the same vein, the Ebonyi state governor, Engr. Dave Umahi, who is also the campaign co-ordinatorin the South, said Ndigbo (the Igbo ethnic group) must stand with the man who can win.

“The people of the zone should be obedient to APC and Jagaban and no one else,” he stressed.

The rally was attended by the APC deputy national chairman, South; Barrister Emma Enekwu, who stood in for the chairman; Senator Abdullahi Adamu; former governor of Edo state, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole; former governor of Akwa Ibom state, Senator Godswill Akpabio; former House of Representatives Speaker, Dimeji Bankole; the APC national woman leader, Beta Edu; party chieftains: Kashim Ibrahim-Imam and Gbazuagu Nweze Gbazuagu, among others. (VON)