Imo 2021 Stakeholders Meeting On Industrialization: CDB Chairman, Oyiriuka Expresses Readiness To Embrace Investors

Dan Opara

The Imo State under the Government of Gov.Hope Uzodinma, was on Wednesday, Dec.15th, 2021 at Concorde Hotels Owerri, successfully held a one-day Stakeholders Meeting for all the critical stakeholders in the state.

 

The Stakeholders summit was aimed and targeted at industrializing Imo State in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, UNIDO, to develop an industrial policy for the benefits of the state as a part pathway to industrialization.

 

An elder statesman in Imo, Chief Engr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, who served as the Chairman of the Occasion, in his remarks, expressed satisfaction on the successful stakeholders’ meeting approved and authorized by the State Governor, Sen.Hope Uzodinma.

 

“The aim of the meeting is to draw a road map towards the proposed bids of the govt. on industrializing the state”.

 

In his welcome address, the leader-Imo State UNIDO Team, Hon.Dr.Jude Nzeako, who is also the Director-General of Imo State Investment Promotion Agency, ISIPA, expressed satisfaction with the leadership styles of the Imo State Governor, Sen.Hope Uzodinma, on his policies especially as it concerns the industrialization of the state.

 

“No previous govt.in Imo except that of  Dee Sam Mbakwe had an intervention program or any valid response to ur industrial backwardness. Various governments in the past relied on ”supply-side economics” which simply calls for govt’s fiscal and monetary measures that raise the level of investment especially in plant and equipment”, UNIDO Team Leader hinted.

 

 

Dr.Nzeako revealed that, “Almost all the states in Nigeria have drawn up industrial policies and are at different stages of implementation. Results are most viewable in Rivers, Delta, Kaduna, Ebonyi, Anambra State just to mention but a few”.

 

The DG ISIPA, while speaking, commended Governor Uzodinma for his prosperity initiative on the way forward towards industrializing Imo State, which he said, the industrial policy would foster the promotion of industries in the state and make the state be in comparative advantage, even as enjoined Imolites to apply patience devoid of the current media and political manipulations he described as a distraction aimed by the oppositions to deceive the masses.

 

In a swift media chat with the Chairman, Community Development Board, CDB, Assa North Cluster, Ohaji/Egbema, Mr. Anayo Oyiriuka, while interacting with newsmen shortly after the summit,  expressed delight for the successful Imo stakeholders meeting on industrial policy.

 

“We are to harmonize the issue of industrial development and industrial policy of the state. Of course, we are happy. The major problem and obvious challenge in the state is insecurity”, CDB Chair stated.

 

 

“Firstly, the Governor of Imo State,Sen. Hope Uzodinma, should ensure a lasting solution to the current insecurity in the state so that foreign investors would be freely invited. Without peace, we cannot go anyway in all aspects of our lives. Therefore, when there is no peace, there would not be industrialization. We are calling for the development of peace in our great State. Our Awarra Court area in Ohaji/Egbema as one of the most volatile areas in the state has since our inauguration recorded peace and we are praying for such to continue. We are pleading for peace”, Oyiriuka submitted.