Follow Us on Google
From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Enugu State, Chief Uche Nnaji, has promised to establish three major industries in the state within two years, if elected governor in the 2027 general election.
Nnaji, who made the promise during a consultative visit and campaign tour to Aba, Abia State, also expressed concern over what he described as worsening hunger, insecurity, and declining economic activities in rural communities across Enugu State.
The former minister lamented that some village markets had closed down, alleging that traders now conduct their businesses at night to avoid paying taxes imposed by the government.
“So many people do not know what is happening. Markets in the villages have closed, with traders now coming out only at night to avoid paying taxes,” he said.
He also raised the alarm over what he described as a resurgence of armed robbery, alleging that criminals had returned to their old ways of operating between midnight and 4am. He said armed robbers now break into homes and business premises to steal food and other valuables, a development he said reflected the level of hunger and economic hardship in the state.
Nnaji said his administration, if elected, would prioritise industrialisation by exploiting the state’s natural resources to create jobs, stimulate economic activities, and improve the living conditions of residents. He identified coal and iron ore as some of the mineral resources that could be harnessed to drive the state’s industrial development, particularly in Awhum, Nachi, and the Nsukka axis.
The PDP candidate expressed concern over the alleged evacuation of large quantities of coal from Awhum without corresponding economic benefits to the host community.
“Today, if you go to Awhum, more than 100 trailers of coal are evacuated from the community every night. What does that tell you? It means our people will suffer the consequences in the future because they are getting nothing in return. There is no social responsibility to the community,” he said.
He promised to establish a coal-processing industry in the state to ensure that the mineral resource is processed locally rather than transported elsewhere without adequate benefits to the people. He also proposed an iron and steel industry that would utilise the deposits stretching from Nachi to the Nsukka area, with the capacity to produce iron rods locally.
Other News
“We want to establish an industry that will process coal directly. We also want to establish an industry to harness the huge iron ore deposits stretching from Nachi to the Nsukka area. This will enable us to produce iron rods locally,” he said.
Nnaji said cement production is another area his administration would explore, noting that the state had the raw materials required for the industry. However, he expressed reservations about embarking on the project under what he described as the prevailing political and economic circumstances.
“We will also look at cement production. We know where the raw materials are, but we cannot venture into that now because of the craziness of those in power,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Chairman, Enugu State Consultative Forum, Abia State Chapter, Sunday Okonkwo, pledged the support of Enugu indigenes resident in Abia State for Nnaji and other PDP candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.
Okonkwo, who welcomed the delegation, said the forum comprised sons, daughters, and wives of Enugu indigenes living in Abia State, adding that members remained committed to the political and developmental affairs of their home state. He said the visit had given the group an opportunity to identify with those seeking to lead Enugu State, irrespective of where they currently reside.
“As Ndi Enugu living in Abia, we are happy that our brothers who seek to serve our state have remembered us. You have shown that Enugu is one, whether at home or in the diaspora. We in Abia may be living outside our home state, but Enugu is our home. The pain of Enugu is our pain, and the progress of Enugu is our progress,” Okonkwo said.
He described Nnaji as a successful businessman and job creator, expressing confidence in his industrialisation agenda and promise to reduce the tax burden on residents.
Okonkwo said the people of Enugu need practical solutions to the challenges confronting the state, particularly unemployment, insecurity, poor road infrastructure, and excessive taxation. He assured the PDP candidates that members of the forum would mobilise support among their relatives, friends, and other Enugu indigenes at home to ensure their success in the 2027 elections.
“We are not spectators. We are stakeholders. We will support, we will mobilise, and we will send our voices back home. We are not just supporters in Abia State; we are ambassadors and canvassers,” he said.
