Host communities back Ebonyi new cement factory

From Uchenna Inya, Abakaliki

The four host communities of the proposed Abakaliki Cement Factory have declared support for Governor Francis Nwifuru for the project, describing it as a landmark investment that will restore Ebonyi State’s industrial heritage and create thousands of employment opportunities.

Addressing journalists in Abakaliki on behalf of the stakeholders of the host communities, on Monday, Senator Obinna Ogba said stakeholders from Umuhuali, Nkalaha, Nkalagu, and Amezu had unanimously endorsed the multi-billion naira project and pledged their full support for its successful implementation.

He commended the governor for personally inspecting the proposed factory site with Chinese contractors before embarking on an investment mission to China, which they said resulted in the award of the contract, the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement, and the mobilisation of contractors to commence the project.

Ogba said the cement factory is a major milestone in Ebonyi State’s industrialisation drive and reflects the administration’s determination to fulfill its campaign promises through sustainable economic development.

He noted that, when completed, the factory would generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, stimulate commerce and entrepreneurship, promote technology transfer, expand the state’s manufacturing capacity, boost internally generated revenue, and attract more local and foreign investments.

He added that the project would revive cement production in the state, strengthen the construction industry, improve household incomes, and accelerate infrastructure development across the state.

Reaffirming their commitment to the project, the host communities pledged to maintain peace, unity, and adequate security to ensure a conducive environment for the successful construction and operation of the factory.

They also appealed to the state government to sustain regular consultations and engagement with leaders and representatives of the four host communities throughout the planning, construction, and operational phases of the project. The stakeholders further warned against unauthorised statements by individuals or groups claiming to speak on behalf of the host communities.

Ogba said only the duly constituted stakeholders’ forum representing Umuhuali, Nkalaha, Nkalagu, and Amezu communities has the mandate to speak on matters relating to the Abakaliki Cement Factory project.

He urged the government, investors, and members of the public to disregard any publications or comments issued outside the recognised forum, describing such actions as attempts to create confusion and undermine the successful implementation of the landmark project.