Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has received the First ever Abia State Industrial Policy Document, with the assurance that his administration would implement the policy to the latter.
The Abia State industrial policy Document is expected to serve as a modus between Investors, Government and Communities in the industrialization process of the state.
Speaking during the presentation of the Industrial Policy Document by the ECOWAS Representative of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Mr. Jean Bakole at the Government House Umuahia, Governor Ikpeazu congratulated the State Ministry of Industry, Promotion and Development for achieving the feat.
He said: “We will implement this policy to the latter because we understand it’s importance and the fact that this document would be a catalyst that would drive industrial revolution of Nigeria from Abia State”.
Governor Ikpeazu further assured that his administration would study the document closely and directed the State Commissioner for Industry, Promotion and Development, Mrs Uwaoma Olewengwa to set up a team that would explain the policy to the state Executive Council,with a view to convoking a stakeholders meeting in the industrial sector for the official presentation of the policy to the public.
The Governor expressed happiness that the Abia State Industrial Policy Document is the 3rd of such documents developed by his government, noting that before 2015, Abia State had no Long Term Development Plan and Master Plan for Aba, Umuahia and Ohafia.
“Under my administration Abia has become the SME capital of Nigeria and has continued to excel in SME development.
“I am proud that at the end of his tenure next year, he would be handing over to Abians two industries, including ENASCO and the Garment Factory”, Ikpeazu said.
The Governor thanked the UNIDO Representative as well as the State Ministry of Industry, Promotion and Development for achieving the milestone.
Also speaking, the Abia state Commissioner for Industry, Promotion and Development, Chief (Mrs)Uwaoma Olenwengwa described the document as one that would assist in industrial development of the State.
Olewengwa, noted that the administration of Governor Ikpeazu has remained an administration of “first” as Abia State has come up with an Industrial Policy which has never happened before and would serve as a proof to the seriousness of the state in the process of industrialization.
She appreciated the UNIDO for supporting the Abia State Government in formulating the document for the State adding that the document receive a legal backing by the Abia state House of Assembly.
Presenting the document earlier, the ECOWAS Representative of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Mr. Jean Bakole said the policy is a key to the economic development of the state adding that the document would assist government in changing the narratives of State’s industrial development.
Mr. Bakole, who stressed the need for governments to strengthen the capacity of investments in their states, commended the Governor for his commitment to modernize the economy through industrial policy with which to drive development and urged him to ensure the document is fully implemented and utilised.
