Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, Wednesday, performed the ground breaking ceremony of the Tarpaulin Industrial Cluster at Umuikaa in Isialangwa South Local Government Area of the State.
Over 2000 shops are expected to be built in the industrial Cluster which is expected to be completed within six months.
Speaking at the event, Governor Ikpeazu noted that the project is of great economic importance to the State.
He added that the essence of building industrial clusters is to provide latitude of opportunities for artisans to express themselves and contribute to the development of the State.
Ikpeazu saluted the entrepreneurial spirit of the Abia people and Igbos at large adding that they only need assistance to push forward.
The Governor who assured that the Local Government Areas and communities around the cluster would benefit immensely, charged the developer to ensure the project is built in line with specifications.
Speaking also, the State House of Assembly Committee Chairman on Industry, Hon. Chukwu Chijioke thanked the Governor for his sustained efforts in industrializing Abia State and said the impact of the industries is tremendous.
He stated that the benefits of the industrial clusters cannot be overemphasized and assured that the House would support him.
In his address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Rev. Mba Emeh said that Governor Okezie Ikpeazu led administration has shown great determination to fix the artisans through building of industrial clusters, informing that the Tarpaulin Industrial Cluster
is the 4th of the clusters being built by the Governor.
He said the cluster which is a processing industry would bring about development and thanked the Canopy Makers Association for their cooperation.
Also, the Executive Chairnan Isialangwa South LGA, Chief Ike Anyatonwu while describing the choice of location of the cluster as strategic, appreciated Governor Ikpeazu for his decision to locate the industrial cluster in the Area.
In his contribution,the Chairnan, Canopy Makers Association, Mr Chamberlain Nwaohamuo while thanking the Governor for the project, assured of the continuous support of his colleagues to the present adminstration.
