By John Okiyi Kalu
When we announced that Governor Ikpeazu’s effort at changing the Abia narrative has yielded a $2.5b investment by a Chinese firm, Ruyi Group, the usual crowd poo pooed the news and made all kinds of noise. (See https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/07/abia-govt-signs-mou-with-2-firms-for-construction-of-enyimba-economic-city/)
But we know the quality of Leader we have as the Governor of Abia State.
Two months after the announcement was made, President Buhari visited China to seek investment in Nigeria, without inviting Governor Ikpeazu to go with him, and met the same Chairman of Ruyi Group Governor Ikpeazu had earlier signed a Memorandum of Understanding with on multiple investment in Abia’s Enyimba Economic City and Geometric Power Ltd.
There and then, the Chairman of Ruyi Group informed President Buhari that he is set to invest in Nigeria and has a special bond with Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State.
Impressed and happy with the investment drive of Governor Ikpeazu, the President penned the following lines on returning to Nigeria.
“Just last week, during my visit to China to attend the Forum for China-Africa Cooperation, I met with executives of one of the largest cotton and garment companies in the world, who will soon establish operations in Aba.
“Both the Federal Government and the Abia State Government worked hard jointly on this project, to attract this very important investor. The proposed investment will create thousands of jobs for Aba’s vibrant and creative youths.
“I am very excited about this project in Aba, and have directed the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment to ensure the investment is actualised within the shortest possible time.”
This project is linked to the expected emergence of Enyimba Economic City near Aba as well as the roll out of steady power at Aba by Geometric.
We appreciate the support of the federal government, led by President M Buhari and our own VP, the “Enyioha" of Ndi Abia, Prof Yemi Osibanjo. Together, the Federal and Abia State Governments are writing new chapters on non partisan collaboration to ensure the good of the people.
This partnership has already delivered steady power supply, on pilot basis, to more than 1,000 shops at Ariaria International Market with the whole area expected to join the project early next year.
Ariaria market is the first ever in Nigeria to have a devoted licensed power generation and distribution company of its own courtesy of the recently issued license.
Enyimba Economic City also enjoys the support of the federal government even though it is a project borne out of Governor Ikpeazu’s deep thinking and focus on developing Abia State. It was among the projects listed in his 2015 campaign manifesto.
Governor Ikpeazu is at the verge of delivering the single biggest new foreign direct investment in Abia in particular, Igbo land and Nigeria in general. He deserves our prayers and support.
#IkpeazuIssaGoal
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