Governor Francis Nwifuru on Thursday flagged off the construction of Ebonyi State Industrial City located at Izhiangbo in Ohaukwu local government area of the state.
Speaking during the event, Nwifuru said, the industrial city which is beside the state pipe production company, will feature a well-planned road network with constant and sustainable power supply through independent power solutions; standardized water treatment and reticulation systems; advanced waste management and environmental protection measures.
The governor noted that industrial city stands as a testament to his unwavering commitment to economic revitalization, job creation, and inclusive growth.
According to him, the industrial city was not merely a construction project but a comprehensive and deliberate strategy to reposition the state as a foremost destination for industrialization and economic expansion.
"It is designed to host a wide range of industries including manufacturing hubs, technology parks, logistics centres, and export facilities.
"Through this project, we aim to harness and add value to our abundant natural resources — solid minerals, agricultural produce, and human capital; attract both local and international investors by providing a business-friendly environment with modern infrastructure; and create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, empowering our youth and women.
"Additionally, it will promote technological advancement and innovation; and stimulate trade and economic integration within and beyond the borders of Ebonyi State.
"We are deliberately situating this project in Ishiangbo because of its strategic location along major transportation corridors and its proximity to raw materials, skilled manpower, and markets.
"The Industrial City will feature, a well-planned road network with constant and sustainable power supply through independent power solutions; standardized water treatment and reticulation systems; advanced waste management and environmental protection measures.
"The industrial city features broadband internet connectivity and security architecture that guarantees the safety of investors, workers, and residents.
"Our government, in collaboration with strategic partners, is committing substantial resources to ensure the successful delivery of these critical infrastructures.
"The economic impact of this project cannot be overstated. The Ebonyi State Industrial City will become a catalyst for transformative change across the State.
"We are doing this because it will strengthen the internally generated revenue (IGR) base of Ebonyi State; curtail rural-urban migration by creating wealth and opportunities within local communities; improve living standards and social amenities in and around Ishiangbo, spur innovation and the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)", Nwifuru stated.
The Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Princess Onyemaechi Obila, who is the Chairman of the State Industrial City said the project would be built by international standards.
Obila promised that she would work with her team to complete the project in record time and urged cooperation with stakeholders and residents of the area to ensure the security of the workers at the site.
Also, Executive Chairman of Ohaukwu LGA, Ikechukwu Odono expressed gladness over the flag-off, commending Governor Nwifuru for having such a leadership vision to industrialize the state.
He noted that the project would nurture and boost human skills and the economy of the state, stressing many projects had been flagged off by the Governor in the area since assumption of office.
Victor Nwegede