* Sets agenda for industrialization
By Christian Aburime
Anambra State governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has performed the groundbreaking ceremony for Kojo Motors Assembly and Natural Gas Facility in Umunya, Oyi Local Government Area.
The Plant, the second automobile company after Innoson Motors and first CNG manufacturing automobile company in the State, will also house the first CNG station located at Umunya.
Performing the function, Soludo said it is a sign of progress for the State, and a testament to his administration’s commitment to industrialization.
The governor revealed that the Plant would create jobs and boost the economy of the State, inviting other investors to come to Anambra State.
“We have come today to celebrate something important to us! Our agenda is to be able to get our people; the most enterprising people on earth, from importation to production. This investment effort will satisfy the local market and export to the world,” Governor Soludo stressed.
On inquiry from the Chairman of Kojo Motors how soon vehicles will start rolling out from the company’s production, the governor was told it will take six months.
“This is what Nigeria is all about. China has done it, and by 2050, Nigeria will be the third most populous country in the world. We have close to 250 million people living in Nigeria. This is the place to be.
“Kojo has made a very smart move to start here today. It is in your own best interest to come to Anambra to invest. It is not an act of charity or philanthropy, but rather a business decision.
“Yesterday, we signed MOUs with various organizations. Most of these Investors have already been deployed to site to build modern, planned cities with the highest standards and enforce their maintenance. In months to come, Anambra will be a large construction site by the private sector.
“When the Lokoja-Abuja road is done, you will be in Abuja by road from Anambra in three hours. That is the gateway! Anambra is a hub!
“Those who have made investment decisions in Anambra today are very smart. If you want to do or produce anything in Anambra, call me. I will market it for you.
“CNG-powered vehicles and buses are the future. In the chairman’s speech, he mentioned that they are scaling up to electric cars, which is zero emission and fit into our clean, green, and sustainable environment,” Governor Soludo concluded.
Earlier, the Chairman of Kojo Motors, Mr. Ikenna Onuegbu, said that the company believes in growth and innovation, and aims to advertize Anambra through its products.
He said the Plant will create direct and indirect jobs, as well as enhance technological development by using CNG as fuel, which he described as a cleaner and more efficient alternative to petrol.
Onuegbu added that the Plant will also embrace the production of electric cars in the near future.
Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, the Chief of Staff to Governor Soludo; Commissioner for Industry, Mr. Christian Udechukwu; Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Barr. Anthony Ifeanya; Managing Director, ANSIPPA, Mr. Mark Okoye; Commissioner for Transport, Barrister Patricia Igwebuike; Chief of Protocol and Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Chinedu Nwoye; Chairman, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Lady Ada Chidozie; the traditional ruler of Umunya, Igwe Kris Chinedu Onyekwuluje; among others, attended the event.