Investors worry over delay in approval of Energy FTZ

Tuesday, 20 January 2015 18:50
Written by Sulaimon Salau


INVESTORS and technical partners have expressed concern over the delay in the approval for the Enugu Power and Energy Free Trade Zone (ENPOWER FTZ).

Indeed, the financial commitment of the investors that run into billions of dollars have been laid dormant with accumulating costs, investment proposals for coal fired power projects and other coal conversion technologies dust in the shelves.

Investigations showed that the ENPOWER FTZ is yet to come into effect after 19 months when President Goodluck Jonathan granted the request by the leaders of the South East zone and declared that his administration would establish the first free trade zone in Enugu - the first ever of such facility in the South East zone.

Anxiety over the approval of the facility prompted business and socio-cultural leaders in the South East and South South geopolitical zone to request President Jonathan to influence express approval of the facility, which he promised during his visit to Enugu State some 20 months ago.

The ENPOWER Free Zone covers over 1,000 hectares designed to accommodate up to 500 companies located in three Free Zone Areas at The Ninth Mile industrial area, The Akanu Ibiam Airport and The Coal Processing zone. The facility is also expected to create over 30,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities.

Rising from a meeting in Lagos at the weekend, the stakeholders passionately demanded the Federal Fovernment to urgently give official effect to the presidential approval.

The President of Aka Ikenga, Chief Goddy Uwazuruike, said the president’s promise was genuine, sincere and in the best interest of the people, wandering while relevant agencies in his administration were reluctant to realize the mandate.

He called on the Minister of Trade and Investments, Olusegun Aganga, to expedite action on establishing the tax haven which, according to him, aligns with the Transformation Agenda of government in creating wealth across all spectrum of the Nigerian society.

Uwazuruike pointed out that the aspiration of the FTZ for the South East was to leverage investments that would create jobs, enhance productivity and generate revenues for all stakeholders in the Nigerian economy.

Other businessmen and investors who have already staked efforts in driving the realization of the free zone lamented that the resources they mustered for development of industrial facilities in the highly anticipated free zone have continued to depreciate after laying fallow for too long at a time of rapid changes in the local economy.

It would be recalled that Hamex Engineering of India and Enpower Energy, operators of the Enugu ENPOWER FTZ, have already signed an investment cooperation agreement.

Chairman, Hamex Engineering, Saxena Nagendra, noted that industrial activities in the ENPOWER FTZ would boost the fortune of the country’s power sector, ensuring steady and stable power supply in the near future.

He restated that his company is setting up facilities for the manufacture of transformer resins and related chemicals in the proposed Enugu free trade zone.

Speaking in the same vein, Special Adviser to the Enugu State Government, Dr. Jude Akubilo, explained that the Free Zone project would help alleviate poverty in the zone through the creation of over 30,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities.

He said, “The Federal Government has made power generation and power sector reform a key priority, which will be actively supported by the proposed free zone, adding that Enpower Free Zone has met up with most of the requirements by the necessary authorities.”

He further stated that the project would serve as an important Foreign Direct investment (FDI) destination for Coal and energy related industrial activity in the South East zone and Nigeria in general.
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How we turned Anambra into Nigeria’s investment destination of choice –Ekwunife, ANSIPPA boss
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By Our Reporter on February 9, 2015 Business

BY AMECHI OGBONNA and MERCY EZEANOZIE

Mr. Joe Billy Ekwunife is the managing director of Anambra State Investment promotion and Protection Agency (ANSIPPA.), a special purpose vehicle established by the state government to facilitate the industrialization process of the state through helping prospective entrepreneurs overcome the hurdles of infrastructure and land title constraints.

In less than ten months of its establishment, AN­SIPPA under Ekwunife has attracted over $1.7billion investment in various sectors of the state’s economy, a development officials believe will raise its internally generated revenue to about N2.5billion per month over the next few months from about N1bilion cur­rently as well as facilitate job creation for Nigerian youths.

He explained that recent survey had shown that the state moved dramatically from occupying the 32nd position in business friendly environment ranking to about 15 per cent, assuring that the steady rise was bound to continue until it becomes the number one in­vestment destination in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

This is because, ahead of the full implementation of the Federal Government’s Economic Trasnsformation Agenda and the automotive policy, the state is already home to several huge investments in automobile assembly plants and a couple of other investments in the agricultural value chain.

Ekwunife stated that ANSIPPA which came into being through a law passed by the state House of Assembly, achieved the feat of getting land titles for investors coming to set up businesses in the state within 6 to 8 weeks, as opposed to over two years in parts of the country.

In this interview with Daily Sun, the ANSIPPA boss explains the philosophy behind the agen­cy and efforts being made by the Obiano administration to achieve its lofty objectives.

Excerpts.

Our history

ANSIPPA was inaugurated by Governor Willy Obiano in May 2014. We started in a one-room office in a hotel but later moved to its present location in October after it was commissioned by the Governor.

As a special purpose vehicle, (SPV) the law establishing ANSIPPA was passed by the Anambra State House of Assembly in April 2014. That was about the first assignment the Governor undertook because we believe the agency is a very strategic and key component of our administration’s 4 pillars of eco­nomic development, comprising Agriculture, Industrialization, Trade and Commerce and Oil and Gas with other enablers like education, security and all that. If you observe, the Gov­ernor on coming on board tackled the state’s security challenge and within weeks and months, Anambra became relatively free of criminals and hoodlums. At least people who visited home from other parts of the country for last Christmas holidays all testified to this. As a matter of fact, Obiano doesn’t even want to take credit for that because he believes that was what a governor should do ordinarily.

But what makes it worthy of mention is that hitherto, security was so bad in Anambra State that even sons and daughters of the state were afraid of coming home because of all manners of criminal activities plaguing it.

However, we have now seen that this singu­lar achievement has boosted what we are do­ing in ANSIPPA, which is to attract, promote, manage and protect investments in the state.

We have been effectively in operations for about seven months and through the active leadership of the governor, ANSIPPA has been able to attract investments to the tune of $1.7 billion which cut across various sectors of the economy.

If you want to break it down, I can tell you that we had about $600 million in investment in agriculture, and close to $400 million in industrials, while oil and gas and power sector accounted for close to $350 million. In other sectors like hospitality, real estate, we have attracted close to $300-$400 million.

Today we are signing two major Memoran­dum of Understanding which will bring about $150 million in investment in vehicle assem­bly plant and liquefied natural gas distribution. We believe this will help industries bring down their cost of production. If all these projects are implemented, it then means the industrial clusters will reduce the cost of powering their plants by at least 30 percent. So, we appreciate the governor for his vision which is also in tandem of the vision and mission to make Anambra the first choice investment destination in the country which is now beginning to materialize.

It is very important to note that beforeA N­SIPPA came into being, Anambra was number 32 in terms of investments destinations among the 36 states of the federation. But lately though not fully confirmed, unofficial reports indicate that since the onset of Governor Obiano’s administration, we have moved probably to number 15 from 32. This is more so because ANSIPPA has a board that is made up of world-class economic council. It’s an 11- man board but the beauty of it is that within , we have five key commissioners and ministers on the board. We have Commissioner for Lands, finance, trade and industry, economic planning and budget and the Attorney General as members of its board.

It was deliberate and very visionary of the governor because all these sit to appraise all the projects and all of them have had to make input into whatever we are doing. We have what I call one-stop shop agency where all the relevant to project approval are done really quickly without the inhibition of any bureau­cratic bottleneck

For instance in other states or prior to set ­ting up of ANSIPPA, it takes an average of 18 months to get a Certificate of Occupancy, but now, if you come here and you want your C of O that will enable you bring investment to the state and employ our youths, if you have a piece of land and it passes the generic assess­ment in ANSIPPA, it will take 6-8 weeks for you to get your C of O. It’s unprecedented in Nigeria. This is because the governor has the vision of a private sector operator to improve the state in all ramifications and has decided to set up ANSIPPA to fasttrack the processes. You can see where we are, that we’re not in the secretariat where people carry files about without achieving tangible results. That is the image of the new Anambra State we are building.

Number of projects on ground

I can count them. It’s between 10 and 15 so far but I can tell you that I receive an average of 120 proposals every day. I can also tell you that we are so professional that sometimes, we have 120 proposals and 111 of them are not good, which means we are very selective. But once you meet our policy requirements, we can tell you that it will be given express treatment.

Some of the MOUs we’re signing today, we made first contact with those involved in December and we’re signing it in late January. That is the speed with which we pursue these proposals because my board meets twice a month, largely to consider proposals and review the ones we have. So, I can say that we have handled between 12 and 15 projects with total amount ranging from $400 million to $300, 200, 50 and so on. When you add all of them up, it’s over $1.7 billion.

Message to potential investors/allaying fears on security

Governor Willy Obiano has done a marvelous job in the area of security and he took it for granted and said that’s what he ought to do. So, what he has done here in just seven months will be celebrated for over three or four years in others states. But we are excited that the confidence of the busi­ness community is back in the state. Most of the investors, that is Ndi Anambra have now developed enough confidence to bring their partners from overseas to come and invest locally. So, the assurance is there. I Just spoke with some friends a short while ago, people brought their families for the yuletide celebrations last year, stayed for many weeks and there was no single incident of kidnap­ping or criminality in the entire state because the criminals know that the government will always go for them and dislodge them. If you pass through Onitsha for example, you see the beauty of that commercial city. You’ll see the cleaned up environment which has helped rebuild the peoples’ confidence in the state and government. So, what am I telling people the world over is that Anambra is safe. Anambra is secure. Social media and internet is now busy telling the whole world what is happening in Anambra State. I get a lot of mails, calls, SMS about what is happening in the state. We have a governor whose paramount interest is to safeguard the lives and property of the citizens. In fact, people are scrambling to see how they can join the fray. So, the state is secure and safe and I’m telling them same too.

Power

I’ve just told you we signed MOU about seven weeks ago on a power plant that will produce 80 megawatts of electricity. Re­member the entire country is running on about 3,000 megawatts. The 80 megawatts will be spread around the industrial clusters. All these will soon happen. It’s a question of time. All the MOUs have between 18-24 months imple­mentation time. We’re doing another power project that is going to run on gas. Some will run on solar. These will be put at the farms to irrigate them, and around the clusters. It may take a while but once they come onboard, power issue will be a thing of the past. It will be available, full and affordable. Nigerians are willing to pay for services that are good and so if you give them uninterrupted electricity, they will be willing to pay. Where it becomes a problem is when you don’t provide the service and you try to charge them. We believe our government is on the right path which is also the treason it has been able to attract investments covering sectors like power, oil and gas and agriculture which is one of the main pillars of the state’s eco­nomic development. Anambra today produces about 60,000 metric tons of rice annually and we consume over 370,000 metric tons of rice, so there is a gap of almost 300,000. So, with the three major rice produc­tion MoUs we’ve signed, once they come on stream, we’re going to produce about 320,000 metric tons. With that, the gap is already closed and the state will become a net exporter of rice to other states in the next one or two years.

So, the governor chose his pillars very well and is pursuing them vig­orously and that is why I can assure you that the power challenge will eventually be solved. It has to be solved through IPPs. If we rely on government, we won’t do that and because of the confidence potential investors are having on Anambra, they are beginning to come and look at power, oil and gas, putting infrastructure in place because power is key to optimal performance of these projects and lower the cost of production.

Location of the projects

There is one of the projects at Ozubulu focusing on industrialization while the agricul­tural projects are located towards Awka North, Ayemelum where we have massive land. To do a major agriculture project, we’re talking of about 1-2,000 hectares of land. You’re talking about 4 million plots. One thing the governor has done is that through the agricultural implementation, they have mapped out these areas. We now have them partitioned. The areas that will grow rice, the area that will grow tomatoes, the area that will be used for industrialization have all been mapped out. If you come to trade and industry, they are building a major market in Ogbunike. It is a very hi-tech modern market that will gulp up to $350 million. That way, you don’t have to fly to China. The market is so developed and computerized that everything you want is there. The clusters are spread all over the senatorial zones because there is committee that mapped out the areas suitable for certain crops or projects. So the locations are Awka, like Awka Capital Development Au­thority; another location is Ozubulu, Nnewi and all that. The ACDA is charged with ensuring standards in building development. They have mapped out the areas that will be for highrise, the areas for low buildings, areas for commercial purposes, schools and other development stan­dards. So you can’t come now and start developing in Awka. All these are in progress and in the next one or two years, if you come to Anambra State, it will be total transformation entirely.

Why we’re expanding into auto industry

Yes! The state is a leader in auto related activities in Nigeria mainly by being importers of vehicles. Apart from Innoson Vehicles Manufacturing Limited that is into production, we don’t have much in production. In any case, this company we’re signing MoU with today is not doing only production of cars and buses but in fact it is doing tractors that will serve in agricultural projects, that is talking about earth-moving equipment used for road construction and other com­mercial activities. So they will be producing those heavy duty machin­eries that we normally import into the country, when they commence operations full blast. With that, they will be helping other companies and business interests. At the end of the day the aim of all these efforts is Jobs! Jobs!! Jobs!!!.

We have discovered that job creation is paramount to engage our youths so that they can disengage from crime. These projects will also grow the state’s socio-economic fortunes.

For instance during the construc­tionphase, we are going to hire at least 200 direct employment for the Ndi Anambra. When it has fully ma­tured, we’re going to create at least 2,000 direct jobs and you know that for every direct job you create, you created at least four indirect jobs. Look at the agric sector for example, at the end of the day, we’ll create at least 150,000 jobs for the youths. Part of the plans is to make you (the investor) commit to the commu­nity through the Corporate Social Responsibility. You devote certain percentage of your profit to the de­velopment of schools, provide bore­holes and all that for the community where you operate. It is part of what I do here. If you’re not going to do that, then it won’t work because I won’t put your structure into place. The host community where you are operating, you’ve taken their land. You must have some form of deal to compensate them. For instance, if they are producing cassava, pro­vided that they met your standards, you must buy all that the cassava they cultivate. You must give them seedlings where necessary, you must encourage them. So, with this plan, you give everyone a sense of belonging, create employment in the process and develop the economy.

Next investment plan

The governor has the plan to build a cargo airport in Anambra around Umuleri. The land is there already. Remember Orient Petroleum is located there as well. They have oil wells. We are looking at having refineries. Those are the areas in oil and gas. If Orient Petro­leum is producing oil, gas and then aviation fuel, that will be a good development. Remember some international airlines go to Ghana to refuel but when ours is operational, they can come here to refuel. So, we are looking at various areas of investment and development. We’re looking at introducing value chain in agriculture. One thing is to produce but another is to provide the storage so that after the season of the crops, you still have the goods fresh to consume and sell. The usual challenge in agriculture in Nigeria is poor storage facilities. Two or three months after the harvest, we don’t have the means to preserve the farm produce and soon they go out of season and we start afresh again. So, we’re looking at value chain in all these sectors that investors are com­ing into. By value chain I mean that you’re producing cassava which you are converting to starch. We are also looking at waste management and recycling. So, the waste from the cassava and the farm generally are going to be collected and converted into cheap sources of energy or power. These are some of the things that will come in the second stage of our investment plan.

Orient petroleum

They are producing at low capacity at the moment. They are refining about 2,000-2,500 bar­rels a day. They have the capacity to push it up to 55,000 barrels per day and you know Anambra State has a very tiny equity. Besides, it’s a pri­vate investment. Through ANSIPA, we’re looking at ways of cooperat­ing with them, see how funds will be attracted from either international donors or sources or other outlets so that they can expand. They have good potentials. They have many oil wells and they have tapped only less than 1 percent. They have full gas reserve and all these are going to be exploited. They are looking at so many options. The governor inau­gurated a committee on oil and gas recently headed by a well known oil man. They are looking at ways of helping Orient Petroleum live up to its potentials.

Incentives to investors

Aside giving them lands, we do all documentation about perfection of the land and all that. All investments in Anambra via the PPP comes with Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) that drives that transaction. When you acquire a plot of land in a good location say at about N1.5 million and you require 20,000 plots which is 1,000 hectares. We’re not going to give you at the rate of N1.5, multiplied by 20,000 because that is over N2 billion. Some of these things are weighed and reduced or waived. They are part of Anambra’s contribution to make these projects a reality. We also assist in tax relief where necessary and all that. Like I said, we have a one-stop shop where you come in and sit in the comfort of this office, I will do all the leg work and documentation that within days, all the paper work is ready. That will save weeks and months of tracing and carrying files from office to office or from ministry to ministry. These are the things that make Anambra unique in terms of investment attraction. If we tell you that we’ll conclude in 60 days, we try to even deliver in 50 days.

State’s equity in the projects

Yes our equity is the land we have provided because in some places we have taken 5 per cent and in others 10 per cent equity.

We look at the infrastructure we have provided in these MoUs because it takes about N90million to N100million to do one kilometer of road and if you do about three kilometers you would have invested about N300 to N400milion. Those are the things we value in addition to other intangibles the state govern­ment is providing to come up with the actual equity the government is putting into these projects.

http://sunnewsonline.com/new/?p=103845

FG to Concession Ports to Private Sector

By Andrew Airahuobhor, Correspondent, Lagos

All the river ports being constructed by the federal government will be concessioned to the private sector upon completion, minister of transport, Idris Umar, has said. Government developed five river ports, along with the controversial dredging of lower River Niger. While the Onitsha river port has been completed and commissioned, the development of river port at Baro, Oguta and Lokoja are now 90 percent, 73 percent and 50 percent completed, respectively, according to the Transport Ministry.

Meanwhile, the procurement process for the construction of a river port at Makurdi, Benue State, is in the final stage. The minister, who spoke at the opening ceremony of the fourth edition of the Nigerian Maritime Expo (NIMAREX) 2014, noted that the processes for the giving concessions for the completed Onitsha River Port was in progress with a transaction adviser appointed to oversee the process that would lead to the invitation of expressions of interest from investors.

“Towards this end, the Federal Ministry of Transport and National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) held a stakeholders conference with the theme “Putting Onitsha River Port into Economic Use Before Concessionning,” in order to produce a robust road map on how to maximize the use of the port for the entire region,” Umar said.

Arising from the conference, the ministry of transport would constitute a project delivery and inter-ministerial steering committee to ensure early and optimal utilisation of the port. All the other river ports would be concessioned when completed.

‘With regard to inland waterways development and in order to sustain the dredged lower River Niger channel, I am happy that the contract for the dredging of River Benue is currently being processed to the Federal Executive Council for consideration and approval. This will further guarantee the sustainability of the lower River Niger channel and expand our inland waterways,” he said.

http://dailyindependentnig.com/2014/03/fg-to-concession-ports-to-private-sector/

200 Foreign Firms to Attend Enugu Trade Fair

09 Feb 2015

By Isiguzo Christopher

Despite the increasing spate of insecurity in some parts of the country, no fewer than 200 foreign firms from India, United Kingdom, United States, China and other parts of the world have indicated their readiness to take part in the 26th Internation Trade Fair being packaged by the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA), this year.
Briefing journalists on the activities lined up for the annual event, President of (ECCIMA), Dr Ifeanyi Okoye said this would be the highest number to the recorded since inception.

He appealed to the federal government to give the chamber approval to partner the private sector in the development of facilities at the permanent site of Enugu International Trade Fair Complex.
He said the trade fair slated for March 27 to April 6, 2015 and will be declared open by President Good-luck Jonathan.

Okoye stated that there is still infrastructure deficit at the permanent site even though the state government has been of great help in maintaining internal roads and general environmental status of the complex.

He said the essence of the fair was to get business minded people, researchers and innovators together to interact and then go back to develop themselves.

Okoye said ECCIMA was aware of the general elections slated for this month, noting that already, the association has started preparing for the fair and is working with the current time table of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He said there could also be room for necessary adjustment if desired.

Okoye stated that Enugu International Trade Fairs have impacted positively the economy of
Enugu, South East and Nigeria in general.

“The results are there, we have a lot of companies in Enugu state and they have gained a lot from the past fairs. I can mention a company like Innoson, which all of you knows; he manufactures vehicles now.

"They have been coming to participate in the Trade Fair, manufacturing plastics, now they are manufacturing vehicles,” he added.

He expressed the optimism that this year’s fair would be a great success adding that it has been packaged very well.

The ECCIMA boss announced that the group is collaborating with banks and marketing communication firm based in Lagos to boost the level of participation and that visitors to the Fair would be encouraged through a unique introduction of gift presentations to lucky visitors to the Fair.

He said the theme of this year’s Fair is, “Engineering the Nation’s Business Climate for Enhanced Industrialisation, Investment Inflow and Empowerment Generation”, even as he announced that the opening ceremony would be chaired by Prince Arthur Eze, chairman of Oranto Petroleum and Atlas Petroleum International Ltd.

http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/200-foreign-firms-to-attend-enugu-trade-fair/201323/

Coal power stations to begin operation in 2015

Nigeria’s first power stations energized by coal sources under the current dispensation is expected to begin operation next year, the Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo has said.

The Minister who dropped the hint during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Federal Government and Atlas Petroleum Corporation in Abuja said, with the abundance of coal and other renewable energy sources like biomass, solar, wind, hydro and thermal, the country has the wherewithal to deal with the menace of power shortages.

Accordng to the Minister, Atlas Petroleum has shown readiness to build the country’s first ever coal-fired power plant.

Nebo said Nigeria had to harness all its potential in order to build a robust energy mix, adding that this development would contribute its quota in the eradication of power outages in the country.

He promised to help fast-track other licences with various agencies, beginning with the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development.

“We will also assist with the design of appropriate mining, as we must ensure everything works. The coal-fired plant should start next year. The coming into coal to power by Atlas Petroleum is a welcome development as history is about to be made today. While others are doing the talk, Atlas will do the action and the promoter of the firm is determined to put all the required funds for the development of this dream. Atlas will be the first to deliver more megawatts from coal,” he said.

http://dailyindependentnig.com/2014/11/coal-power-stations-begin-operation-2015/

FG signs MoU for 500 MW from coal

on February 17, 2015 / in News 1:18 pm / Comments

The Federal Government on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding with One Nation Energy Platform Ltd. for the production of 500 megawatts coal-fired power plant in Enugu. The Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, signed on behalf of

File Photo

the Federal Government while the Chairman of the company, Dr. Uzoma Obiyo, signed on behalf the company.

This is contained in statement signed by Mrs Grace Njoku, on behalf of the Deputy Director, Press, Mr Timothy Oyedeji in Abuja on Monday. The statement described the agreement as a welcome development for government’s quest for a robust energy mix that would support the nation’s aspiration for development of the power sector.

It noted that the coal-power project will also provide stable power, devoid of challenges of sabotage from vandals determined to frustrate the present administration’s effort at providing adequate and reliable power to all Nigerians. According to the statement, citing the coal powered plant in the Enugu axis was a welcome development as Ugwuaji, one of the settlements in Enugu State, houses one of the biggest transmission sub-stations in the country.

The statement described the coal deposit in Nigeria as very clean, and that the processing of the mineral resource for energy delivery would not be a cumbersome process. It further said that the South East zone alone had enough coal deposits to deliver 5,000 megawatts of coal fired power to Nigeria.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/02/fg-signs-mou-500-mw-coal/#sthash.PfsIf4NR.dpuf

Dana Air to commence daily flight operations to Owerri

on February 16, 2015 / in Business 12:23 am / Comments
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Dana Airline has indicated its readiness to begin its daily flight operations to Owerri airport in a few weeks time. Disclosing this development to newsmen, Chief Commercial Officer of the airline, Obi Mbanuzuo said that such move was part of the airline’s expansion plan to convey passengers to their various destination across the country.

*Dana

According to Mr. Mbanuzuo “Dana Air is prepared to commence daily flight operations to Owerri in the coming weeks as part of its expansion drive to make its unique services readily available to all” The Airline’s Chief Commercial Officer further pointed out that in the spirit of valentine season, the airline has introduced a promotional fare in its business class which was pegged at N27,000.

While unveiling the valentine promotional fares, Mr. Mbanuzuo stressed that with such fares in place, it would afford most of the airline’s guest to travel at ease and comfort with a lot of leisure during their trips. “We want to encourage our guests to travel for leisure and business in style and comfort this season and this initiative is part of our commitment to continually offer pocket friendly fares across our sales channels” he said.

- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/02/dana-air-commence-daily-flight-operations-owerri/#sthash.IzfFptUs.dpuf

FG to Build Power Transmission Stations in Ebonyi state.
by admin on Feb 15, 2014 • 8:12 am 6 comments

The Federal Government said it would build two transmission stations in Abakaliki to enhance power delivery in the area.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the General Manager (Transmission), Enugu Transmission Region, Mr Geoffrey Nwokoye, made this known when he paid a courtesy call on Gov. Martin Elechi, in Abakaliki.
Nwokoye said that the 2x 150MVA 330/132KV and 2x 60 MVA 132/33KV power stations would stimulate more economic activities in the state.
“When the stations are completed, it will create employment opportunities to the indigenes of the state and improve the overall well being of the Ebonyi people,” he said.
He said that stable power supply was pivotal to the socio-economic development and stability of any nation and people.
“At present, Ebonyi with some parts of Cross River state, are supplied electric power via a 132KV transmission line from Enugu and this is prone to interruptions.
“A 330KV system at the state capital would definitely guarantee a more stable and quality power at the state capital, even at the worst level of generation,” he said.
Nwokoye, therefore, appealed to the governor to allocate the company a suitable portion of land to construct the power stations.
He commended the cooperation and assistance of the state government to the company, adding that the company was poised to serve the state creditably.
In his response, Elechi said he was elated by the plan to build the power stations in Abakaliki to improve power supply in the state. He, however, said that the state government would give them a plot of cleared land for the project.
“I advise speedy completion of the project within the shortest time so as to avert the persistent problem of power supply, distribution and over billings of customers in the state,” he said.
- See more at: http://www.southeastnigeria.com/fg-to-build-power-transmission-stations-in-ebonyi-state/#sthash.j3QzlGF8.dpuf

Anambra Signs MoU to Develop 20,000 Shops

Feb 9, 2015

AMAECHI PERCY ONYEJEKWE, Awka

ANAMBRA government and Bukham Group yesterday signed a Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) to develop 20,000 units of shops at the Anambra International Trade Centre, Oba.
In the agreement, Bukham Group would build 20,000 shops, which includes 2,000 warehouses and hotels as well as a primary school, a cinema, police post, health centre, fire station; while the project would be completed in five years.
After the signing Gov. Willie Obiano, who was represented by Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Commerce, Mr. Ifeatu Onejeme, said that the government would build access roads leading to the centre from the Onitsha-Owerri road and within Oba community.
Obiano noted that the centre would attract social infrastructure; boost the economy and continue to generate employment opportunities for Oba community and its environs.
“Trade and commence development is one of the core pillars of the APGA-led administration and what we have done today speaks volume of the strong desire to make Anambra State the major commercial hub in Africa. The government had undertaken to fence the market centre; connect it with electricity as well as ensure adequate security.
“With the agreement, the developer (Bukham Group) has assured that the market centre would be officially opened by March with 1,700 shops placed on offer to the public already,’’ Obiano said.
The governor revealed that N3 billion had been set aside for infrastructure development meant for the centre.
The Chairman of Bukham Group, Mr Bukham Hassan, said that the Phase 1 was nearing completion would kick-off as a market centre in March this year.
“The project would gulp about N100 billion and it’s been bankrolled by Bukham Group and Enterprise Bank Plc.We already have up to 1,000 youths employed and working to construct the centre to meet the time duration of the project. And when the project is fully completed over 100,000 people would be directly engage here and it multiplier effect would be felt by over a million families,’’ Hassan said.
The President-General of Amalgamated Market Traders Association of Anambra State (AMATAS), Chief Okwudili Ezenwankwo, lauded Anambra government for attracting the investment to the state for the betterment of trade and commerce.
“However, I wish to appeal to the government and the developer that the price for the shop should be reviewed for the benefit of budding traders”, Ezenwankwo said.

http://www.championnews.com.ng/anambra-signs-mou-to-develop-20000-shops/

RareDiamond,i love you.*Not Homo*

keep doing the good work.
Keep marketing Igboland for more investments.

My happiness is that,almost all the investments coming to Igboland,are owned by Ndigbo.
We are bringing our investments home.

We’ll roll out first Nigerian-made construction equipment in 18 months – Muonagolu

By Our Reporter on February 19, 2015 Business

By AMECHI OGBONNA

Chief CJ Muonagolu is the Executive Chair­man of Richbon Group, an indigenous company engaged in im­portation and assembly of automobile and construction equipment. Just recently, his company in alliance with its Chinese technical partners signed a $40million Memo­randum of Understanding with the Anambra State govern­ment for the establishment of a Nigerian assembly plant that would manufacture agricultur­al machineries, construction equipment and mass transit buses as part of strategies to deepen Nigeria’s industrializa­tion process.

In this interview with Daily Sun, Muonagolu explained the benefits of the project, pointing out it would create over 6000 direct and indirect jobs while boosting Anambra state’s internally generated revenue among other advan­tages.

Excerpts

About Richbon

Richbon started like every other Nigerian business because some­times you may not know what to say, but suffice it to say that God has been so wonderful to us. For instance, the remarkable event that is taking place today is indeed my vision from childhood when I was dreaming of manufacturing an aero plane thinking as a child.

But today it is not coming as an aero plane but something close to it. Richbon Group started by importing completely built units of trucks and trailers and by 2000 we moved into construction equipment. From that point we got the dealership of SINO Trucks which we expanded further to get the franchise of XGMA construc­tion equipment which is rated 3rd best quality construction equipment manufacturer in the world. That has taken us to the height you are seeing today and we give all glory to God.

Why we signed MoU with Anambra Govt

My vision is never to continue thriving on the completely built unit. We decided to sign this Memo­randum of Understanding with the Anambra state government because from inception of my career I have always wanted to create employment for our youths to complement what the state and Federal Governments have been doing.

But I can also say here that we have received quite some impetus in that direction from both the Federal Government and the state govern­ments in our effort to achieve this ob­jective, hence the fresh challenge for us to go back, re-strategise and talk to our partners to bring the assembly plant down here so that it can help our people create jobs and support our industrialisation process.

Today you can see we are one of the first to capitalise on that op­portunity to help our economy create more jobs. That is also why we boldly told our partners that the tune of the business is changing in our en­vironment hence it is no longer going to be business as usual. We told them that we need to start doing something like assembly plant here and we are happy they did not hesitate to ap­prove of the request considering our strength and role in the market.

However, having agreed that this is feasible, we looked round to see where we can set up this industry and we penciled down some states and Anambra came tops.

As a matter of fact what made Anambra to emerge as a preferred destination for us to begin establish­ment of this assembly plant is the government’s four point agenda for development and its aggressiveness in tackling the security threat in the state. It is so exciting that up until 11pm yesterday we were still in an office holding meetings and I was impressed that things have really changed in the state

Back in those days of insecurity, no one could have contemplated that because as early as 6pm everybody would have gone to bed for fear of kidnappers and robbers. But to the glory of God that things are chang­ing fast here courtesy of the Willy Obiano led government.

Roll out of assembly products after MoU

Oh, sure immediately after this MoU, we will impress it on the governor to inaugurate a five -man action committee to ensure we take possession of the property allocated to us so that we can start work im­mediately. We are going to produce made -in -Nigeria construction equipment which would be the first in Africa in the next 18 months from the day of the MoU.

Partnering China instead of EU, USA

The Chinese were willing to invest in Nigeria because when we spoke to our partners they agreed with our proposal. Even before we agreed to partner with the Chinese partners, we took time to look at the quality of their products and we were convinced that they were worth dealing with.

For instance, XGMA is a global brand and when we say they are third best in the world, we are sure of their standards. I don’t whether you know the number of construc­tion equipment manufacturers in the world today. In china alone they are more than 500 companies that are manufacturing construction equip­ment. In USA and Europe, they are more. So, if XGMA comes third in the world, then there is every need to partner it.

In terms of quality there is no reason we cannot give it a thought especially as they are willing to also invest in Nigeria.

Project cost

The value of the project is about $40million and the Anambra state government through Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protec­tion Agency ( ANSIPPA )has been very wonderful in its support to the project. We want to thank the managing director, Chief Joe Billy Ekwunife, and his team for their sup­port for being a responsive agency. The inauguration of that agency has made it possible for what usually takes years to achieve to be accom­plished in weeks. It is wonderful. This MoU would have been signed in December but because I was out of the country and that shows you how efficiency ANSIPPA has been in facilitating industrialization of the state.

Our product

We will be assembling XGMA construction equipment and Sedan trucks and buses and these products will be made in Nigeria and sold at affordable prices. The quality will be top class and the status rights would be guaranteed in the sense that if you are not satisfied with our products, we advise you bring it back to us and you will be compensated.

The same standard of our partners will be on all our products and the next stage of the project after the MoU will be for all our technical partners to demonstrate the quality control and all that will be stream­lined.

Power supply

You can see that the government of President Goodluck Jonathan is tackling the issue of power supply and the Anambra state government is giving it top priority. However, we are also making alternative ar­rangement on how we can power our factory when we begin production.

Employment

We will employ between 1000 and 1500, immediately after com­mencement. But by the time we go into full production we will be creating employment for about 3500 to 5000.

http://sunnewsonline.com/new/?p=105520

Obiano Launches Intercity Taxi To Link Onitsha, Nnewi, Awka

In a bold move to give the three leading cities of Anambra State an outlook of modernity and shore up their social index, the governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano has launched three landmark initiatives that will change the face of the State.
The initiatives are the Anambra State City Cab Scheme, Operation Clean & Healthy Anambra (OCHA Brigade) and the Anambra State Traffic Management Agency (ATMA). Although Anambra State with its three major cities and pockets of urbanizing towns is the most developed state in the South East, residents have always complained of the absence of organized intra and inter-city taxis that will facilitate the movement of commuters inside and between the cities.
Launching the first phase of the Cab Scheme with 200 taxis at the Alex Ekwueme Square at the weekend, Governor Obiano explained that the idea was to ensure that the state would have an effective transportation system that would lift it into a world class business environment.
He further maintained that the introduction of the Cab Scheme is expected to slash the unemployment rate and eventually contribute to a growth in the Internally Generated Revenue of the state.
揟he City Cab Scheme is aimed at empowering the youths of Anambra by offering them an opportunity to own brand new taxi cabs via a hire purchase scheme,� he revealed, further pointing out that the scheme has a 24 hours call centre for residents to call the operators for pick-ups at any time of day or night.

www.elombah.com

Soon and very very soon,Igboland will be prime destination of investors. Our long time Asian trade relationship is grossly paying off with speed of light.

Donmarrius:
Soon and very very soon,Igboland will be prime destination of investors. Our long time Asian trade relationship is grossly paying off with speed of light.

You are right brother !!! Igboland is on the move to greater height.

Jubilation as Obiano Begins Work on Umueri Airport Road

There was joy on the faces of the rural folks as the Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, finally took the first major step in fulfilling his promise of building a cargo airport in Anambra State by flagging off the four-lane road that will lead to the proposed airport in Umeri, in Anambra East Local Government Area of the state.

Governor Obiano who stormed the venue for the inauguration along Aguleri-Otuocha-Umueri expressway, with the members of his cabinet and APGA chieftains on Monday, declared that in beginning construction work on the proposed road, his administration was symbolically opening up the entire area for accelerated development.

The governor expressed optimism that when all the roads that are under construction in Anambra East and West are fully completed, there would be greater access to the agrarian treasures of the state and more opportunities would be opened therefrom.

According to him, no fewer than 300 people are expected to be employed during the construction of the Umueri Airport Road alone.

The governor also used the opportunity to announce that Anambra State government had signed on a South African gas exploration company known as Lubcon to work on its newly approved Gas Well ANAMBRA WELL 1, the state’s first gas well that has been proven to hold a large deposit of gas.

According to him, the South African firm will be “producing 100 megawatts of electricity from the gas that will be mined from that well. With this volume of electricity, the power supply needs of this zone and beyond will be met. This will also attract investors from other places who may want to set up their operations here and take advantage of the steady power supply,” he explained.

The governor also explained that his administration was expediting action on all uncompleted roads in the zone to ensure an effective linkup between the various communities. “When our work is fully done, there will be a lot of progress and prosperity, a lot of activities that will generate income and a lot of jobs for our people. So, when we finish, this part of the state and Anambra State as a whole will witness a significant economic improvement,” he enthused pointing out that his administration had outlined several programmes that would help stimulate domestic growth in the state.

According to him: “We have commenced special training in oil and gas and in agriculture in the Federal Polytechnic, Oko and Anambra State University, Igbariam respectively, to prepare our people to take full advantage of the expected employment opportunities in the emerging industries.

“ We have commenced these trainings because when these investors come, they will need trained hands to work with them. Because that an industry is located in a particular place does not mean that every indigene would be automatically qualified to work in it.”

According to him, the state government is “anticipating the demand for properly trained indigenes that will take over the industries in the future. So, register through your local governments so that you will make yourself employable in the future. These trainings are offered free of charge to willing participants. We are encouraging our sons and daughters to read petroleum engineering because ultimately, they will be the ones to take over these investments when the expatriates are gone.”

The governor also used the opportunity to debunk the malicious rumour in the social media which claimed that he planned to rename the proposed airport after his home town of Aguleri.

“Don’t listen to detractors who are going around insinuating that an airport in Umueri will be named after Aguleri. It is a lie. That sort of thing can never happen. It cannot even be contemplated at all. These people just want to cause trouble for the fun of it. Please ignore them,” he pleaded.

Earlier, Obiano had inspected the 40 Km Aguleri-Uno – Oil Rig road project and expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work done so far, hoping that construction work on the road would reach an advanced stage before the onset of the rainy season.

He further noted that the road which cuts across seven agrarian communities was designed and being constructed to take heavy duty vehicles involved in oil and gas business while it would also open up food producing areas for effective harnessing of the abundant resources in the area.

In his own remarks, the Commissioner for Works, Sir Callistus Ilozumba, disclosed that two more dualized roads from Umunya and Nteje respectively would equally lead to the airport, while the state government had made several representations to the federal government for the dualisation of the Onitsha – Aguleri – Adani road with an interchange at the junction of the new road.


Sir Ilozumba also disclosed that the state had secured approval for the airport project and acquired enough land for its construction while the contract for the major road to the facility was awarded to a competent contractor.

http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/jubilation-as-obiano-begins-work-on-umueri-airport-road/202668/

Welldone bro!

Anambra to Build 17 New Court Complexes

By Chukwujekwu Ilozue Correspondent, Awka

To improve administration of justice and quicken speedy trials, the Anambra State Judiciary has awarded contract for the construction of 17 new court complexes in various judicial divisions of the state.

Governor Willie Obiano made this known in Amichi, Nnewi South Local Government Area of the state when he commissioned the newly constructed court complex building for Ugwuochi Customary community.

Obiano, who was accompanied to the occasion by the Nigerian Ambassador to Spain and the wife of the late leader of he All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu, said the court complexes include three High Court buildings at Ekwulobia, Ihiala and Aguleri as well as 14 Magistrate’s Court buildings in various parts of the state.

He vowed to improve the welfare of Judges, Magistrates and Customary Court members, saying his government was also building eight twin detached duplexes for Judges in the state and tconstructing Anambra State Judiciary complex at Millennium City in Awka, the state capital.

Obiano said he recognised the Judiciary as an important arm of the of government, and that his government was also working in the improvement or upgrade of the salary of the judiciary staff, assuring that he will improve the welfare of the judiciary in the state.

Turning to the people of Amichi, who received him in a grand style, Obiano said that he was not resting on his oars to improve the lot of the community and the entire Nnewi South Local Government Area of the state, which the Customary Court building was one of them.

He then urged them to vote APGA and all its candidates, including the Anambra South Senatorial candidate of the party, Chief Ernest Ndukwe, who was the Vice Chairman and Chief Executive of the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC).

Earlier in his speech, the President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Anambra State, Justice S.N. Okoye, who painted an ugly picture of the neglect of customary courts in the state, called on the Governor to come to the rescue of the customary courts by providing new and befitting structures for them.

He also asked Obiano to create more customary courts in the state as there have been mountain of cases in the courts and a lot of people in the state still depend on customary courts to address their grievances in the area of land disputes, interstate succession, matrimonial and its allied causes among others.

http://dailyindependentnig.com/2015/02/anambra-build-17-new-court-complexes/

Jonathan Inaugurates Phase One of Alaoji Power Plant, Abia State

25 Mar 2015

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President Goodluck Jonathan

Promises to resolve issues holding down Geometrics Nebo: Nigeria’s generation capacity now 5,500MW APC backs power sector privatisation
Chineme Okafor, Adebiyi Adedapo in Abuja and Emmnuel Ugwu in Umuahia


President Goodluck Jonathan Tuesday inaugurated the 504MW Phase I of the 1,074MW combined cycle Alaoji power plant built by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) under the National Integrated Power Projects (NIPP) to bring up to 2,188MW, the contributions of the NIPPs plants to national power generation so far.

Flanked by top officials of his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the event in Aba, Abia State, Jonathan also reiterated his commitment to advance the frontiers of inclusive economic development in Nigeria with continuous upgrade of the country’s electricity system amongst other economic enablers.

Shortly before his official inauguration of the plant, the president noted that Nigeria’s overall development remained possible with the commitment of Nigerians. And in making reference to the work of the indigenous Engineering, Procurement and Contracting (EPC) contractor of the plant, Rockson Engineering, he called it a commitment to the building of the fortunes of the country.
“Power is key to development and without power micro, small and medium enterprises cannot do well and that is the focus of this administration.

“If small businesses will generate their own power, then their returns will be minimal and their turnover will be too low, that is why we are totally committed and promise that the second phase will be completed. We will work together to transform this country, we will work together to move this country forward,” Jonathan said.

He noted that but for his intervention in 2007, the Alaoji power plant could have been abandoned when a report falsely indicted it.

“Inaugurating this 504MW today is a moment I will always remember because as mentioned by the minister of power, while as a vice-president, there was a report about this project and the government was to abandon the project because the information that got to us was disturbing but I insisted on inspecting this physically because if government has put in so much money in the project, how do we just abandon it and so I came here and observed that the report was different from what was on ground and we had to continue with the project,” he noted.

He also said with regards to the EPC contractor and contributions of indigenous engineering firms in the country’s power sector that: “I have to thank Rockson Engineering for the work they have done and I am quite pleased that today we are commissioning this first phase and the completion of the second phase will increase the capacity of the plant.”

After inaugurating the Alaoi power station, President Jonathan visited the Geometric power station being built by Geometric Power Limited, a private investor.

He promised to resolve the issues that had been holding down the power station which has been completed but yet to become operational following a mistake made during the privatisation of the power sector.

Mr. President also held a town hall meeting with the business community and other stakeholders at the Aba Sports Club where he pledged federal intervention in revamping the infrastructure of the commercial city of Aba.

Also, the Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, in his remarks noted that the country had upgraded its electricity generation capacity to 5,500MW, with the inauguration of four NIPP power plants: Alaoji, Olorunsogo Phase Two, Omotosho and Geregu.

Earlier, the Managing Director of NDPHC, James Olotu, said in his brief on the plant’s configuration, that with the 504MW phase one segment of the 1074MW Alaoji combined cycle power station in Umuobasiukwu, Alaiyi of Abia State, now brings the total power generation contribution of the NIPPs to 2188MW so far.

Olotu explained that the 504MW output from the power plant comprises of four gas turbines units of 126.1MW capacity each and located adjacent to the existing Alaoji 330kV transmission station owned by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).
“Construction work on the outstanding 570MW steam turbines is continuing and when completed, will bring the entire capacity of the Alaoji power plant to 1,074MW, the largest among the 10 NIPP power stations.

Power from the plant will be wheeled out via Alaoji-Owerri-Onitsha transmission loop and the ongoing Alaoji-Ikot Ekpene 330kV double circuit lines to the rest of the country’s grid system,” Olotu said.

He added that the entire first phase of the transmission loop from Alaoji through the upgraded Owerri substation, Ikot Ekpene, Ugwuaji, Enugu, Benue and Plateau is scheduled to be completed by May 2015, while the second double circuit transmission lines and substation passing from a new Alaoji switch-yard through the existing Alaoji substation to Owerri and all the way to Nnewi and Onitsha in Anambra State, would upon completion, help to transmit potential electricity generated from this axis to the rest of the country.

According to Olotu, gas supply to the plant is currently from Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and Accugas with additional supplies also expected from Total soon.

At full capacity, the Alaoji plant is designed to consume approximately 230 million standard cubic feet (mscuf) of gas per day for power generation.

Meanwhile, the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Lai Muhammed, has said the party is not against privatisation in the power power sector, as implemented by the federal government.

Muhammed said this yesterday in Abuja during the manifesto session of the Nigeria Political Party Debates Series (NPPDS), organised by Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) in collaboration with Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA).

He explained that the APC having pioneered construction of Independent power station in Lagos state under former governor Bola Tinubu, would not turn around to castigate the policy.

He added that Edo State, which is another APC state was working to deliver a 450mw power station at the cost of $1 billion, through a private sector initiative.

“Don’t make mistake about it, we are not against any privatisation of power or that of any sector, after all, we pioneered the first independent power plant in Lagos in 1999, and, as we are speaking, Edo State, another APC state is working on a 450, megawatts power station at ther cost of about $1 billion,” he said.

However, the presidential campaign office of the party yesterday debunked reports that its standard bearer, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), promised to equate naira to a dollar if voted into office.

The Deputy Director in charge of Policy and Strategy for the campaign organisation, Mr. Bolaji Abdullahi, who made the clarification during the debate, said the party would formally complain to the news medium that reported the story.
Abdulahgi said Buhari only described the economic situation where the value of the naira dropped to N230 as unacceptable.

“On the issue of Buhari saying that he will bring naira at par with dollar, I want to say it clearly here that Buhari never said so. He did not say so. If you are implying on the media report, I want to say that we are protesting to the media organisation that reported that. If you read the body of the story, you would have noticed that there was nothing in the body of the report that quoted that as saying, ‘I will bring naira at par with dollar.’ He only said it is unacceptable that dollar will be exchanging for N230,” he said.

http://www.naijalately.com/news/jonathan-inaugurates-phase-one-of-alaoji-power-plant

World Bank awards N250 million Ajali erosion control contract
0
By Our Reporter on March 25, 2015 National

From CHIDI NNADI, Enugu

World Bank-assisted Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project, (NEWMAP), yesterday awarded N250 million contract for the control of the Ajali Water Works gully erosion in Enugu State.

The award of the contract for the 8-kilometer long erosion is the second of the 25 selected erosion sites NEWMAP penciled down for remedy in the state.

Handing over the site to the contractor, Engr Frank Nnaji, at Nsude in Udi Local Government Area of the state, the Commissioner for Environment, Mr Nnaemeka Chukwuone, said that the state had also approved a counterpart fund of N150 million out the N700 million expected from the state government to augment execution of all NEWMAP projects in the state.

The commissioner disclosed that the engineering works of the erosion management would be executed, sustainable munching of the site provided and economic trees planted to avert further degradation of the area.

Chukwuone noted that the project was dear to the state government because of the location of the water works from where pipe-borne water was reticulated to the Enugu metropolis.

The traditional ruler of the affected community, HRH (Prof) Kenneth Onyia, who mobilised his subjects to the site, expressed gratitude to the funding partners, especially Governor Sullivan Chime, for extending dividends of democracy to his community.

The traditional ruler also alerted that the Okpuno erosion site starting from the source of Nyaba River located in his community had got to Okpuno village, posing great danger to his people than the Ajali erosion site.

“The 21 boreholes that used to supply water to Enugu and Nsude are located just down here and forms part of this Ajali erosion site.

“Part of the reason why they have not been functional for over 15 years now is due to erosion at the site. So, we’ve been buying water from vendors since. Erosion is a big problem in Nsude,” he lamented.

Also speaking, Nnaji promised to remedy the erosion site, promising that his company would execute the project on time.

http://sunnewsonline.com/new/?p=110693

Gov. Obiano signs $250m MoU for the Ogbunike Cave Resort Development

Mar 17, 2015

The State Government has signed a two hundred and fifty million dollar Memorandum of Understanding with Africa Project Finance and Development Limited forthe development of Ogbunike Cave into a World Class Park and Resort.

The agreement was signed at the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia.
Our reporter, who covered the ceremony, said that under the arrangement, the company will design, develop, finance, construct and operate the state of the art park and tourist destination.

The equity distribution of the Memorandum of Understanding allocates seventy-five per cent to the company, fifteen per cent to the state government, five per cent to Oyi local government area and another five per cent to Ifite Ogbunike, while three per cent will be used for development and social responsibility projects in the area.

Governor Willie Obiano, in his speech, said the project would provide a comprehensive entertainment centre and facilitate total harnessing of the cave and make it attractive for tourism.

Governor Obiano assured that the project would be handled by a World Class Contractor who would give the state quality facilities for tourism and relaxation.

The Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Chief Tony Onyima, explained that following Governor Obiano’s passion and directive to transform the age-old cave, that had been ignored over the years, the Ministry and Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency, (ANSIPPA) accelerated work in attracting the investor and concluded modalities for the partnership to harness the potentials of the cave.

Chief Onyima said a schedule for the implementation of the project had been worked out and assured that by next year, some of the projects would be ready for commissioning and would transform the state with multiplier effects.The Managing Director of the company, Mr. Joachim Nwagbo, noted that within one year, Governor Obiano has turned the state into a first choice investment destination with effective security system and stable socio-political environment, attractive for direct funding of projects and strategic development initiative.

Mr. Nwagbo said in addition to the Ogbunike Cave project, the company was equally ready to finance an airport project, modern transport Scheme and has one-point-five billion dollars to invest on interstate rail system.

Earlier, the Chairman, Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency and traditional ruler of Umuoji, Igwe Cyril Enweze, said the project would include Nature and games reserve, Water Park, hotels, Museums, retail and dining facilities, amphi-theatre, cultural centre, lake and river sports, among other recreation activities.

Igwe Enweze explained that the project has great benefits for the state, including mass direct and indirect employment opportunities, as well as transfer of skills and technology.

http://anambrariansnews.com.ng/?p=6285

Breaking News: Obiano signs $61m Investments for Poultry production, targets 250 jobs

www.odogwublog.com reports that Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra
State just now attracted $61m investments into commercial poultry farming in the state. He signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Lynden Integrated Farms Limited.
Performing the ceremony at Governor’s Lodge,Amawbia, Tuesday, for the establishment of a modern poultry production and processing farm in the state, Governor Obiano emphasized that Agriculture remains the number one pillar in his economic agenda.
According to him, the proposed ultra-modern poultry farm which will be located on seven hectares of land in Igbariam will generate 250 jobs during construction and 200 permanent jobs as well as 2000 indirect jobs subsequently.
Governor Obiano further observed that, “at the moment all the day-old chicks sold in the South East are brought in from Oyo state. We want to change that. We want all the day-old chicks sold in this area to come from Anambra State.”
He further explained that his plan is to approach agriculture in two areas – create a favourable and sustainable environment for commercial agriculture to thrive and to roll out programmes that will upgrade the class of machete and hoes wielding farmers to adapt to the use of new implements and improved seedlings.
“We have mapped out specific areas where cassava, rice and maize will best and established cooperatives in those specific areas. We plan to play to our full strength in agriculture,” the governor assured.
Earlier in his introductory remarks, the Chairman of Lynden Integrated Farms Limited, Mr. Clem Nwogbo had explained that his company plans to develop a two-phased modern integrated poultry production and processing farm with day-old chicks and then subsequently upgrade its facilities in order to provide high quality meat, eggs from layers and fresh and frozen poultry meat from broilers.
“The first phase of this facility will comprise the setting up of 200,000 broiler houses with 8 pens, 93,000 layer house with 3 pens, 33,000 pullets house with 1 pen, 2000 birds per house slaughter house and a feed mill. We plan to double the production capacity of this farm by extending the broiler and layer houses to accommodate 400,000 broilers, 186,000 layers and 66,000 pullets after 3 years of full operation of the first phase,” Mr. Nwogbo further explained.
According to him, Lynden Integrated Farms Limited has the capacity to position Anambra state as the center of excellence in poultry farming in the South East and South South.
Thanking Governor Obiano for creating the enabling environment that has encouraged investors to flock to Anambra State, Mr. Nwogbo explained that Lynden was committed to commissioning the facility 15 months after the turning of sod on the proposed site.
Mr. Nwogbo further revealed that the company plans to implement a robust CSR programme which will encourage the adoption of the best practices in poultry farming to small scale farmers, support educational initiatives in the host community and supply day-old chicks to farmers under and out-grower scheme.
Earlier, the Chairman, Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency, and Traditional Ruler of Umuoji, Igwe Cyril Enwezor explained that the equity ratio of the company is 90% for the investing Company, 6% for the state government and 4% for the host community.

Gov Chime commissions revitalized Enugu Sunrise Flour Mills
10th May 2015

The Enugu State Government-owned Sunrise Flour Mills which stopped production since 20 years ago, was commissioned by Governor Sullivan Chime on Saturday after it was revitalized through a partnership with a Vietnamese company.

The industry, which last functioned during Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo administration, had remained moribund for the past 20 years as successive administrations failed to revitalize it.

But the Sullivan Chime administration, determined to get the industry back on stream, signed an agreement with a Vietnamese company, DAO-VTV International Trading Services and Investment Ltd in 2013 to take over the moribund Flour Mill for a period of 30 years.

Speaking shortly after re-opening the industry, Chime, represented by the State’s Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mr. Jude Akubuilo described the re-opening of the Mills as a milestone in one of his administration’s many policies aimed at giving the State’s economy a new direction.
Sunrise Flour

Chief Executive Officer, DAO-VTV International Trading Services and Investment Ltd, Phoenix Huynh speaking during the commissioning of Sunrise Flour Mills, Emene, Enugu on Saturday

Akubuilo, who embarked on a comprehensive tour of the facility said, what we are seeing today is the under-celebrated aspect of the Sullivan Chime’s administration, the total re-engineering of the economic sector, that’s what you are seeing today, the re-opening of this moribund, sleeping sunrise flour mill, it has been sleeping for several years but today it is very very much awake; this is possible because of the determination, the doggedness of the governor”.

He further stated that “Chime has transformed Enugu State from a sleeping civil service economy to a wonderful economic powerhouse; it is becoming the economic hub of the South-East.

“Some of you may know that President Jonathan has now formerly approved the Enugu free trade zone; his excellency will not let him be, begged him, cajoled him until this formal approval was made, and today we hear that the flag off of the ground-breaking ceremony of this all important trade zone will take place on May 21, 2015”.

“So, you can see the economic turn-around of the state, the re-opening of the ANAMCO, which today is now assembling trucks and we are believing that others will soon follow; the construction of park and shop going on beside the Enugu State House of Assembly, many industries are clamouring to come into Enugu State, courtesy of what Chime had done to re-engineer the economy of the State”.

The commissioner lauded the Vietnamese company, DAO-VTV International Trading Services and Investment Ltd, for the quality reconstruction work at the industry.

He expressed hope that “as the CEO said, we know that this will capture the market share in terms of flour, noodles and other products, not only in the Eastern NIgeria, but across the country and beyond; we want you to continue the good work you are doing, you have the assurance of the Governor that in and out of government, he will continue to support and of course you know that this company will feature prominently in his hand-over note so that the incoming administration will continue this good work.”

Earlier, the CEO of DAO-VTV International Trading Services and Investment Ltd, Phoenix Huynh, while commending the Enugu State Government for its support, pledged the determination of the company to meet the expectations of the people.

According to the CEO, the sleeping industry had been reawaken and now ready to commence full scale production.

She said, “We thank the Governor because he helped us a lot; we shall try to make our products of very high quality for the customers in Enugu and beyond”, adding that “in the future, we shall go beyond flour and do noodles, cashew, others and we look forward for many investors”.

“In our plans for expansion, we have need for employment here- people with very high technological experience. I think this is a very first good step to make the place much more developed in the future”.

She assured that the partnership between the company and Enugu State Government would be rewarding not only to the state but the country at large.

http://theadvocatengr.com/new/chime-commissions-revitalized-enugu-sunrise-flour-mills/

RareDiamonds:
Gov Chime commissions revitalized Enugu Sunrise Flour Mills
10th May 2015

The Enugu State Government-owned Sunrise Flour Mills which stopped production since 20 years ago, was commissioned by Governor Sullivan Chime on Saturday after it was revitalized through a partnership with a Vietnamese company.

The industry, which last functioned during Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo administration, had remained moribund for the past 20 years as successive administrations failed to revitalize it.

But the Sullivan Chime administration, determined to get the industry back on stream, signed an agreement with a Vietnamese company, DAO-VTV International Trading Services and Investment Ltd in 2013 to take over the moribund Flour Mill for a period of 30 years.

Speaking shortly after re-opening the industry, Chime, represented by the State’s Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mr. Jude Akubuilo described the re-opening of the Mills as a milestone in one of his administration’s many policies aimed at giving the State’s economy a new direction.
Sunrise Flour

Chief Executive Officer, DAO-VTV International Trading Services and Investment Ltd, Phoenix Huynh speaking during the commissioning of Sunrise Flour Mills, Emene, Enugu on Saturday

Akubuilo, who embarked on a comprehensive tour of the facility said, what we are seeing today is the under-celebrated aspect of the Sullivan Chime’s administration, the total re-engineering of the economic sector, that’s what you are seeing today, the re-opening of this moribund, sleeping sunrise flour mill, it has been sleeping for several years but today it is very very much awake; this is possible because of the determination, the doggedness of the governor”.

He further stated that “Chime has transformed Enugu State from a sleeping civil service economy to a wonderful economic powerhouse; it is becoming the economic hub of the South-East.

“Some of you may know that President Jonathan has now formerly approved the Enugu free trade zone; his excellency will not let him be, begged him, cajoled him until this formal approval was made, and today we hear that the flag off of the ground-breaking ceremony of this all important trade zone will take place on May 21, 2015”.

“So, you can see the economic turn-around of the state, the re-opening of the ANAMCO, which today is now assembling trucks and we are believing that others will soon follow; the construction of park and shop going on beside the Enugu State House of Assembly, many industries are clamouring to come into Enugu State, courtesy of what Chime had done to re-engineer the economy of the State”.

The commissioner lauded the Vietnamese company, DAO-VTV International Trading Services and Investment Ltd, for the quality reconstruction work at the industry.

He expressed hope that “as the CEO said, we know that this will capture the market share in terms of flour, noodles and other products, not only in the Eastern NIgeria, but across the country and beyond; we want you to continue the good work you are doing, you have the assurance of the Governor that in and out of government, he will continue to support and of course you know that this company will feature prominently in his hand-over note so that the incoming administration will continue this good work.”

Earlier, the CEO of DAO-VTV International Trading Services and Investment Ltd, Phoenix Huynh, while commending the Enugu State Government for its support, pledged the determination of the company to meet the expectations of the people.

According to the CEO, the sleeping industry had been reawaken and now ready to commence full scale production.

She said, “We thank the Governor because he helped us a lot; we shall try to make our products of very high quality for the customers in Enugu and beyond”, adding that “in the future, we shall go beyond flour and do noodles, cashew, others and we look forward for many investors”.

“In our plans for expansion, we have need for employment here- people with very high technological experience. I think this is a very first good step to make the place much more developed in the future”.

She assured that the partnership between the company and Enugu State Government would be rewarding not only to the state but the country at large.

http://theadvocatengr.com/new/chime-commissions-revitalized-enugu-sunrise-flour-mills/

@ Op
This is a great news,because I know that sunrise-flour was one of the industries in south east that need to be brought back to live. For example AVOP,Enugu Steel,the poultry in Imo and many others.
Also about the news on the free trade zone in Enugu. We have being expecting this for a long time now. God bless you Rare Diamond

Thanks for your encouragement. I will keep you guys updated on happenings in Ala Igbo.

4dankey:


@ Op
This is a great news,because I know that sunrise-flour was one of the industries in south east that need to be brought back to live. For example AVOP,Enugu Steel,the poultry in Imo and many others.
Also about the news on the free trade zone in Enugu. We have being expecting this for a long time now. God bless you Rare Diamond

SON Unveils Metrology Institute to Boost Quality Assurance Procedures

By Roseline Okere on May 14, 2015

Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) in a bid to further encourage fairness in business transactions while promoting quality assurance in the real sector, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has inaugurated the nation’s first Metrology Institute IN Enugu.

With the move, the agency is optimistic of addressing the deficit in infrastructure under its national quality infrastructure agenda for positioning Nigeria’s locally manufactured products for global competitiveness.

Besides, the Chairman, SON council, Abubakar Mustapha has advocated a consideration for the review of SON Act by the National Assembly in order to be able to execute its mandate.

Speaking at the commissioning of the Institute in Enugu, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga explained that a thriving metrology system is essential for a country to have a robust manufacturing process. According to him, Nigeria’s diversification agenda would be realised when enablers and value chain drivers are empowered to achieve their mandates.

“SON has embarked on an ambitious project that would serve as an enabler for diversification. Diversification cannot be achieved without the National Quality Infrastructure.

The metrology Institute would further aid the country’s compliance with conformity assessment rules “. The institute according to SON will undertake activities such as developing, maintaining and disseminating national measurement standards appropriate to national needs, and also develop and transfer to users’ new measurement technology.

Indeed, the national measurement standards of a country provide the basis for its other conformity assessment activities like calibration services, trade metrology services, and conformance testing with respect to technical regulations, testing, and accreditation amongst others in both the regulatory and voluntary sectors. Director-General, SON, Dr. Joseph Odumodu noted that the country does not have any if such infrastructure at the moment and it exists, it is probably not accredited.

“Consumers have over the years been short-changed by many service providers. This Institute hopes to aid fairness in transactions. Consumers have to trust the amount of petrol delivered by a pump amongst others, so metrology is an important aspect of life.

“There has been a deficit of SON facilities and this informed the move to further safeguard consumers by ensuring that infrastructures are developed to facilitate this effort”, he added.

A core concept in metrology is metrological traceability which is most often obtained by calibration, establishing the relation between the indication of a measuring instrument and the value of a measurement standard. These standards are usually coordinated by national metrological institutes.

United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) representative, Dr. Chuma Ezedinma noted that metrology is a key component of the Quality Infrastructure and should be developed in Nigeria to ensure accuracy and traceability of measurements in the country while facilitating global competitiveness of Nigerian products and services.

He added that UNIDO has continued to support Nigeria’s industrial growth and would not relent in assisting with the quality infrastructure projects.

Enugu State Governor, Sullivan Chime commended the SON’s efforts in the state adding that the state would continue to provide an enabling environment for its effective operations.

http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/2015/05/son-unveils-metrology-institute-to-boost-quality-assurance-procedures/

‘Operation Oil Palm’ in Imo State

February 6, 2015

The plan to diversify the Imo State economy has a life of its own. Palm trees are springing up in the state. Residents greet one another with a question: have you planted a palm? It is the state’s plan to diversify its economy and create jobs for the teeming unemployed youths. It is the Operation Oil Palm.

The programme, known as ‘Ikuona Nku?’, meaning, Have you planted a palm?, according to Governor Rochas Okorocha, was conceived to re-awaken the interest of the people in the cultivation of palm, which was once the mainstay of the state economy.

The government has also revived other abandoned agro-based industries, especially the Ada Palm, the ailing oil palm plantation in the state.

Before now the Ada Palm Plantation, with a sprawling 4310 hectares of full grown palm and arguably one of the largest in Africa, contributed over 60% of the total income of the state.

The plantation established by the then Premier of the Eastern Region, Dr. Michael Opara, was however abandoned as a result of the oil boom.

However following the depleting oil fortune, the Rochas Okorocha led administration launched a new plan to ensure that every family in the state owns a palm plantation.

The idea according to the Governor was to alleviate poverty in the state, especially in the rural communities.

To ensure a smooth take off of the programme, the state government disbursed a takeoff grant of N3300, 000.00 to each traditional ruler in the 637 autonomous communities in the state.

The fund was to be utilised in the cultivation of the new palm seedlings provided by government and the establishment of local oil mills for the milling of the palm fruits.

The Governor while addressing a meeting of the traditional rulers, conveyed to brainstorm on the possible ways of returning to agriculture, said that Imo State before now was the largest producer of palm oil but regretted that palm cultivation was abandoned over the years.

Highlighting the benefits of palm oil cultivation, the Imo Governor, hinted that with the decline in the price of oil and the need to diversify the economy of the state, it has become imperative that the people return to their former ways of making a living.

He disclosed that the state government will continue to provide necessary incentives and grants to encourage the people to cultivate oil palm, adding that in the next ten years if the programme is sustained, the state will be a leading producer of palm oil and other produce that can be harnessed from oil palm.

He urged the monarchs to engage in and encourage communal oil palm cultivation to create wealth and employment for the people.

He said, “Our greeting at all times in Imo State now is ‘ikuona nku?’ This is to drive home the importance of palm oil cultivation, which will truly transform the economy of the state faster than oil. Imo State used to be the greatest producer of palm oil but we lost this position because our people ran after oil”.

Today more farmers in the state are keying into the programme and massively planting oil palm trees in previously fallow lands.

Chief Sylvanus Uguru, described the development as a right step in the right direction, adding that, “this is healthy for the state. I think it is a proactive measure against the falling oil price, the state will benefit immensely if the programme is sustained.

http://www.marineandpetroleum.com/content/enugu-gov-laments-absence-ftz-s%E2%80%99east

IGBO AMAKA we are too versatile

When ever i realise iam not an igbo iam always happy, because i can imagen the psychological problem encompasess this tribe. Ibo this, ibo that, i hope this is not inferiority complex

I don't expect a crazy bigot like you to make sensible comments. Illiterate Almajeri like you.

disumusa:
When ever i realise iam not an igbo iam always happy, because i can imagen the psychological problem encompasess this tribe. Ibo this, ibo that, i hope this is not inferiority complex

IMO STATE WELCOMES FIRST EVER PRIVATE UNIVERSITY

History was made Wednesday, April 29,2015,as the government of the federal republic of Nigeria approved the first ever privately owned citadel of learning in IMO state, south Eastern part of the country. The federal executive council had during its council meeting approved two more universities in the country, they are ,Edwin Clark University, Delta state ,and Hezekiah University Umudi, Nkwerre, IMO state. The federal government said that some of the reasons the varsities were approved were to help solve some of the problems of lack of enough universities in the country, promote academic excellence and core values of honesty, hardwork and morality in the society. It also asserted that the institutions were given the licenses to operate having met the requirements of the law inline with the guidelines of National University Commission, NUC.
Since the news of the approval of the HEZEKIAH UNIVERSITY broke into IMO state, many citizens of the state have been expressing appreciation and thanksgiving, firstly to God almighty and to president Goodluck Jonathan. To the people of the state, it was a dream come true. It has long been expected. In short, it is long overdue.
Education is the first industry in IMO state. An average IMO person places education high and above every other thing. To an IMO man, education is a heritage, or better still ,call it their culture. An IMO man can sell his land or any other property to make sure that his children go to school. The rate by which education is regarded and hold in high esteem in the state is second to non in the whole of the country. So that is why the approval of the Hezekiah university becomes the most exciting news for the people of the state as at moment.
Every year, children of the state travel far and near in their quests to access higher education, yet many are still not favoured. Despite the existence of the IMO state university, Owerri, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, IMO state polytechnic, Umuagwo, school of Nursing Science, Amaigbo, School of Health Science, Nwangele, International Institute of Journalism, Owerri, National Open University, Owerri ,and very many others in the state, the need for more higher institutions in the state become more urgent than ever.
Over the time, most citizens of the state have beckoned on IMO billionaires to see reasons to establish private universities in the state in order to cushion the effect of lack of universities in the state. Because of lack of more universities in IMO state, youths of the state who are always desirous to attend higher institutions are meant to lavish more years at home before they might finally be considered by any other institution in the future. This university will for ever be appreciated by most reasonable people of the state. Hezekiah university has become a signpost which is about linking IMO to the national grid. It is the solution to the problem of lack of adequate universities in the state. It is the platform that is about adding more values to the youths of this generation and more generations to come.
This is a university that is about reshaping destinies, channeling youths to the ways of hardwork and knowing God the more.with the approval of this history making institution in the state, our local economy is about experiencing great increase and improvement. More financial institutions, small and large scale enterprises, buildings, companies, and other development are about to spring up in the state. These will go in no small measure in helping to reduce the myriad problems of unemployment bedeviling the state. The approval of the Hezekiah university will also fight crimes in the state, as more minds,especially the young ones will be gainfully engaged. Remember that opportunities like this fight social maladies in every given environment.
The HEZEKIAH university is a private university owned by the missionary. It is owned by our father and Daddy in the Lord. Rev.prof Daddy Obiajunwa Onukogu Hezekiah.He is the founder and leader of the Living Christ Mission incorporated. The Commission was founded in 1983 by the order and inspiration of God Almighty. He is the son of God sent to the world to destroy the powers of darkness and lead many to heaven. The church is one of the most populated missions in Africa. He is divinely gifted with the powers to heal diseases, raise the dead back to life, teach salvation, promote morality in the world, among others. He is one of the finest teachers of the gospel in the world. When you listen to Daddy Hezekiah teaching the bible, you must repent immediately. The man of God is not moved by the things of the world, as he is highly committed to his missionary work. He is not controversial, as he only speaks when God has directed him to speak. Daddy Hezekiah is very blunt. There is no room for condoning evil, being economical with the truth simply because one who is involved is wealthy or what. As long as it pleases Jesus Christ, His grace speaks without minding whose ox is gored. That is a true man of God and that is Daddy Hezekiah for you. He hails from Umugara Nkwerre in Nkwerre LGA of IMO state.
I wish that other people will emulate this great son of God and build more universities, companies, industries in IMO state so that together we will build a greater and more viable state.
Okeoma, an Owerri based Journalist writes from Owerri.

http://nigerianewspoint.com/?p=4803

Aba Mega Mall ‘ll Boost Economic Growth, says Customs at London Roadshow
24/03/2015 | Filed under: Business,News | Posted by: Editor

The establishment of a mega mall in Aba, Abia state Nigeria, would help prevent congestion at the main ports, guarantee faster turnover for economic operators and reduce cost of doing business, the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has declared.
Speaking at a roadshow organised by Greenfield Assets(Nigeria) Limited in London Monday, the comptroller-general of NCS, Mr. Abdullahi Dikko, stated that the citing of a mega mall in Aba, would further accelerate economic growth and create job opportunities in Abia state.
Dikko, who was represented by the deputy-comptroller of Customs, Mr. Wale Adeniyi, said though such facilities currently exist in Lagos, Kaduna, Kano and other locations proposed by the Nigerian Shippers Council as Inland Container Depots (ICD), however the Aba mega mall occupies a strategic area of Customs operation.
He said because the mall was situated close to existing Customs port operations in Onne, Port Harcourt, Calabar as well as the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu state, its operations would be highly productive and supported because of the proximity it naturally has with those neighbouring communities.
“When I first learnt about the magnitude of this project, the first thing that came to my mind is the opportunity it presents for improved compliance among our stakeholders. For any Customs administration in the world, voluntary compliance helps to enhance efficient and transparent service to stakeholders,” Dikko said.
The general manager of Greenfield Assets Limited, Mr. Paul Obanua said the roadshow was designed to attract both international and local patronage of the mall.
He said the first phase of the mall would be commissioned after the general elections.
He explained that his organisation was committed and inspired by the mission to renew urban cities, regenerate communities, empower lives and create more than 30,000 jobs in the state.
“We strive to make a difference and create value for our investors, clients and the community. We have been a key player in the Nigerian economy in the past 10 years and have monitored the unfolding opportunities of the frontier growth markets,” Obanua said.
He said because they identified that infrastructure development will increase economic growth, they have been encouraged to pioneer the leapfrogging of Africa’s historical open market retail system to smart mall infrastructure.
Expatiating on the features associated with the mall, Obanua said it will provide online shopping in addition to the physical shopping experience among other solutions.
“Nigeria have embraced this development with vigour as could be attested by the number of top class shopping malls coming up in the country. These numbers are totally inadequate for a population of over 170 million people and leaving a large expanse of the country that is under served.
“Lagos with a population of over 20 million has just four standard malls compared to 23 malls in Nairobi, Kenya, with a population of 3 million. It is projected that an inflow of over $200 billion is needed over the next 10 years for Nigeria’s retail infrastructure to catch up with other African countries like Kenya and South Africa.
Obanua said that Aba has a long history as a major centre of commerce and industry in the country adding that the city’s influence extends to neighbouring countries such as Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Garbon, Central African Republic and Ghana.
The mall which is expected to offer bonded terminal and 30,000 square meter automated warehouse, will receive concessions from the Nigerian Customs Service, but subjected to its rules and laws.
Adeniyi said that as a logistics model, the concept of inland Ports is not new in Nigeria, whether they operate as dry port, off dock bonded terminals or inland containment terminals, the objectives he said are the same.

He said imports destined for the Aba mall bonded terminal can land in any of these ports, and enjoy fast clearance concessions, adding that the goods will be escorted to the terminal where they will be subjected to normal Customs formalities that may be necessary.

http://news-eye.info/aba-mega-mall-ll-boost-economic-growth-says-customs-at-london-roadshow/

SMEDAN PARTNERS WITH ACROIDEATION INTERNATIONAL LIMITED FOR DEVELOPMENT OF ABIA INDUSTRIAL PARK

The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Acroideation International Limited (ACRO) towards the actualisation of the Abia International Industrial City (ABIIC) project for Micro, Small and medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the promotion of appropriate business capacity enhancement activities. One of the cardinal objectives of this collaboration according to the Director General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria SMEDAN Alhaji Bature Umar Masari was to provide a conducive durable and enabling environment for Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as well as assisting them enhance and harness their creative potential in manufacturing, branding and marketing of their products both locally and internationally.



SMEDAN he said would also assist ACRO in disseminating information about the Aba international Industrial City, ‘we would also facilitate the participation from Micro Small and medium Entrepreneurs MSMEs and or off takers nationwide under its umbrella.

Alhaji Masari also revealed that SMEDAN would also be responsible for entrepreneurship training, provision of business counselling, mentoring follow up, facilitation of bankable plans, advocacy and advisory services, as well as technical assistance for the development and management of ABIIC project and participating MSMEs.

Alh. Masari commended the initiative of the company for their interest in the promotion of MSMEs business environment. The Director General said the workability of the project would in no small measure contribute to the development of MSMEs which is the major focus of SMEDAN as an Agency.

The Director General added that projects like this is expected to be replicated across the country as the Agency is also concerned on effective development of clusters to boost MSMEs for wealth generation and sustainable development.





Earlier the President of Acroideation International Limited, Prince Uzoma Ohaja who led the delegation to the signing ceremony noted that ACRO is the promoter and developer of an Industrial park which is located at Osisioma Ngwa in Abia state, the park he said is to be known and called Aba International Industrial City.

He said the project shall comprise 68,000 industrial shops, 200 warehouses, shopping Malls, Hotels, 200 Housing units of residential estate and other requisite facilities plus state of the art infrastructures.

Prince Ohaja noted that the need to collaborate with SMEDAN on this very important project cannot be over emphasised adding as the major agency promoting the development of MSMEs in Nigeria his outfit believes that with this collaboration jobs and wealth would be created not only in Abia state but the country as a whole.

http://www.smedan.gov.ng/index.php/latest-news/146-smedan-partners-with-acroideation-international-limited-for-development-of-abia-industrial-park