Still a load of bullshi.t For 16 years and billions of allocations and people are still celebrating quack achievement. Meanwhile Orji Kalu is among the billionaires in the zoo, and people are yet to do serious probe

NERC, BPE, Validate Rights of Geometric over Aba Disco
July 21, 2015 | Filed under: Exclusive,main story | Author: Editor
6

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) have both validated the rights of `Geometric Power Aba Limited, to generate, transmit and distribute power to and within the Aba and Ariaria districts in Abia State.

This is coming amidst an unrelenting ploy by another firm, Interstate Electrics, to ensure that Geometric is shut out of the area in which it has already invested over $500 million (five hundred million dollars) in building a 200 megawatts power plant.

Interstate, which acquired the Enugu Distribution Company in the last privatisation exercise has consistently ignored existing agreements between the Federal Government and Geometric, vesting on the latter, the rights to generate and distribute power in Aba unhindered.

In a letter reference number NERC/01/CH/SEC/13/305 and signed by chairman Sam Amadi, NERC said, “it is important to reiterate for the benefit of doubt, the existence of a legally valid and binding lease agreement dated April 28, 2005 between the Federal Government of Nigeria, Geometric Power Aba Limited, Aba Power Ltd and PHCN.

“While the encumberance on the property purchased by EEDC is unrelated to the issue of ownership of EEDC, Interstate Electrics as the new owner is legally bound to respect the lease agreement which it is inheriting along with the purchase of EEDC.”

Geometric-power-plant

In a similar statement, BPE which is charged with conducting the privatisation programme, also acknowledged that “Aba Power Limited (owned by Geometric) has a subsisting contract to generate, transmit and distribute power in the Aba and Ariaria districts of Enugu Disco for 20 years. We are not aware that Interstate has denied the existence of the lease agreement.”

The recent crisis began when Geometric which is expected to turn on the lights at its Aba plant, successfully negotiated a N15bn investment deal to help mitigate the debt that has piled up as a result of delays in streaming the plant.

Interstate surprisingly put out a public notice seeking to scare away investors from Geometric by asserting its rights over Aba in total disregard of the existing contracts and the recent ruling of aHigh Court which also validated Geometric’s lease agreement with the Federal Government.

In a statement yesterday, and published in today’s BusinessDay, Geometric denounced the ploys by Interstate to continue to deny the people of Aba improved power supply by frustrating the take off of the Geometric plant.

The company restated that the two rights it secured from the Federal Government in 2005, long before the privatisation of the Enugu Disco was contemplated, gives it a 20 year lease over the assets, as well as vesting on it the first right of purchase of the assets, should the Federal Government decide to sell.

In attempts to resolve the long standing dispute between Geometric and Interstate, the Federal Government and its agencies set up eight committees at different times to study the matter and at the end of each of the work by the committees, Geometric’s rights were validated, but on each occasion, Interstate has ignored the recommendations of the committees.

Former Vice President Namadi Sambo was fingered as using his office to perpetrate Interstate’s push to deny Geometric the chance to put on the lights in Aba and bring and end to the darkness in the region.

A senior presidency official told BusinessDay last night that the Buhari administration was closely following the ugly developments in Aba and that it “will clean up the mess in a short time because the good people of Aba deserve better. We sense a form of economic sabotage in this. If a company with a legal contract is able to provide power to a people held down by darkness, why should any one attempt to stop it?” asked the official, speaking in Abuja on condition that he is not named.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan received calls from well meaning Nigerians to ensure that he resolved the Geometric/Aba Power issue with Interstate Electric before leaving office on May 29, 2015.

It will be recalled that the week preceding the presidential election, Jonathan visited the Aba Power plant and marveled at the huge investment made by Geometric Power. He said the problem was “man-made” and promised to resolve all the pending issues that have prevented Geometric Power/Aba Power Limited from turning on their plant that would have enabled the myriad of businesses and residents of Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State, enjoy constant power supply.

Jonathan admitted that “the Aba Power Project was well planned and would change the face of Aba in terms of power supply, especially as the city is highly industralised, with so many small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that need stable power supply to grow better, and create more jobs for our people”.

A number of Igbo groups had called on President Muhammad Buhari to promptly bring an end to the ploy by Interstate Electrics, owners of the Enugu Disco to shut down the Geometric power located in Aba

http://businessdayonline.com/2015/07/nerc-bpe-validate-rights-of-geometric-over-aba-disco/#.Va6YyVOTM1J

NAHCO commences cargo operations at Enugu Airport
July 21, 2015 | Filed under: Markets | Author: Sade Williams
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Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (Nahco aviance) has commenced full cargo operations at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.

Chinwe Chiji-Nnorom, chief financial officer of the company, who spoke for Norbert Bielderman, CEO, who is on vacation, said the opening of the two warehouses, one within the airport, and the other a few metres from the airport, would further enhance the development of the air cargo business in the South East, and the country as a whole.

Bielderman had only few weeks ago inspected the warehouses where he directed that it must start full operations before he embarked on his vacation.

He also used the visit to meet with the Customs hierarchy at the Enugu Area Command where the modalities for effective cargo operations were agreed upon.

But speaking in Lagos, Chiji-Nnorom said the opening of the Enugu warehouses was a major milestone for the company in its determination to ensure that the economy of Nigeria was further developed through the development of other airports in the country outside of Lagos Airport.

The same excellent services Nahco aviance is known for in Lagos would be available for all users of the company’s services at the Enugu Airport, she assured.

“Nahco aviance would not rest on its oars in its continued efforts at providing excellent services to its clients whether in Lagos, which is our West Africa hub, Port Harcourt, Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, Owerri or Enugu,” she said.

Nahco aviance is a Nigerian diversified enterprise with interests in aviation cargo, aircraft handling, passenger facilitation, crew transportation and aviation training. The company currently serves more than 35 airlines at seven airports across Nigeria, with plans to expand operations to other African countries. It handles about 70 percent of domestic and foreign airlines operating in Nigeria.

It was incorporated on December 6, 1979, as an aviation servicing company but started operations in April 1979, with the commissioning of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

http://businessdayonline.com/2015/07/nahco-commences-cargo-operations-at-enugu-airport/#.Va6D9vmHy9Y

Orient Petroleum to Hit 3000bpd Mark in September, Plans Gas Plant

Posted by: The Citizen in Business August 3, 2015

Orient Petroleum to hit 3000bpd mark in September, plans gas plant Posted by: The Citizen in Business August 3, 2015 0 tweet inShare Oriental Petroleum Orient Petroleum Resources Plc has concluded plansto increase the production of crude oil in its wells to 3000 barrels per day in September this year. The company has also hatched a plan with an indigenous company known as Nails & Stanley Ltd to establish a gas plant in Umueje in Ayamelum Local Government Area of the state. Offering insight into the development during a recent meeting between the Board of Directors of the company and the governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano in the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia, the Managing Director of the company, Engr. SunnyOkoye revealed that Orient had revved up activities in two new oil wells in its Aguleri oilfields that would shore up the company’s production capacity to 3000bpd before September this year. According to him, Orient is not only working assiduously on boosting the production capacity of its oil wells, the company is also developing the vast gas resources in the state. “We are dealing with gas development on two fronts. The first one is the gas production we have right now, side by side with oil. We are looking at how to transform it to an income earning resource,” Engr. Okoye explained. The oil chieftain also revealed that it was the drive to turn its gas resources into an income earner that informed the partnership it recently struck with Nails & Stanley in order to produce Compressed Natural Gas (CPG) that is used for industrial power as well as powering automobiles and a sundry other activities. Said he; “We are engaging Nails & Stanley for that.They are on track to install their compressor cans very soon and as soon as we are ready to flag their operations off in the state. We are going to develop the ANU Gas Field. We have a well which we are going to use to produce sufficient gas for increased power production in Anambra State. That’s the second plank of our gas development plan.” Engr. Okoye also revealed that Nails & Stanley is a wholly owned indigenous company operated by some illustrious Anambra indigenes who are eager to lend a weighty hand to on-going efforts to build a prosperous Anambra State.

http://thecitizenng.com/business/orient-petroleum-to-hit-3000bpd-mark-in-september-plans-gas-plant/

Anambra lobbies for inclusion among oil producing states

May 18, 2015

• Attracts $2.5b investments

The Anambra State government is courting the Federal Government to include it in the league of oil and gas producing states to benefit from the 13 per cent derivation funds that accrue to the oil producing states in the country.

Governor Willie Obiano told The Nation in Houston, Texas, that he had gone to present the proposal for inclusion of the state in the oil producing states to President Goodluck Jonathan but the president stated until the state begins export of oil, it would not be recognised as one.

Obiano said the oil field located in the Anambra basin produces about 2,500 barrels per day (bpd). He said production from the oil field has reached about 65,000 barrels and when it hits about 120,000 barrels, the state will make its first oil export.

He also said he is talking with some investors who will build refinery and airport in the state on build, operate and transfer (BOT) arrangement. The investors will build the refinery on agreed terms, operate it for an agreed period and transfer it to the owners.

He noted that the state owns an insignificant stake of about five per cent but he is making efforts to bring investors for the sake of industrialisation and job creation.

The refinery, according to him, will start with 25,000 bpd capacity and later ramped up to 50,000 bpd. The airport, he said, would begin as a cargo airport where the materials needed in the state would be brought and goods, especially some byproducts from the refineries can be exported before expanding it into a passenger airport.

He also asserted that there is no conflict or controversy in the ownership of the state’s oil producing asset, adding that the claim of ownership of the asset by Kogi people was politically motivated, adding that the issue has since been resolved. He noted that the oil field is 22 miles into state, therefore, the ownership contest shouldn’t arise.
He said the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR) has increased by over 100 per cent since he took over.
According to him, he inherited an IGR of N500 million but it has risen to N1.1 billion and he intends to raise it to N3.3 billion by this year’s end. “I cannot imagine myself as a renowned banker operating an IGR of N500 million in a state such as Anambra,’’ he said.

He also said since he came in as the governor a year ago, he has been able to attract investments of between $2.2 billion and $2.5 billion in some sectors of the state’s economy.

For instance, in agriculture, he mentioned the development of $250 million farm by Coscharis Farm Limited, adding that the company is also building a $150 million tomato-processing plant in the state, which is the first of its kind in Africa.The Coscharis Farm is located on 2,700 acres of land.

Obiano said he wants to make Anambra an investor destination and he is starting with security. He reiterated his resolve to wipe out kidnappers and all types of crimes and vices. The state government, he said, is committed to providing steady power supply through the establishment of embedded and captive generation to reduce the cost of production of goods and services.

He stressed his plans to make education and other vital areas of the economy that enhance standard of living accessible and affordable.

http://anambrariansnews.com.ng/?p=11120

BoA to Support Leather Workers in Aba
August 5, 2015

Ben Onyiriuka, Manager, Bank of Agriculture, Obehie branch, Aba, Abia, on Wednesday promised that the bank would increase its financial support to leather workers in Ariaria Market.

Onyiriuk, made the promise in Aba after he met with the executives of Leather Product Manufacturers Association (LEPMAS), Aba.

He said that extending such facility to them became necessary because of the viability of the industry and its importance to boosting the nation’s economy.

“As the name of our bank suggests, we are a development finance institution. Our business is to develop the people and grow the community.

“And we found that LEPMAS has a linkage in the agriculture chain and so, they need our bank’s support because of the viability of the business they are engaged in.

“So, if we must develop the people of Abia, it is imperative that we must touch their businesses and grow them as a community and that will impact positively on the national economy,’’ Onyiriuka said.

He said the products of the leather workers in Aba were “very interesting’’ and also supported the economy of the state as a job provider for over 16, 000 citizens.

He called on other financial institutions, investors and donors who want to touch the lives of Nigerians and reshape its economy to support Aba leather workers through funding and infrastructure.

Onyiriuka said the BOA’s facilities go with conditionality that were the same in all their branches.

He added that the conditions were, however, within the reach of the leather workers in Aba due to the viability of their business.

“You do not invest in a man whose business is not viable otherwise what you are doing is what is called “stomach infrastructure’’.

“We want to touch your business so that your business can change your life and have an impact on the economy,’’ Onyiriuka said.

(NAN)

http://businessdayonline.com/2015/08/boa-to-support-leather-workers-in-aba/#.VcN04PnlYsY

Dredging of the Aba River

on August 11, 2015 / in Viewpoint 2:18 pm / Comments

FROM the old, cranky bridge overlooking the Aba waterside, the crowd of bystanders stood to watch the new cinema. There used to be the old REX and EMI Cinema in this town where the senior boys of old stole out of bed and scale over the barbed wire fences of their dormitories at night to watch the escapades of the Chinese macho man, Bruce Lee, the American version of Rambo. That was the Aba of old, the paradise lost.

Today, there is no more Rex, no more Emi and no more Bruce Lee. But, there is a new fancy that has caught the attention of the Aba people this early morning and they are looking with consumed absentmindedness, oblivious of the risk of the speeding trucks behind them. The new cinema is the combusting dredger crawling in the Aba river, excavating the waters and evacuating the accumulated debris that have caused the water to meander away from its concave shores. The bystanders are looking with curiosity because a dredger in the Aba River is a novelty. There is no memory, as much as they can flashback, of a dredger in Aba or of a dredging work in Aba River. So they must be part of this drama!

The scenario, in symbolic terms, goes to signal the Aba Urban Renewal Drive, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu’s driving force under which he is reviewing the truncated dream that is Aba city. Recently, he deployed the dredger to the Aba water as part of effort to recover an endangered water line. The sedimentation of debris below the water bed is partly the cause of the Aba flood and the environmental decay. If there had been constant dredging in the past, the river would accommodate more storm water from the drainages and the entire network of drainages in the city will flow freely.

Cutting through the thick forest of Okpu Umuobo in Osisioma local council, the Aba River snakes its way through the city to Ukwa and empties into the Opopo River. In the hey days of Aba’s fame, the river provided water as raw material to the manufacturing companies which were strategically located along its banks and also accommodated sewage. Old students of the many old schools of Aba savour sweet memories of their swimming spree in the waterside. Courtyard swimming pools were not common currency in those days so Aba boys and girls got their first swimming encounter here and mastered the symphony of the ebbs and tides. Thus, the Aba waterside remains another source of nostalgia for old Aba people.

Indeed, the Aba waterside is what the lagoon is to Lagos. It defines its landscape and its topography and projects its environmental beauty. If you point at the heavy capacity ships that hang onshore waiting for the right to berth from the authorities of the ports of Apapa, Aba people would point at the wooden canoes paddled by the swamp dwellers of the waterlines. Apart from the sea breeze generated by the cascading waves of the Atlantic, there is nothing that the Lagos water offer that Aba waterside is not capable of offering Aba people. Abia can create her own beaches like Lagos. It could create a tourism delight out of the waterside.

Governor Ikpeazu is looking in this direction. In the effort to create a new city, using local content and harnessing the latent ingenuity of the Aba people, the Aba River must be a key element in the mapping of a new landscape and designing of a new environmental order. If the Aba River is well guarded, it could provide potentials for marine transport. With the process of urbanization catching up with yesterday’s rural communities like Ovom, Akpa and the communities along the Aba Opobo road, a marine transport system is all what the natives need to access the city. Same with the communities along the Osisioma stretch of land. Mini commuter boats with final embarkation point at the waterside could serve this purpose. This will ease the traffic along the Orgbor hill axis and on the Aba Owerri Road.

Governor Ikpeazu is prepared for the task at hand. The dredging of the waterside is the first step in a large and broad vision that encapsulates a marine culture that will add value to life, create a new symphony of drama of city life, re-engineer the economy and bring Aba back to its pride of place as the hub of commerce and trade. This is being driven in unison with the construction of new roads and maintenance of the old ones and the general infrastructural renewal of the city.

Before the arrival of the dredger, the desilting of drainages, gutters, storm water systems and flood channels has been going on in earnest. It has been an amazing discovery to see many drainages of more than thirty feet deep, built by the colonial administration with the original plan of the city covered up by residents over the years, some with solid structures built over them. The dream is big; the will must be strong.

This morning, the Aba people saw the tenacity of the will in the combusting dredger crawling in the water like a dancing duck. It provided a good sight, in the absence of Emi and Rex. But, much more than that, it heralded the town crier’s voice: a Daniel has come to judgment!

- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/08/dredging-of-the-aba-river/#sthash.7IB2W4vp.dpuf

NBC Begins Work on N80bn Mega Plant Project in Imo State

20 Aug 2015

Pays N33bn electricity bills between 2008 and 2013

By Amby Uneze in Owerri

Management of the Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Limited has disclosed that work would soon commence on its mega plant project at Okigwe in Imo State which is expected to cost the company N80 billion.

Also, the bottling company had paid over N33 billion electricity bills it consumed in five years period.

This was disclosed by the Head of Public Affairs Communication, Mr. Uzo Odenigbo, during an interactive session with journalists in Owerri, the state capital. According to him, work on the proposed site should have commenced earlier, stating that despite the delay, arrangement had been concluded to start work on the 30,000 hectares of land soon.

He however denied the allegation of rift between the company and the state government over the said land, following the abandonment of the land after many years it was handed over to the NBC.

Odenigbo noted that when the plant becomes operational, it would create jobs for many Nigerians and reduce youth unemployment and restiveness in the country.

The company image maker also disclosed that the management had within the period of 2008 to 2013 paid Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) now Enugu Electricity Development Commission (EEDC) the sum of N33 billion as electricity bills.

He stated that the company had always settled its electricity bills anywhere they have their operational plants to avoid distraction despite having other sources of electricity.

Answering questions from journalists during the interactive session, he explained that the NBC operates 12 bottling plants in Nigeria in addition to 50

http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/nbc-begins-work-on-n80bn-mega-plant-project-in-imo/217942/

Anambra, FG Partner On Automobile Project

By Chukwujekwu Ilozue, Awka 01 Oct 2015

Anambra State is on the verge of partnering with the Federal Government and National Automobile Council for establishment an automobile firm at Akwa-Ihedi in Nnewi South Local Government Area of the state.

The State government met with some select traditional rulers in the state at Ekwulobia, Aguata Local Government Area headquarters, where grey areas were ironed out as they pledged their cooperation for the project to go on unhindered.

At the end of the closed-door meeting, Igwe Nnabuife of Isseke stated that the meeting ended peacefully following the clarification of some perceived misconceptions that some agents of the state government were frustrating the take-off of the project.

The royal fathers, according to Nnabuife agreed on four plans with the government and investors namely: that the state government through ANSIPPA should prepare a Letter of Offer to NAC and invite it to come for negotiation preparatory to the commencement of the project on or before Monday, October 5, 2015; and that the Memorandum of Understanding would be based on same template of locating the project.

Again, he said that the meeting agreed that the project would remain at Akwa-Ihedi in addition to provision of significant jobs to youths of Anambra State including those of Akwa-ihedi.

Giving insight into the meeting, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Anambra State Investment Promotion Agency (ANSIPPA), Billy Chief Ekwunife, explained that the land earmarked for the project would be acquired by the state government and given to the Federal Government under the Anambra /ANSIPPA – Investor Structured Investment Protection ratio.

Ekwunife, who was accompanied by a representative of the Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Town Planning, disclosed that a timeframe would be given to the investors to embark on the project, failing which he said the land would be returned to the original owners (Akwa-Ihedi).

He assured the monarchs that he would briefed the governor of the State, Chief Willy Obiano on the development, stressing that more efforts would be made to speed up the process so that the project would not be transferred out of Anambra State.

In attendance at the meeting included traditional rulers as Igwe JOC Onebunne of Akwa-Ihedi (rtd), Igwe Emeka Ilounoh (Ifite-dunu), Igwe Peter Ezeamama (Enugwu Umuonyia), Igwe Emmanuel Nnabuife (Isseke), among others.

http://dailyindependentnig.com/2015/10/anambra-fg-partner-on-automobile-project/

Poultry farmers smile as Gov. Ugwuanyi commissions hatchery
0
By Our Reporter on September 30, 2015 Oriental News

From Chinedu Asadu and Chukwudera Ezeh, Enugu

For poultry farmers in Enugu State and the South-East region – their major headache – travelling far distances to get day-old chicks has been completely cured.
Before now, the farmers had relied on hatcheries in the South-West and other regions of the country for their farms.
But last week, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State and other relevant stakeholders officially commissioned the ultra-modern Animal Health Farms and Hatcheries, a privately-owned hatchery built in partnership with the state government through the Commercial Agricultural Development Project (CADP) and the World Bank.
The commissioning of the hatchery has seen poultry farmers in the region now heaving a sigh of relief.
This is as the hatchery, which is capable of producing 30,000 eggs in a week, would reduce the hardship experienced by poultry farmers in the state and the South-East geo-political zone in travelling far distances to buy day-old chicks from other regions.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony and first roll out of Day-Old Chicks (DOCs) of the hatchery, Ugwuanyi commended the establishment, describing it as a laudable gesture which would greatly enhance poultry farming in the state.
The governor, who was represented by the state Commissioner for Agriculture and Water Resources, Mike Eneh, noted that aside relieving poultry farmers in the state of the stress of going to the South-West to procure DOCs, the hatchery would also help in providing jobs for the teeming youths of the state.
His words: “This is the second hatchery in the South-East and also in South-South and from what we have seen so far, I think people from Kaduna and Kano also take their own chicks from this direction. Apart from reducing the stress witnessed while going to buy DOCs from outside the state and the risk of transporting them, another thing it did was that it reduced the cost of day-old chicks from 250 to about 180. So, we are quite delighted. We thank the World Bank and commercial agriculture project for their support in this too.
“Initially, poultry was nothing in Enugu. But thank God that today, it has grown in leaps and bounds, being the fourth in the country and second in the South-East and South-South. Last year, I recall that the net addition of the poultry industry, outside hatchery, to the economy of Enugu State is about 1.48 billion. The reason is simple; Enugu has one of the best weather conditions for poultry industry in Nigeria. So, we hope to invest more in poultry production in the near future.”
The governor also disclosed the state government’s plan to initiate policies aimed at the overall development of other areas of farming such as cashew production.
According to him, “Enugu State has one of the best cashews in the world in terms of quality. There are two important things we need to do. One is the aggregation center which we proposed to build in Obollo Afor and the second thing concerns geo-products.”
He said that he would “support any community that is willing to give us land, so that we can train these farmers, give them seedlings so that they can plough them in five hectares as an enterprise and also create jobs”.
Also speaking, the National Coordinator of CADP, Dr Babandi Amin, praised the management of the company for deeming it fit to establish the hatchery, pointing out that it would go a long way in boosting poultry farming not only in the state but also in the entire country.
Dr Amin harped on the need to sustain the venture, saying that the issue was not really on establishment but in making efforts to sustain what was already on ground.
“We should also be looking at the results we are getting. Are the results commensurate with the inputs we are making or are they below the expectations? We should also look at the demand of poultry in the state and be able to determine whether what we have on ground already is meeting these demands or not. It is when these things are considered that we will be able to say we are reaching our goals of making these poultry products available to our people accordingly,” he said.
Also speaking, the Manager, Animal Health Farms and Hatcheries, Dr Benjamin Oguejiofor, explained that part of why the hatchery was established was to compensate for the treatment meted to day-old chicks distributors, especially those from the South Eastern part of the country by already existing hatcheries that are mostly located in the South-West.
He noted that due to the fact that over 80 per cent of the hatcheries in the country are located in the South-West, people from the state while going to purchase DOCs, usually involve in great risks which he listed as threat to lives occasioned by night travels, exposure to armed robbery, road accidents, chick mortalities, among others.
According to him, the vision of setting up the hatchery was actualized with the emergence of the state Commercial Agriculture Development Project (CADP), which he said has played a great role to seeing that the hatchery was established.
“The success story of CADP intervention is why we are here today, to celebrate dream come true”, he said.
While pointing out that the hatchery has a total egg capacity for 95,040 with a multi-stage setter capable of handling 30,000 eggs every week, Dr Oguejiofor expressed hope that the hatchery would not only provide poultry farmers in the state with quality and viable day-old chicks, but would also provide over 100 jobs mostly to natives of Enugu State and others by extension.
He, therefore, called on the state government and other relevant stakeholders in the state to key into the idea of improved poultry production in the state, adding that “if we are able to improve on the little we already have now, Enugu State will soon emerge as one of the best states in terms of poultry production”.
Also commenting, the state Coordinator of CADP, Mr Robinson Nduaguba, expressed optimism that the hatchery was a sign of more good things for farmers in the state, adding that “this is a form of provocation to the youths in Enugu State to go into a project that will keep them very busy and make the state to be a food security zone.
“I know that Enugu State is already creating an enabling environment for private sector investors and the example shown by this establishment is quite challenging. We will do everything possible to make sure that this establishment doesn’t relax. Instead, it will continue to improve and by so doing meet the expectations of our people.”

http://sunnewsonline.com/new/poultry-farmers-smile-as-gov-ugwuanyi-commissions-hatchery/

RareDiamond:
Anambra, FG Partner On Automobile Project

By Chukwujekwu Ilozue, Awka 01 Oct 2015

Anambra State is on the verge of partnering with the Federal Government and National Automobile Council for establishment an automobile firm at Akwa-Ihedi in Nnewi South Local Government Area of the state.

The State government met with some select traditional rulers in the state at Ekwulobia, Aguata Local Government Area headquarters, where grey areas were ironed out as they pledged their cooperation for the project to go on unhindered.

At the end of the closed-door meeting, Igwe Nnabuife of Isseke stated that the meeting ended peacefully following the clarification of some perceived misconceptions that some agents of the state government were frustrating the take-off of the project.

The royal fathers, according to Nnabuife agreed on four plans with the government and investors namely: that the state government through ANSIPPA should prepare a Letter of Offer to NAC and invite it to come for negotiation preparatory to the commencement of the project on or before Monday, October 5, 2015; and that the Memorandum of Understanding would be based on same template of locating the project.

Again, he said that the meeting agreed that the project would remain at Akwa-Ihedi in addition to provision of significant jobs to youths of Anambra State including those of Akwa-ihedi.

Giving insight into the meeting, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Anambra State Investment Promotion Agency (ANSIPPA), Billy Chief Ekwunife, explained that the land earmarked for the project would be acquired by the state government and given to the Federal Government under the Anambra /ANSIPPA – Investor Structured Investment Protection ratio.

Ekwunife, who was accompanied by a representative of the Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Town Planning, disclosed that a timeframe would be given to the investors to embark on the project, failing which he said the land would be returned to the original owners (Akwa-Ihedi).

He assured the monarchs that he would briefed the governor of the State, Chief Willy Obiano on the development, stressing that more efforts would be made to speed up the process so that the project would not be transferred out of Anambra State.

In attendance at the meeting included traditional rulers as Igwe JOC Onebunne of Akwa-Ihedi (rtd), Igwe Emeka Ilounoh (Ifite-dunu), Igwe Peter Ezeamama (Enugwu Umuonyia), Igwe Emmanuel Nnabuife (Isseke), among others.

http://dailyindependentnig.com/2015/10/anambra-fg-partner-on-automobile-project/

When I saw Fg there, I give up!

KRISORAL Scales Up it's Onitsha ROPP and HDPE Closure Plants Capacity by 100%

06.10.2015

The management of KRISORAL and Company Limited, manufacturers of Roll-Over-Pilfer-Proof (ROPP) and High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) closures in Nigeria, says it has increased capacities of its plants from 2 billion caps per annum to 4 billion caps per annum; an increase of 100 percent.

Oranu Chris Chidume, Group Managing Director, KRISORAL Group of Companies, promoters of the firm, who revealed this at the weekend, while hosting the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnayelugo Nnaemeka Achebe, who was on tour of the facility also explained that KRISORAL and Company Limited, a member of KRISORAL Group of companies, produces ROPP caps of different dimensions, High Density Polyethylene caps which comes in carbonated or non carbonated forms; printed or plain of different colours and in the sizes of 28mm, 30mm and 41.5mm. Our other products are Drug Dispensing Cups, PVC Shrink Labels…

It is the first indigenous company in Nigeria, to have full process of ROPP cap and the only company today that has top and side embossments technology, a development he said many people are not aware of.

Chidume further explained that the capacities of the two plants as at 2012 were about 2 billion caps per annum, which has now been upgraded to about 4 billion caps per annum, stressing that a lot of expansion has occurred between 2012, the year they were commissioned and now-2015. These capacities are enough to relieve companies in Nigeria, especially Pharmaceutical and Beverage companies of the rigours and stresses of importing same closures from overseas.

The KRISORAL boss remarked that many people may not know that facility of this nature exists locally and may still be importing and complaining that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is strangling their businesses by not giving them funds to import- yet paying more for less. He then called on User Companies to utilize this opportunity to add value to their business, as what they are looking for overseas are here at their doorstep.

On quality, he said that the products are of high quality as it goes through compressed technology. “Nothing can change the quality of the products, because of the precision of the technology. The precision guarantees smoothness, dotless and consistency in dimension. It is a technology that says put your raw materials and go and sleep”.

“With this kind of the machines, it is not possible for a corrupt mind to make more money with; as they have been programmed to function so, he added.

Another beauty of what we are doing here is that our major raw material is sourced locally, from Indorama in Eleme, River State.

He then conveyed the management’s gratitude to his Royal Majesty, Agbogidi, for the wonderful father he is and for the honour of touring the facilities. Onitsha is now clean, safer and more enabling for businesses to thrive, he commended the authorities, particularly the Executive Governor of the State, Willie M. Obiano.

http://businessdayonline.com/2015/10/krisoral-scales-up-ropp-and-hdpe-closure-plants-capacity-by-100/

Lets be hopeful that things would work out well.

investnow2013:
When I saw Fg there, I give up!

investnow2013:
When I saw Fg there, I give up!

Same here. Any development in the East that requires FG approval or involvement is not gonna happen. It's difficult for me to think otherwise.

Why I Established Army Language Institute, by Ihejirika
Posted By: Ugochukwu Ugoji-Ekeon: September 11, 2015

Former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Azubike Ihejirika has shed light on why he set up the Nigerian Army Language Institute (NALI) at Ovim in Isuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State.

He said the NALI project was informed by the need for military men to learn other languages apart from English so they could communicate effectively with their counterparts from non-English-speaking countries.

Ovim was once renowned for the rail line which ran through the community, and later for the senior military officers who hailed from it.

General Ike Nwachukwu and Admiral Ndubisi Kanu hail from there, as do Col. Osondu and Ihejirika.
•Part of the language instute

•Part of the language instute

Kanu constructed a road from Isuikwuato to Uturu down to Okigwe through which he was coming home when he was the military governor of old Imo State.

Nwachukwu transferred the then Imo State University later known as Abia State University to its now permanent site at Uturu.

In 2012, Ihejirika established the Nigerian Army Language Institute at Ovim where soldiers and others could be trained in French language and other foreign languages to enable them communicate with their counterparts from non-English-speaking countries.

Gen Ihejirika from whose country home one could see clearly the language institute, said that nothing gives him joy like waking up every morning to have a view of the institute and prayed that the institute will live beyond the expectations of its founders.

In a chat with The Nation at his country home in Ovim while playing host to Col Marc Humbert the France Defence Attache to Nigeria, Gen Ihejirika said that he established the institute which is the first of its kind in Africa so that Nigerian soldiers on a peace mission will stop finding it difficult to communicate with their counterparts from other African countries.

Gen Ihejirika said that during his tenure as COAS he found out that Nigerian soldiers were not communicating fluently with their colleagues from neighbouring non-English-speaking countries.

He said that his first thought was to establish the institute so that Nigerian soldiers who are always on a peace mission will find it easy to communicate with other soldiers whenever they are on a peace mission, “Also bearing in mind that we are surrounded by French speaking African countries, there was this need for our soldiers to understand themselves whenever they are amongst their colleagues from other countries”.

The former COAS said that when the institute was established it was mainly for Nigerian soldiers to help their French-speaking neighbours during peace missions to understand themselves but now the reverse is the case as the French-speaking neighbours are now helping Nigeria in the war against insurgency.

Gen Ihejirika said, “When the institute was established it was to help our soldiers understand French language when on peace mission to other countries, now it has turn the other way round, as we need to speak and understand French as these French speaking countries are now in our country to help us fight insurgency”.

In his speech the French DA, Col. Humbert commended Gen Ihejirika for citing the institute at a serene place where students will come and study unhindered from distractions associated with urban areas, stressing that the environment will enable the students to assimilate the languages faster.

Speaking at the language institute, Humbert said that Nigeria and France are very close allies and that there is need for the Nigeria to educate its officers in French language.

Humbert who donated French books and other teaching aids to the army institute said that the close relationship between the two countries has made the embassy to donate the books to enable them face the challenges of language in future.

He described the institute as a place for the future and believed that it will grow to support the entire military force in its fight against all manner of terrorism and other forms of challenges in any part of the country.

The French DA noted that the success recorded at the institute, “Will help the Nigerian army to corporate with its French speaking neighbours in the current war against insurgency as they have formed an alliance to fight the terrorism war”.

He described Nigeria as a great country will huge potentials and backed with different communities, stressing that the beauty of the difference in culture and language is the unifying factor of the country.

Humbert said that the books are a token of their appreciation to the school and hope that it will help in training of soldiers, and also help in fostering good working relationship with other countries.

Receiving the books and other teaching materials, on behalf of the chief of army staff, the commandant of the institute, Col. Joseph Bamidele Ajanaku said that the materials will go a long way in helping the students.

Col. Ajanaku said that the school has just commenced with its first batch of 20 students who are doing the basic French course 1, stressing that the materials will help them to learn the language faster.

He said the institute started operation on August 1, adding,

“We intend to increase the languages to include, Swahili, Portuguese, German and Chinese languages as we are expanding towards these countries in bilateral relationship”.

Col Ajanaku said that with the establishment of the institute at Ovim that it has helped in no small way to fast track the development of the area, stressing that most of the senior officers who are coming to the place for the language training will spend their money around the area and also help to increase the economic activities in the area.

http://thenationonlineng.net/why-i-established-army-language-institute-by-ihejirika/

Ibeto Cement in $390 million Deal with Chinese Firm
21 Oct 2015, 06:39 pm
Chibuike Oguh

- The cement plant will have an installed capacity of 2.2 million metric tonnes.

- Sinoma Engineering has become a Chinese contractor of choice for Nigerian cement companies.

Ibeto Cement, a major cement importer, has signed a contract with a Chinese firm, Sinoma International Engineering, to build a $386 million cement plant in Enugu State.

The cement plant will have an installed capacity of 2.2 million metric tonnes of cement per year and would be completed in 30 months, according to a statement posted on the website of the Chinese firm today.

In June, the Central Bank of Nigeria announced the restriction of foreign exchange for the importation of certain goods, including cement. This measure, perhaps, forced Ibeto Cement to ramp up its local production.

In 2012, Ibeto Cement acquired majority shares in Nigeria Cement Company, a comatose cement-manufacturing firm located in Ebonyi State. But the state government shut down the plant, claiming that Ibeto Cement used the plant to acquire import licenses instead of resuscitating the plant.

With Ibeto’s new plant, Nigeria’s installed capacity is expected to rise above 40 million metric tonnes per year, far beyond the local annual consumption of over 20 million metric tonnes. Many cement plants in Nigeria operate below their installed capacities as a result of the rampant importation of cheap cement mainly from China, inadequate gas supplies to power cement plants and high haulage costs.

In September, Dangote Cement slashed its cement prices in an attempt to boost local consumption and compete with cheap imports. This move led to an industry-wide lowering of cement prices by cement companies to maintain market share. The cement industry in Nigeria is dominated by four companies: Dangote Cement, the market leader, Lafarge Africa, BUA Cement and Flour Mills of Nigeria.

Nigeria’s cement industry has benefited from the federal government’s backward integration policy, which was initiated in 2002 to encourage local production of cement. Since that time, more than $6 billion in capital projects have been launched.

With the Ibeto Cement deal, Sinoma Engineering has become a Chinese contractor of choice for most Nigerian cement companies. In August, Dangote Cement signed a $4.34 billion deal with the Chinese firm to build cement plants in 10 African countries and Nepal. In September, BUA Cement signed a $600 million deal to double the capacity of its cement plant in Obu, Edo State.

See more at: http://www.financialnigeria.com/ibeto-cement-in-390-million-deal-with-chinese-firm-news-142.html#sthash.f7eHdT71.dpu

Agriculture: Army Seeks Partnership with Ebonyi State
PEACE — October 26, 2015

The Nigerian Army recently sought to partner with the Ebonyi State Government in the area of agriculture in order to achieve collective gains.

The Chief Transformation/Innovation of the Army, Major Gen. Edward Nze, disclosed this when he led a delegation from the Army headquarters in Abuja on a courtesy visit to the Ebonyi State Governor, Chief David Umahi.

Nze said the Army had in 2012 laid a foundation for the building of the Nigerian Army Campo Ration Factory in Abakaliki with a view to partnering the state to promote agriculture in the country.

The Army chief appreciated the state government for donating some bags of Abakaliki rice to the Internally Displaced Persons in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states.

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Army Properties Limited, Brig. Gen Umaru Mohammed, said the military was ready to meet the people of the state on their farmlands.

“All over the world, the military take part in various things. Here in Nigeria, we have been hearing about Abakaliki rice and it will be our pleasure to partner you in area of processing this rice so that we don’t need to rush to any other place to buy rice. Even Dangote will not need to import rice but will just come down to Abakaliki to buy.” Mohammed said

Responding, Governor Umahi, represented by his deputy, Barrister Kelechi Igwe, commended the Army for their vision in the area of agriculture and assured them that his government would be ready to partner them.

Igwe said their idea was in line with his government’s policy in the area of agriculture.

“Abakalik rice is the best rice in the world with high nutritional value. As a state, we already have a policy trust geared towards agriculture and it will be our pleasure to partner you. If you need human resources, you will get that from us in abundance but we will always climb on your back whenever it comes to the issue of finance.”

http://agronigeria.com.ng/2015/10/26/agriculture-army-seeks-partnership-with-ebonyi/

favorite thread

N

Abia Ceramics Firm to be Revamped Soon
By Steve Oko On 03/12/2015 04:38:10 AM

The Commissioner for Industries, Abia State, Chief Henry Ikoh, has assured that the moribund Abia Ceramics Industry Umuahia, would soon be revamped.

Ikoh who gave the assurance when he visited the factory site yesterday, said the state government was intensifying efforts with the core investor - the Catholic Church - to put the once famous factory back on steam.

"Abia Ceramics must work again", Ikoh who is also an industrialist declared.

He said a meeting with the management of the factory and government had been scheduled to fine- tune modalities on the revitalization of the once highest employer of labour in the capital city.

Acting Manager of the factory, Rev. Friday Elias, said the management had engaged "serious minded and proactive Chinese who were expected to bring in new machines and equipment in two weeks to resuscitate the factory.

He said that the factory could no longer operate with its obsolete machines installed by the Germans, hence the new arrangement with the Chinese whom he expressed optimism would help revive the place.

The cleric applauded the willingness of the state government in rejuvenating the factory and expressed the readiness of the core investor to make the place work again.

In a related development Ikoh has assured traders and mechanics at the Ohiya Motor Spare Parts and Allied Workers Market of government's determination to put facilities that would boost their businesses at the Mechanic Village.

The Commissioner who stated this during a visit to the mechanic village, also assured them that government would expand the village to accommodate other auto spare part dealers still operating in different parts of the Umuahia metropolis.

He assured that as soon as more shops were erected in the market, every auto spare parts dealer still operating outside the mechanic village would be ejected and relocated to the village.

Ikoh who said the Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu - led administration was in a hurry to develop the state from all frontiers urged the traders to complement government's efforts by remaining peaceful and law- abiding.

Earlier in his remarks, Chairman of Traders Association in the market, Mr. Ugochukwu Efem, identified the continued stay of some auto spare parts dealers on the streets in the metropolis as the major challenge of traders in the new market.

He said that the development had resulted in low patronage for the few traders who had complied with government's directives for traders to relocate to the mechanic village.

Also, the Chairman of Auto Mechanics Association, Mr. Sylvester Egwu, pleaded with government to provide them with more facilities in the mechanic village.

http://authorityngr.com/2015/12/-Abia-ceramics-firm-to-be-revamped-soon/

Hongxing Steel Invest $120 Million to Build 1 Million Tons Per Annum Steel Plant in Aba, Abia State

What is the Profile of your company?

First, let me do the introduction of this company. Hongxing was incorporated in 2008 and we started production in 2009. When we started, we were a small manufacturing company with 100 staff, and with years of development, the company has made a lot of progress and today we are one of the most important players in Nigeria’s steel industry. Right now, our Nigerian staff are numbering well over 700 direct employees and indirectly, we have created jobs in the haulage and scrap industry.

Do you think local producers can meet demands in Nigeria?

Yes, like I said, in terms of quantity, the supply is more than the demand. And in terms of quality, our products are competitive than imported ones because they are certified by SON. We have the capacity meet whatever the market demands. Like I stated, earlier, we are expanding and hopefully, by April next year, we will commission our Aba plants which will be the biggest steel plants in West Africa. [/b]Our capacity is increasing but our output is decreasing because demand is not picking enough. Nigeria is an emerging market compared to what China consumers annually, it is very small. With the coming on stream of Nigeria automotive industry, demand for steel products will go because they also use a lot of steel products.

[b]How much have you invested in your project in Aba?

Right now we have invested $50 million dollars but by the time it is completed, the total cost will be well over $120 million. If you are investing this kind of money in the economy, certainly, we are here to stay and not running away from the country. The production line is designed for 1 million tonnages per annum. The plant will also produce other steel products; we are targeting exportation to other countries in Africa which will generate foreign exchange. We believe we would have exhausted the Nigeria market at the time and when the Aba plant is completed and running it will be biggest steel plant in West Africa, and with the economy of scale, we should be able to produce cheaper for West Africa, and with the economy of scale, we should be able to produce cheaper for West African countries.

Why did you go to Aba?

We went to Aba for so many reasons: the land we acquired took us less than one month to get the Certificate of Occupancy, C of O, and we are talking about space, I am not sure we can get enough of that kind of space in Lagos. The factory in Aba is sitting on over 100 hectares of land.

What opportunities did you see in Nigeria and how can governments help you stay in business?

The opportunities I see in Nigeria are the huge consumer markets-it is the most populous country on this continent and we believe in China that Africa is the next future. Second, this country is developing. Last year, Nigeria overtook South Africa as the largest economy in this continent. Government should help us to have cheap access to facilities. They have one for the agricultural sector and we need such in the manufacturing sector. There is a manufacturing sector. There is a CBN facility called Real Sector Supporting Fund, RSSF, but actually, the policy backing in makes it not accessible, so, we want government to make it easy for us to access cheaper loans for expansion.

http://www.housingnews.org.ng/demands-for-steel-will-grow-when-govt-stabilizes-md-hongxing-steel/

Ebonyi govt. to partner with Ibeto group to revitalize NIGERCEM
on: December 05, 2015

Gov. Dave Umahi of Ebonyi said the state government would negotiation with the Ibeto Group of Companies to revitalize the moribund Nigerian Cement Company (NIGERCEM), Nkalagu.
Umahi made the disclosure on Friday in Abakaliki at the inauguration of the reconstruction of the 15.5 km Umuhuali-Nkalagu-NIGERCEM road which links Ehamufu in Enugu state.
According to the governor, the chairman of state committee on cement production has been given up till Dec. 7 to conclude all negotiations with Ibeto Group.
“This will be followed by the signing of the necessary agreements which will protect the rights of the indigenes, host local government area and the state government.
“We will not accept any negotiation that will not cover the revitalization of NIGERCEM, because it will extend to the schools, hospitals and other infrastructure in the vicinity,” he said.
The governor directed the LGA caretaker chairmen in the central senatorial zone to be involved in the supervision of the road and report daily on the progress of work to him.
“You should also ensure that four engineers (three civil and one mechanical) are attached to the contractor – China Zunghaoi – to get the necessary experience and establish themselves,” he said.
The governor, who also inaugurated the multimillion naira, 23.7km Hillto/Nwofe/Agbaja road, noted that the reconstruction was to honor the speaker of the state House of Assembly for his support to the executive arm of government.
“We also want to honor Izzi people who gave us large percentage of votes during the elections despite several distractions,” he said.
He urged the people to cooperate with the contractor to ensure that the road was completed on time while meeting all stipulated standards.
The state’s Commissioner for Works, Mr Fidelis Nweze, noted that the Umuhuali-Nkalagu road received government’s attention 52 years ago, leading to establishment of NIGERCEM company.
“The road also connects Ebonyi to Enugu and the Northern parts of the country. Its deplorable condition has greatly affected business and social activities in the area,” he said.
The commissioner also noted that the Hilltop-Nwofe road had not received any government’s attention for many decades now.
“The state governor should be highly commended for reconstructing this road as I will enhance the economic and social wellbeing of the people and generally develop the state,” he said.
The governor also inaugurated the reconstruction of the 23.5km Amasairi-Okposi-Uburu road as all the roads cut across the three senatorial zones of the state.
He also inspected the rehabilitation of the Abakaliki-Afikpo federal highway failed portion being undertaken by the state government, among other roads across the state.
The foremost cement company in the country became moribund since 2005 leading to the cannibalization of its facilities. The situation also led to the death and displacement of several staff due to accumulation of owed entitlements. NAN

Abia, Spanish Firm Sign MoU for Industrial Parks
By Steve Oko On 18/11/2015 06:51:47 AM

Abia, Spanish firm sign MoU for industrial parks
As part of efforts to boost the economy of Abia State, the State Government, yesterday, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with a Spanish firm ALVE 3 Habitat Group for the development of two industrial parks in the state.
The industrial parks are to be sited at Aba, and the oil- rich Owaza in Ukwa West Local Government Area.
According to the MoU, the Spanish firm is expected to design, build and operate the parks under the Public Private Partnership ( PPP) arrangement.

The Attoney General and Commissioner for Justice, Chief Umeh Kalu; and the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Mrs Kate Nwosu signed on behalf of the state government while the Director, ALVE 3 of Spain , Mr. Francisco Revilla signed for his company.
In his remarks, Kalu said that the state remained a safe haven for investors , while assuring the firm of conducive business environment.
He expressed hope that the partnership would succeed and be beneficial to both parties.
Speaking also, Revilla, said that the abundant human and material resources in the state informed the choice of Abia for the parks.
He said the firm was determined to complement the developmental strides of the state government.

http://www.authorityngr.com/2015/11/Abia-Spanish-firm-sign-MoU-for-industrial-parks/

RareDiamond:
Hongxing Steel Invest $120 Million to Build 1 Million Tons Per Annum Steel Plant in Aba, Abia State

What is the Profile of your company?

First, let me do the introduction of this company. Hongxing was incorporated in 2008 and we started production in 2009. When we started, we were a small manufacturing company with 100 staff, and with years of development, the company has made a lot of progress and today we are one of the most important players in Nigeria’s steel industry. Right now, our Nigerian staff are numbering well over 700 direct employees and indirectly, we have created jobs in the haulage and scrap industry.

Do you think local producers can meet demands in Nigeria?

Yes, like I said, in terms of quantity, the supply is more than the demand. And in terms of quality, our products are competitive than imported ones because they are certified by SON. We have the capacity meet whatever the market demands. Like I stated, earlier, we are expanding and hopefully, by April next year, we will commission our Aba plants which will be the biggest steel plants in West Africa. [/b]Our capacity is increasing but our output is decreasing because demand is not picking enough. Nigeria is an emerging market compared to what China consumers annually, it is very small. With the coming on stream of Nigeria automotive industry, demand for steel products will go because they also use a lot of steel products.

[b]How much have you invested in your project in Aba?

Right now we have invested $50 million dollars but by the time it is completed, the total cost will be well over $120 million. If you are investing this kind of money in the economy, certainly, we are here to stay and not running away from the country. The production line is designed for 1 million tonnages per annum. The plant will also produce other steel products; we are targeting exportation to other countries in Africa which will generate foreign exchange. We believe we would have exhausted the Nigeria market at the time and when the Aba plant is completed and running it will be biggest steel plant in West Africa, and with the economy of scale, we should be able to produce cheaper for West Africa, and with the economy of scale, we should be able to produce cheaper for West African countries.

Why did you go to Aba?

We went to Aba for so many reasons: the land we acquired took us less than one month to get the Certificate of Occupancy, C of O, and we are talking about space, I am not sure we can get enough of that kind of space in Lagos. The factory in Aba is sitting on over 100 hectares of land.

What opportunities did you see in Nigeria and how can governments help you stay in business?

The opportunities I see in Nigeria are the huge consumer markets-it is the most populous country on this continent and we believe in China that Africa is the next future. Second, this country is developing. Last year, Nigeria overtook South Africa as the largest economy in this continent. Government should help us to have cheap access to facilities. They have one for the agricultural sector and we need such in the manufacturing sector. There is a manufacturing sector. There is a CBN facility called Real Sector Supporting Fund, RSSF, but actually, the policy backing in makes it not accessible, so, we want government to make it easy for us to access cheaper loans for expansion.

http://www.housingnews.org.ng/demands-for-steel-will-grow-when-govt-stabilizes-md-hongxing-steel/

did not know about this..i wonder if it is the one ouk has a hand in

Umahi kick starts N1.2BN Water Project, rural electrification
Health and Living
image

Pic: Gov Umahi with Deputy Governor, Kelechi Igwe; and Commissioner for Water Resources, Engr. Francis Orji, during the flagging off of the N1.2bn Ivo Water Project in Ishiagu, Ivo LGA, Ebonyi State on Tuesday. Photo: EBSG

The Ebonyi State Governor, Engr. David Nweze Umahi, has flagged off the construction of the Ivo Water Project estimated to cost over N1.2bn.

Speaking at the ceremony in Amagu Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area, Umahi disclosed that the project which was conceived when he was a deputy governor was a Federal Government-assisted project.

Umahi, who commended Senator Anyim Pius Anyim for his contributions towards the realization of the water project, said, “We requested for assistance from the Federal Government for this Ivo Water Project. It was supposed to be for Ishiagu alone, but we decided to expand it to reach Akaeze community and also get to our model rice mill in Oso Edda.”

He said that 70 per cent of the money needed to complete the project was ready, stressing that the counterpart funding from the Federal Government was also available with the state government.

Umahi, who used the occasion to thank the people of Ivo LGA for their support during the last governorship election, assured them of the provision of roads and electricity.

“Roads are still coming, electricity will still come,” he assured, stressing that when the water project is completed, the government will be proud to say that the water need of the LGA has been solved.
Earlier in an address on the occasion, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Engr. Francis Orji, stated that the project which has a 12-month completion period was awarded to Chap Construction Limited at the cost of N1, 203,824,347.44k.

Orji thanked Governor Umahi for his huge investments in the water sector and assured of the commitment of his ministry “to ensure that the project is started, executed and completed in the most professional manner”.

Similarly, Governor Umahi commissioned the Uburu Rural Electrification and Uburu Street light projects.

Performing the ceremony at Umunaga Agu-Ugwu and the Old Market Square, Amata Uburu in Ohaozara LGA, Umahi said, “When we came on board, we sat down to say look it is better to start our rural electrification community by community. If we come to one community, we finish everything about rural electrification of that community.”

The governor told Uburu people to hold the Commissioner for Power, Chief Emmanuel Uguru, responsible if there was any part of Uburu without electricity.

He said, “Our agreement is for this (electricity) to get to every part of Uburu so that for years, Uburu will not ask for electricity again, and from there we will go to another community anywhere in Ebonyi State.”

The governor announced with regrets, attempt by some people to vandalize the electricity cables and directed that the suspects must be prosecuted.

He charged Uburu people to protect all government investments in their area, warning that any vandalized public utility would not be repaired.

Umahi said, “You have to guard government’s investments. This is your own dividend of democracy. So any one vandalized will not be repaired.”
The governor thanked Chief Uguru and his team for their commitment in delivering on set goals.

http://dailyreviewonline.com.ng/2015/12/25/umahi-kick-starts-n1-2bn-water-project-rural-electrification/#.VoLeIlLlYsY

Zebra Group Injects $1.1m In South Eastern Nigeria

February 10, 2016 Anthony Nwaka Investment 0

The Zebra Group through its subsidiary, Zebra Agro-industries said it is expanding its agro initiatives by injecting $1.1 million USD in agro-industrial operations within Nigeria’s south-eastern region focused on vegetable oil and animal feed processing over the course of 2016, Footprint to Africa reports.

This Zebra Agro-industries project is coming on the heels of the growing demand for the improvement of the agricultural sector as a viable income generating industry and the need to diversify the Nigerian economy, reducing its dependence on oil.

This Zebra Agro-industries commitment, Footprint to Africa learnt will add considerably to the output of agricultural produce as well as empower local agriculturalists within the region and support the development of the Nigerian female farmers.

“We need to wake up to the vast and inclusive opportunities that lie within the sector, and stop viewing investments in agriculture merely as aid initiatives to help the poor. We should appreciate it as a solid and viable business sect,” Buffy Okeke-Ojiudu, CEO of the Zebra Group said.

Ojiudu further highlighted that these initiatives by the Zebra Agro-industries will encourage young entrepreneurs to realise the enormous potentials of the agricultural sector and maximize same.

Zebra Agro-Industries which is a subsidiary of the Zebra Group, an African focused business organisation with operations in media, agriculture and real-estate, Footprint to Africa gathered undertakes increasing the consumption and export of domestic agricultural commodities by investing in production facilities with significant growth potentials; sources its agricultural products by developing out-grower schemes with local small holder farmers through government assistance; supports these farmers by providing them with credit facilities as well as logistics and distribution support; helps small holder farmers (most of whom are women) expand their farming efforts by increasing small holder income; improving productivity, expanding markets and trade as well as increasing private sector investment in agriculture.

http://footprint2africa.com/zebra-group-injects-1-1m-in-agro-industrial-operations-in-south-eastern-nigeria/