History will be made today in Anambra State as President Goodluck Jonathan arrives the state to commission the first ever private refinery, Orient Refinery, owned by the Orient Petroleum Resources Plc, a holding company with four subsidiaries.

Apart from the commissioning of the refinery, the President will unveil a statue of the late Igbo leader, Emeka Odumegwu- Ojukwu, at the Upper Iweka Highway in Onitsha.

It will be recalled that the Anambara State Government renamed the popular Upper Iweka road after Emeka Ojukwu, who was buried on March 2, 2012.

Jonathan is also expected to commission the multi-million naira SABmiller Brewery located in Onitsha.

Already, the state is in a festive mood as the major roads and streets in Awka, Onistha and other major towns to be visited by Jonathan have been cleared of bushes and illegal structures, just as billboards have been mounted at strategic locations by different groups to welcome the President.

Security has also been beefed up in Awka and Onitsha and Anambra East in preparation for the President's visit.

The state Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Chief Joe Martins Uzodike, has announced that all markets in Onitsha North and South and Ogaru local government areas, particularly those within the precincts of the Bridge Head and Upper Iweka areas would be shut throughout the duration of the President's visit.

Similarly, no motorist will be allowed to drive on the Niger Bridge, Upper Iweka and Inosi Onira Zik Round About from 9:am till the departure of Mr. President from Onitsha at about 4:pm.

Meanwhile, Governor Peter Obi said the people are ready to receive the President. He said the facilities to be commissioned by President would generate at least 15,000 direct jobs and over 10,000 indirect jobs.

Obi spoke when he led a delegation of members representing the state in the House of Representatives on inspection of the projects.

The governor said his administration empowered private sector initiative and entrepreneurs because they had the potentials to create necessary employment that would turn around the state's economy.

He said any economic growth without stimulating job opportunities was bound to collapse.

The member representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency, Mr. Afam Ogene, praised the governor for creating enabling environment for foreign and local investments to thrive.

The member representing Anaocha, Njikoka and Dunukofia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Mrs. Uche Ekwunife, said Governor Obi had initiated economic revolution by attracting investments.

Mrs. Ekwunife said the various investments attracted to the state by the governor would assist in addressing unemployment.


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