Director, Works and Physical Planning, Dr. Ezeocha Iheanacho on Friday 11th December, 2020, presented the Textile Development Center construction site, an entrepreneurship intervention project under TETFund, to Professor Chinedum Nwajiuba, Vice-Chancellor, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, for the foundation laying ceremony. Even as he has less than two months to the end of his tenure, Prof. Nwajiuba has not relented in the steady physical development of the young but potential university of the time.


Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba and staff at the Center site
In his speech during the ground breaking, Prof Nwajiuba, said he has enjoyed his stay in AE-FUNAI and as a development economist, encourages the development and growth of indigenous goods, stating that the world respects an economy that can sustain itself. He added that Nigeria is a great nation with great people and should build on our existing economy. Prof. Nwajiuba regretted that despite our richness in natural endowments, we have been brain washed to believe that other nations are better, mainly because we are made to eat their food, wear their clothes, and speak their language while neglecting ours. He said we have lost respect before because of over dependence on other nations.


Prof. Nwajiuba Laying the foundation
He further stated that the Chinese teach and practice production before consumption which is in tandem with the Igbo adage, Aka ajaja n’ebute onu mmanu mmanu (Hard work before pleasure) which has brought about the multiplicity of small scale entrepreneurship, industrialization and rapid development of the Chinese economy. Prof. Nwajiuba pointed out that the reverse is the case here where we are taught demand before supply, resulting to the wrong impression and consumption before production mentality among our people. This according to him has kept us where we are and will remain without development, unless something is done fast to reverse the trend. He stressed that our children from onset should learn the importance and reality of production first before consumption.

Prof. Nwajiuba narrated how the idea of Textile Centre started Prof Nwajiuba, thanking Ms Chiaka Nnodi for driving the project in the right direction, urging the contractor to ensure that the Centre will be ready for commissioning before he leaves office in February, 2021. He encouraged students and graduates to acquire skills even while schooling and after graduation as the era of waiting for government employment is gone.


Engr. Eche cutting the tape
Rev Sister, Dr. Clementine Kanu of the department of Accounting Departing who offered prayer for the ground breaking, committed the development of the Center and University at large into the hands of God, asking God to keep blessing the directing the steps of the outgoing VC, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, his family and the entire university community. Engr. Nwali Eche of Physical Planning, Works and Services, with the permission of VC, cut the tape to declare a hitch free record time delivery of the project, to the glory of God.


Vc and staff in group picture with staff