Proposed Abakaliki Cement Factory: Host Communities Back Gov. Nwifuru

From Nabob Ogbonna, Abakaliki

The host communities of Umuhuali, Nkalaha, Nkalagu, and Amezu in Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State have declared their full support for Governor Francis Nwifuru’s proposed Abakaliki Cement Factory, describing the project as a transformative initiative that will accelerate the state’s industrial and economic development.
The proposed cement manufacturing plant, to be located in Nkalagu, Ishielu Local Government Area, was conceived by Governor Nwifuru following his recent investment mission to China about three weeks ago. The project, named the Abakaliki Cement Factory, is expected to become one of the state’s most significant industrial investments.
Speaking on behalf of the host communities during a press conference on Monday, former Senator Obinna Ogba said the communities had unanimously endorsed the multi-billion-naira project and pledged their unwavering support for its successful implementation.
Ogba assured the state government and investors that the host communities would provide a peaceful and enabling environment to ensure the smooth take-off and execution of the project.
He described the proposed cement factory as a major milestone in Ebonyi State’s industrialisation drive since the state’s creation in 1996. According to him, Governor Nwifuru had earlier led a delegation of Chinese investors on an inspection tour of the proposed project site, a move that paved the way for the award of the contract, the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA), and the mobilisation of contractors to commence work.
“This led to the award of the contract, the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement, and the mobilisation of contractors to commence the project,” Ogba said.
He noted that upon completion, the factory would create thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities, stimulate commerce and entrepreneurship, facilitate technology transfer, expand Ebonyi State’s manufacturing capacity, boost internally generated revenue (IGR), and attract additional local and foreign investments.
Presenting the position of the stakeholders, Ogba urged Governor Nwifuru not to be distracted by unauthorised statements from individuals or groups claiming to represent the host communities.
“It is only the duly constituted stakeholders’ forum representing the Umuhuali, Nkalaha, Nkalagu, and Amezu communities that has the mandate to speak on matters relating to the Abakaliki Cement Factory project,” he stressed.
He further called on the government, investors, and the general public to disregard any publications or comments issued outside the recognised stakeholders’ forum, describing such actions as deliberate attempts to create confusion and undermine the successful implementation of the landmark project.
Meanwhile, InsideOutNews observed that while many residents of Ebonyi State have welcomed the proposed cement factory because of its anticipated economic benefits, some remain sceptical about whether the project will be completed as planned. The state government has projected that the factory will be completed within 24 months.