The Honourable Minister for State Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah, has affirmed that the Governor of Imo State, Sen. Hope Uzodinma, will transform the state into an industrial hub.
The Minister made this assertion during the commissioning of the new production line of Shanghai Engineering Works and Industries at Ubommiri in Mbaitoli LGA of Imo state.
Earlier, Gov. Uzodinma said that his administration would create an enabling environment that would enable industries to thrive in the state, and assured the people of the state of a sound economy and more employment opportunities.
Delivering his keynote address, the Chief Executive Officer of Shanghai Engineering Works and Industries, Mr. Festus Mbisiogu, said that the concept of the production line was a result of over 15 years of sojourn overseas, particularly in China.
Mbisiogu explained that the company was built on the pillars of commerce, industry, and social development, with its core mandate being to reduce the importation of materials and allied products from China by manufacturers. This he said, will assist the Nigerian government in generating job opportunities for the unemployed youths.
“It is pertinent to note that 65 percent of Nigerian businessmen and women were shuttling between Nigeria and China to import goods and items that could be manufactured locally with the same quality obtainable overseas”, he said.
“Nigeria has been on a steady loss of economic gains, industry, and employment opportunities with Nigerian businessmen and women jetting to China for virtually all types of commodities, especially the allied products like building materials and products”, he explained.
