From Emmanuel Uzor, Abakaliki
Former Commonwealth secretary general, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, yesterday wept over the condition of the Nigeria Cement Factory (NigerCem), Nkalagu, Ebonyi State and called on the state Governor, David Umahi to extend his developmental effort in resuscitating the first Nigeria cement factory.
Speaking during the 7th edition of an annual lecture series usually held in his honour at the International Conference Centre Abakaliki, Anyaoku said NigerCem was once the pride of Eastern Nigeria and expressed the need to resuscitate the factory which had gone moribund
for years.
“I urge Governor David Umahi and his administration to extend his determination in developing the state by resuscitating what was once the pride of eastern Nigeria, the Nkalagu cement industry which is the first cement company in Ngeria.”
He, however, commended Governor Umahi for what he termed his resolve in ensure rapid development and prompt payment of workers’ salaries when other states were owing many months salaries.
Anyaoku further appreciated the President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Dr. Nnia Nwodo for accepting to be the chairman of the occasion and noted that his election as president of the association has once again signalled the significant roles of Igbo in the affairs of the country.
In his remarks, Governor Umahi, represented by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Augustine Nwankwegu informed Anyaoku that Ebonyi State Government was doing everything possible to revitalise the factory.
He disclosed that the factory had been handed over to Ibeto Cement Company to resuscitate.
He said his administration had begun construction of the road leading to the factory which has reached advanced stage and expressed optimism that Ibeto cement factory would bring NigerCem factory to life any time soon.
Chairman on the occasion, Dr. Nwodo said the lecture was remarkable in view of the numerous achievements of the personality in whose honour the programme was held.
He explained that the choice of focusing this year’s lecture on agriculture was borne out of the renewed interests of government on agriculture.