By Polycarp Ifeanyi, Onitsha
The Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo has Commissioned Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi State branch liasion office in Onitsha.
Commissioning the new office at Harbour Industrial lay out, Niger Bridge-Head, Onitsha, Anambra. Professor Soludo eulogized the leadership of the Association for their ability to sustain Industrialization irrespective of global economic crunch.
He said that the office would improve the administrative welfare of the Association and articulate their daily activities for the progress and betterment of the Association.
Speaking at the event which also featured inauguration of Elders Committee, Professor Soludo poured accolades to the the members of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria and organising Committees for being able to organised the event.
He specifically rained encomium to the Chairperson of the Association, Lady Ada Chukwudozie for his brilliant coordinations and eloquently presented the challenges of the Association.
He stated that he had been expecting such event since he assumed office, revealing that he is aware of the existence of Industries at Harbour Industial lay out, even as he recalled that during his campaign tour, he visited the area.
He further assured the Association that he is willing to partner with them, saying, " We have taken notes of all your challenges. Our major agenda for the state is transformation. Industrialization and manufacturing is very critical for our state to grow economically wise and that is why we should partner with Manufacturers.
Lets the partnership be intentional because our aim is to achieve livable Anambra and everybody should be involved" Professor Soludo posited.
Presenting her address of welcome during the event, the Chairperson of the Association, Lady Ada Chukwudozie disclosed that there is hope for Ndi Anambra by having Professor Soludo as their Governor, describing Manufacturers as the key drivers of industrialization and sustainable economic growth and development in Nigeria.
She mentioned, multiple taxation, power supply, mandatory Monday sit-at- home, insecurity, unnecessary check points amongst other as the challenges of the Association.
Addressing newsmen, Lady Ada Chukwudozie said, " This is the first time in the history of manufacturers Association of Nigeria and state government are having a forum for interaction and been able to communicate directly to the government on how they feel as the Manufacturers.
It is always important when you promulgate laws and policies that affect industrialization, the leadership in the State to touch base with the Manufacturers to know how these policies is affecting them. So, this forum today afforded us a platform to communicate back to government on how we feel, and we tried to profer solution on how it could be done better or support government.
I think the event went well and we manufacturers were happy as well as the the Governor" Lady Ada Chukwudozie stated.
She described professor Soludo as proactive, innovative and straight forward Governor, even as he disclosed that the cost of power in Anambra State is high which she said they could not compete with their counterpart in the order region who she said have access to Independent power supply.
She revealed that Professor Soludo made brilliant efforts by including them in MOU with EEDC which she said they were not initially included in the master plan.
Equally speaking, the National President of the Association, Mr. Olunba Francis Meshioye said that the presence of Professor Soludo in the event was a testimony of astute leadership. He praised the Governor for his transformation agenda in the State.
He profoundly emphasized on the important of Onitsha sea port, pointing out that it is over due for functioning and urged Federal government to step up in reactivating it.
Some dignitaries at the event included; Anambra State House of Assembly speaker , Hon. Uchenna Okafor, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, various industrialists amongst other.