…backs state’s cement factory establishment
BY RITA NWORIE,
ABAKALIKI
The Member representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Chinedu Ogah, has called on the National Emergency Management Agency to urgently intervene in the flood disaster ravaging communities in Ebonyi State, particularly in Ikwo Local Government Area.
Ogah made the appeal on Monday in Abakaliki, the state capital, while interacting with journalists, expressing concern over the destruction of farmlands, residential buildings, household properties and other valuables by the flood.
He urged NEMA to assess the extent of the damage and provide urgent relief materials and other necessary assistance to affected residents to alleviate their suffering and support their recovery.
The federal lawmaker also called for maximum support for the establishment of a new cement factory at Nkalagu Community in Ishielu Local Government Area, describing the project initiated by Governor Francis Nwifuru as a major economic opportunity for the state.
Ogah, who is the Ebonyi State Coordinator of the Tinubu Support Group, said the factory, upon completion, would create employment opportunities for youths, attract investors, accelerate development and contribute to reducing the cost of building materials.
He maintained that Ebonyi State possesses the raw materials and other resources required to sustain cement production, describing those opposing the project as people working against the state’s economic interests.
“Any Ebonyi person trying to sabotage the dream of the state owning its cement factory and having our youths gainfully employed must be seen as an enemy of the state. The state is craving for an opportunity like this, and Governor Francis Nwifuru has brought it to our doorstep. There is a need for everyone to give him maximum support,” Ogah said.
The lawmaker assured Nwifuru of the support and commitment of Ebonyi’s National Assembly members towards the actualisation of the project. He also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to provide the necessary assistance to ensure the timely completion of the factory, whose construction has commenced at the project site in Nkalagu.
Ogah dismissed claims that the cement factory was the governor’s personal project, insisting that it belonged to the state government. He urged those spreading what he described as false information about the project to desist, while encouraging the governor to deploy all available resources towards its completion.
The federal lawmaker further commended Nwifuru for appointing 1,720 persons as Special Advisers and Executive Assistants, as well as resolving lingering communal conflicts that had resulted in the loss of lives and destruction of property in some communities. He said the interventions had restored peace, enabled the resettlement of displaced residents and created an atmosphere conducive to development.
Ogah also praised President Tinubu for what he described as ongoing transformation across the country and commended supporters of the All Progressives Congress.
