By Amaka Okafor
Stakeholders from the four landlord communities hosting the proposed Brand New Abakaliki Cement Factory in Ebonyi state have thrown their weight behind the State Government’s plan to revive cement production in the state, describing the project as a historic milestone that will usher in industrial growth and economic prosperity.
Addressing journalists in Abakaliki during a press conference on Monday the stakeholders drawn from Umuhuali, Nkalaha, Nkalagu and Amezu communities led by Senator Obinna Ogba commended Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for what they described as his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to restoring Ebonyi’s industrial heritage through the establishment of the new cement factory.
The people stated that the governor’s recent inspection of the proposed factory site with Chinese contractors, as well as his investment mission to China, had yielded tangible results, including the award of the contract for the project, the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA), and the mobilization of the contractor to commence work. “These milestones are clear evidence of Your Excellency’s commitment to fulfilling your campaign promises and building a prosperous future for the people of Ebonyi State,” the stakeholders declared.
The communities further praised the governor’s industrialisation agenda, saying it had positioned Ebonyi as one of Nigeria’s emerging investment destinations. According to them, the cement factory would create thousands of jobs, stimulate commerce, promote technology transfer, expand the state’s manufacturing capacity, increase internally generated revenue and attract more local and foreign investments.
Describing the project as a turning point in the state’s economic history, the stakeholders said the revival of cement production would boost infrastructure development, strengthen the construction sector, improve household incomes and encourage greater participation of local businesses. “The establishment of the Brand New Abakaliki Cement Factory represents a historic turning point in the economic development of Ebonyi State,” the people stated.
The forum also pledged its total support for the successful execution of the project, assuring both the state government and the contractors of a peaceful and conducive environment.
The stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining unity, security and harmony within the host communities to guarantee the project’s smooth implementation.
On claims surrounding ownership and representation of the host communities, the stakeholders insisted that only the four landlord communities, acting collectively through their forum, were authorised to speak on issues concerning the cement factory land. They warned that any statement or publication issued by individuals or groups outside the recognised forum should be disregarded, stressing that such actions were capable of creating confusion and undermining the project’s success.
In a political declaration, the stakeholders unanimously adopted Governor Nwifuru as their sole candidate for the 2027 governorship election and passed a vote of confidence on his administration. They attributed the decision to what they described as his achievements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, industrialisation, agriculture, security, youth and women empowerment, as well as equitable distribution of development across the state. “We therefore resolve to mobilize all lawful, democratic and constitutional support across the four landlord communities to ensure Your Excellency’s overwhelming victory in the 2027 Governorship Election,” they added.
The stakeholders concluded by appealing to the Ebonyi State Government to sustain regular consultations with leaders of the four landlord communities throughout the planning, negotiation and implementation of the cement factory project. They maintained that continuous engagement would strengthen trust, promote transparency and guarantee the long-term success of the project while urging all sons and daughters of the host communities to remain peaceful, united and law-abiding in support of the industrial initiative.
