In a renewed push to restore industrial life in Ebonyi State, Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has constituted a 15-member committee of distinguished Ebonyians to lead talks on the revitalization of the moribund NIGERCEM Cement Factory, Nkalagu.
The Governor made this announcement on Sunday, June 29, during a state address at the Government House Chapel in Abakaliki. According to him, the committee is charged with the task of interfacing directly with Chief Cletus M. Ibeto, whose company holds controlling interests in the factory, to find practical pathways to bring the plant back into operation.
“These 15 respected sons and daughters of our state have been selected not just for their names, but for the trust the people and government place in their capacity to deliver real outcomes,” Governor Nwifuru said. “They are expected to meet with Chief Ibeto and return in two weeks with practical results.”
The committee is made up of prominent Ebonyians across sectors and backgrounds. It includes Chief Mrs. Catherine Ogbu, Professor Adline Idike, Hon. Iduma Igariwey, Associate Professor Ben Odoh, Hon. Sunday Eze, Senator Chris Nwankwo, Senator Ken Eze, Senator Anthony Ani, and Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi. Others are Engineer Elias Mbam, Senator Sonni Ogbuoji, Barrister Roy Umahi (SAN), Senator Obinna Ogba, Senator Sylvanus Ngiji Ngele, and Chief Ben Okah.
The selection reflects a blend of political experience, technical expertise, and legal insight—elements the state hopes will help break the deadlock that has stalled the factory’s operations.
For years, Nkalagu residents and surrounding communities have called for a revival of NIGERCEM, not only to boost local employment but also to reposition Ebonyi as an industrial hub in the region. The Governor’s directive for a report in two weeks demonstrates the urgency his administration places on the matter.
If successful, the revitalization of NIGERCEM could mark a turning point in the state’s industrial journey and open up fresh economic opportunities for both Ebonyians and investors alike.
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