By Magnus Aluma
Ebonyi State yesterday recorded a milestone in her industrial revolution, as an asphalt production plant which has the capacity to produce not less than120 tonnes of asphalt per hour was commissioned in the state.
The state-of-the-art facility which was established by Ayigold Investment Limited, in the Ebonyi Local Government Area of the state, is expected to boost road infrastructure, create employment opportunities, stimulate local economic growth and provide quality asphalt for government and private road construction projects across Ebonyi and neighbouring states.
Commissioning the facility, astute industrialist, Chief Edward Nkwegu, described the investment as a demonstration of the critical role that micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), play in driving economic growth and employment generation.
He commended the management of the Investment company for bringing the company to Ebonyi State.
Chief Nkwegu noted that the project would strengthen the industrial base of Ebonyi State.
He stated that the people of Ebonyi State had long expected such facility in the area.
“This is one of the things we have always advocated.
“We should encourage micro, small and medium enterprises, because they are the engine room of every economy and the greatest employers of labour.
“This investment will generate employment, add value to our local resources and contribute significantly to road infrastructure development.
“I am particularly impressed that the machine was produced locally, reducing dependence on imported equipment,” he added.
Nkwegu urged residents of the host community to ensure that they continue to protect the facility and called on government agencies, contractors and private developers to patronise the establishment.
“I want to call on all those involved in road construction to patronise this company.
“It is a credible alternative that will reduce capital flight and strengthen our local economy. The community should also continue to ensure the security of this investment because it belongs to all of us,” he emphasised.
Earlier in an address, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Mr. Godwin Ayibam, said the commissioning of the facility marked the commencement of the full commercial production of asphalt in Ebonyi State.
He explained that the plant has the capacity to produce 120 tonnes of asphalt per hour and would serve both public and private sector clients.
“By the grace of God, we are officially opening this asphalt plant today so that we can commence production.
“This facility is open to everyone including Government agencies, contractors; while private individuals can come here, purchase quality asphalt and execute their projects, Ayibam said”
He noted that the facility would help to reduce unemployment in the state.
Ayibam further said, “we have already employed 22 members of the host community, and as our operations expand, more people will be engaged. Our goal is to contribute meaningfully to the development of Ebonyi State, through quality infrastructure support and job creation.”
The Director of the Company, Mr. Chikodiri Igwe, said the project commenced about two years ago after the company identified a gap in the industrial sector of Ebonyi State.
According to the Mr. Igwe, the decision to locate the facility in Ebonyi was informed by the favourable investment climate created by the state government.
“The MD identified the gap and decided to bring this investment to complement what the government is doing.
“Ebonyi has been kind to him, and he resolved that this project must remain in the state,” Igwe noted.
According to him, “the company has already employed over 22 workers and I urge more investors to take advantage of the state’s business-friendly environment.
“This company has already created over 22 direct jobs, and there is room for more. Ebonyi is ripe for investment, and anyone who invests here will certainly smile,” he maintained.
The producer of the asphalt plant, Mr. Vijay Prakash, said the equipment was manufactured locally at his production facility in Enugu State.
He explained that local production of such heavy industrial equipment would reduce dependence on imported machinery and eliminate huge shipping costs.
Prakash further said, “we manufacture asphalt plants and other construction equipment in Nigeria. Producing these machines locally helps reduce importation costs and makes the equipment more accessible to Nigerian companies.”
Anchor Reporters notes that the commissioning ceremony attracted industrialists, contractors, business leaders, traditional stakeholders and members of the host community.
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