Onitsha industrialists appeal to EEDC to restore direct electricity supply

ONITSHA, Anambra, Nigeria – The Awada Industrial Owners Association (AIOA) has called on Anambra state government to prevail on the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) to restore the main line energy to the area saying that thousands of unemployed youths would be engaged within the value chains of the various industries sited in the area.

They made the appeal during the inauguration of the pioneer AIOA executives at Ezeiweka industrial Estate. Speaking at the occasion, chairman of AIOA , Chief Ernest Ikebuaso said  that the major challenge the industries were facing was the removal of the industrial source of Energy from the area by EEDC.

“We are mainly Small and Medium Industries. We manufacture and distribute polythene bags, plastic wares using both virgin and recycled raw materials. Some engage in the fabrication of spare parts for industrial machines, vehicle and motorcycles.

“Before 2016 when EEDC removed industrial source of Energy from us we employed over 10, 000 workers. EEDC folded up most of the viable industries causing many of our colleagues to relocate to Asada,” said Ikebuaso.

Similarly, the Secretary, Engr. Igwe Alloy who thanked the Commissioner for Trade, Commerce and Wealth creation, Hon Uchenna Okafor who advised the industrialists to come under one umbrella to enable them attract government intervention and benefits enumerated other challenges facing the Association.

“AIOA was born on March 12, 2020 through the advice of the Honorable Commissioner ‘Wiper’ when individual SMEs occupying several streets came together to form a central body with new executives to pilot their affairs.

“To meet our challenges, we need steady Electricity, Security patrol van, Fire fighting truck/equipments and Finance to enable us expand our factories and employ more people thereby reducing the unemployed population in the Society”, said Igwe.

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Moreover, Chairman of the occasion, Chief Nwabueze Umeh (Ofiafuluego Okija)  on behalf of AIOA also solicited for a permanent site for the association saying that any government that wants its economy to develop must embrace industrialization.

“Anambra state government should provide a permanent site for industry owners. Unlike what is obtainable here where traders purchase lands, build with their money and relocate. Industrialists if given an enabling environment can employ about 25,000 people thereby reducing unemployment and boosting the state economy”, said Umeh.

Meanwhile, Chairman Anambra Vigilante Services, Anambra North Senatorial zone, Chief Chinenye Ihenko praised the efforts of the industrialists on reducing unemployment. “Employment reduces crime and criminality, government does not fight crime with guns alone but also by empowering the idle ones because an idle mind is the devil’s workshop”.

In his remarks, the Commissioner, Hon Okafor assured the Industrialists that since their requests fall within the agenda of the Governor Willie Obiano led administration, government is willing to assist them in all ramifications.

“South East should develop consciousness for industrialization not only buying and selling. When economy is good, employment is good, security will be good also. The 33KVA transformers you requested have been approved and will soon arrive and his Excellency is willing to support any venture that will grow the economy and better the lives of Ndi Anambra.

Highlight was the inauguration of the pioneer executives by Commissioner, flanked by ASMATA President General, Chief Ikechukwu Ekwegbalu.

The central executives include: President General Ernest Ikebuaso, Deputy President General – Mr. Christopher Okoh, Secretary-Engr. Igwe Aloy, Treasurer-Pastor Emmanuel Alugbuo, Financial Sec-Mrs. Emmanuella Ijeoma Phillip, Public Relations Officer -Mr. Amaechi Anago.