Anambra to prop local auto makers – Obiano

Says FG still owes Anambra N40b

ANAMBRA State has evolved plans of partnership with local automobile manufacturers. The plan to float a strategic partnership scheme is intended to push further the state government’s devotion to development of indigenous industries.
Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, dropped this hint while welcoming a delegation of Nigeria Defence College (NDC) Abuja Course 27 whose participants were drawn from Nigerian Air Force, Benin Republic, Tanzania and Rwanda among others which called at Innoson auto manufacturing plant in Nnewi, on a study tour.
According to him, with Anambra’s enviable track record in innovative technology, the partnership will pep local vehicle manufacturers with added incentive to prop them up to benefit from the federal government’s drive to fend off importation onslaught that targets the country as a dump site of used automobiles.
He also lauded the Army, Navy and other security agencies for encouraging local production of vehicles in Nigeria, adding that it contributes to economic development.
Speaking at the event, leader of the team, Air Vice Marshal Dahiru Sanda explained that their visit to Anambra State was in fulfillment of participants’ course schedule, adding that such a measure would help in exposing future leaders to strategies necessary for economic growth.
Sanda also disclosed NDC had trained about 2,046 strategic leaders, pledging that  auto makers in Anambra State will benefit from Armed Forces support to the vehicle plants through regular patronages.
Meanwhile, Gov. Willie Obiano has reiterated his call on federal government to pay its debt of N40 billion owed to Anambra State Government while rehabilitating federal roads in the state.
The governor made the appeal while inspecting on-going construction work on Ezira-Umuomaku-Enugwu Umuonyia-Achina Road, stretching over 12 kilometres with a bridge spanning about 20 metres.
Gov Obiano also expressed hope that, having settled all bills accruing to them, the contractors will complete the project by January and deliver quality work, stating that when completed, the road would link the neighboring communities and ameliorate hardships previously associated with inter-community travels in the area.
The governor also used the occasion to reassured ndi Anambra of his administration continuous focus in building legacy projects all over the state, particularly rural communities as gateway to meaningful economic development.
Speaking at the event, Managing Director of Anambra Road Maintenance Agency, (ARMA), Mr. Emeka Okoye, noted that about 1.5kilometres of the road had been assaulted and would be completed as scheduled to open up commercial and agricultural activities.
In their speeches, Area Manager of the Construction Company,  Sammy Mustapha and its Public Relations Officer,  Peter Okoro assured Gov Obiano and people of the four communities, as well as their neighbours that the project would be delivered on time and in line with specifications.
Commending Obiano for investing in the road which had earlier been neglected, former Deputy Gov of Anambra State, Chief Emeka Sibudu extolled the governor’s commitment to rural development despite the present economic crunch in Nigeria.