
Thereafter, Governor David Umahi and his team moved to the imposing and magnificent BoI building where he was received first in his office by the Officer in Charge, UNIDO RON, Dr. Chuma Ezedinma.
After a private conversation, they moved to the conference room where top officials of UNIDO had assembled to listen to his Excellency.
First on Engr. Umahi’s list of requests was how to reinvigorate the 5MW rice husk power plant in the state which UNIDO is a key player.
After extensive deliberation on the challenges facing the plant, the UNIDO officials offered to revisit the state with a view to taking concrete steps towards getting the project back on stream.
At this point, an obviously elated Governor Umahi said, “The rice mill plant that UNIDO is presently helping us to install in Ebonyi will go a long way in developing the state because we are known in Nigeria and around the world as a rice producing state. We are famous for producing Abakiliki Rice.
“Also, UNIDO is establishing a 32KVA gasification plant in my state . Power is very critical if we must develop as a country and achieve ISID.
“The 5MW power project that will be generated from rice husk, which UNIDO is supporting us with is also very critical to the development of our state . “UNIDO has done very well with these projects. We are highly impressed with UNIDO’s support and commitment towards the project.
“The delay in the completion of this project is coming from us but now we want to step up our interest and commitment towards the realization of the project . “
He also sought UNIDO’s support and partnership in the exploitation of salt and other mineral deposits in the state.
Governor Umahi said the exploitation of the huge salt and other mineral deposits in the state would help in poverty reduction, job creation and wealth generation for the state in particular and Nigeria as a whole.
His words, “We have large deposits of salt in Ebonyi state which we want to develop and we want this to be on the priority list of UNIDO for assistance. We want to do an empirical study on the salt deposits in the so that we can look for the right investors. The development of the mineral deposits in Ebonyi will act as a stop gap to the importation of salt in Nigeria, and save the country a lot of foreign exchange.
“Presently, the Nigerian economy is facing some challenges and that is why we are forced to look inward. There are lot of things we can develop in Nigeria by looking inwards for us to achieve ISID .”
The governor thanked UNIDO for its commitment and partnership towards supporting Inclusive and Sustainable Development in the state.
He said “We are in UNIDO’s office to thank the organization for its assistance , support and quick intervention aimed at enhancing industrial development and poverty reduction in the state especially in the rice milling plant, and bio mass plant, which UNIDO is doing in our state.
“We are highly impressed with UNIDO’s support and commitment so far. This is a testimony of UNIDO’s hard work and commitment to their core values. And that is why we are seeking UNIDO’s support for additional projects that will help us to promote industrialization, environmental sustainability and economic diversification.”
In his remarks, Dr. Ezedinma, reaffirmed UNIDO’s partnership and support towards achieving Inclusive and Sustainable Industrial Development in Nigeria within the UNIDO’s mandate.
He said, “UNIDO is committed to supporting Inclusive and Sustainable Industrial Development in Nigeria within the core areas of our mandate which includes poverty reduction, building capacity for trade, renewal energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.
“Specifically, in terms of supporting the development of renewable , improving environmental and energy efficiency, and use of power for productive activities, UNIDO has demonstrated its commitment by supporting the implementation various projects across Nigeria. Specifically, UNIDO is currently supporting a 5MW power project in Ebonyi state .
“To be able to complete the project, we have been able to mobilize $2.6 million from the Global Environmental Fund. Once we complete the power plant, it will be a good example of how embedded generation can be used for industrial purposes.”
Following the governor’s request, the UNIDO boss promised that energy experts from his office would be sent to the state to take a second look at the power plant with a view to recommencing work.
Here are the links to all parts of the news:
– Governor Umahi’s 3-Day Abuja Economic Shuttle By Emma Anya – Part 1
– Governor Umahi’s 3-Day Abuja Economic Shuttle By Emma Anya – Part 2
– Governor Umahi’s 3-Day Abuja Economic Shuttle By Emma Anya – Part 3
– Governor Umahi’s 3-Day Abuja Economic Shuttle By Emma Anya – Part 4
– Governor Umahi’s 3-Day Abuja Economic Shuttle By Emma Anya – Part 5
– Governor Umahi’s 3-Day Abuja Economic Shuttle By Emma Anya – Part 6
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