Industrialisation remains key to job creation and the economic growth of any state or nation.
The Sam Mbakwe administration will forever be remembered for its vision and giant strides in the area of industrialisation of Imo state.
The Shoe Industry Owerri, Glass Industry Aba, Packaging Industry Owere Ebeiri, Nsu Ceramics Mbano, Aluminum Extrusion Industry, Ikeduru, Resin Paints Mbaise, Avutu Poultry, name them, were all set up by the Second Republic Governor, Sam Onunaka Mbakwe of old Imo State.
Mbakwe, a lawyer, came to governance with a clear vision and commitment. Simple! That was why he broke records in just four years and three months .
Sadly, Mbakwe’s successors do not seem to be toeing the line of industrialisation.
Some of them were privileged to govern Imo for good eight years, yet it appears there is little or even nothing to show in the critical aspect of industralisation of the state.
A glance at the intimidating Internally Generated Revenue,IGR figures of states like Lagos, Rivers and Ogun reinforces the economic and job generating imperatives of industrializing a state.
Ogun State for example, recently joined the club of states like Lagos and Rivers with annual budgets exceeding N1 trillion. The secret lies in the rapid industrialisation of Ogun.
Ogun State’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) for 2024 was targeted at N240 billion, averaging over N20 billion monthly.
Undoubtedly, the state is tapping into her proximity to Lagos; and
she appears to be doing it well.
Imo State can equally tap into her proximity to Port Harcourt.Aba and Nnewi to transform her industrial sector.
And with proper planning and commitment, Imo can become an industrial zone especially, with its large deposit of gas, crude oil, clay, as well as massive palm oil production.
It is our hope and expectation that the present administration led by Sen Hope Uzodinma will take the bold step to do the needful in this regard.