By Stella Odueme
Business owners of Imo State origin have been advised to site their businesses in the state to boost the economy and open up communities to development.
The National Vice President (Eastern Zone) of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Okenze Sylvester Obinna gave the charge in Owerri, the Imo State capital.
Obinna called on business owners to identify and register with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, to get access to improved knowledge and safeguard their businesses from unnecessary harassments.
According to him, MAN is a united front to advance business interests and make collective demands as business owners and producers.
Okenze Obinna maintained that citing business interests in the state will check capital flight, kidnapping, and urban migration as people will have access to good jobs right in their communities.
Obinna who hails from Ngor Okpala local government area of Imo State said “we are the centre of the State. I call on Imo people especially Ngor Okpala people to consciously develop the place and people. Bring your investments home.
“We have lots of wealthy businessmen in Ngor Okpala and Imo State. They should emulate our Nnewi brothers who have continued to invest at home. Ngor Okpala local government council is the most peaceful council in the state. We have no insecurity. The Sam Mbakwe Cargo Airport which the current administration is working hard to ensure that it begins full cargo operation, the Afrieximbank Quality Control centre for the entire southeast are all situated in Ngor Okpala.
“I know Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has vowed to support businesses move forward. Through the Orashi Electricity Company, several businesses like mine now enjoy more than 18 hours of power daily, including everyone from my community im Umuaga Nguru”, he said.
The businessman said the Onne seaport was fully operational saying it was closer for Imo State based businesses.
He expressed hopes that soon the MAN secretariat off the Sam Mbakwe Airport road will be completed and become the beehive of business activities for manufacturers of Southeast extraction.
“We have begun construction of the MAN southeast zone here in Ngor Okpala which is close to the airport. Soon it will become the nerve centre for Igbo manufacturers. And it’s important all Imo business owners including pure water producers join us to gain insights on how to improve their businesses. You can never lose anything if you join us”, Obinna added.
