Abia State governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, has inaugurated a six-man Judicial Panel of Inquiry to resuscitate the moribund UCL Modern Ceramics Industries, Umuahia.
Inaugurating the Panel Friday at Government House, Umuahia, Ikpeazu stressed that reviving Ceramic Industries which once provided employment and enhanced the economy of the State and the South East zone was very dear to his administration.
He, therefore, charged the Committee to carefully review all the loans taken by UCL from Banks like Diamond Bank, Bank of Industry and others and ascertain what and how the loan was used for.
Represented by his Deputy, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, Ikpeazu mandated the Panel to also ascertain the total investment of the UCL in the organisation and the role of its Board since 2006 when Modern Ceramics was said to have been concessioned to the Catholic Diocese of Umuahia till date, as well as any other matter that it may consider important that would help provide necessary solutions for immediate revitalizing the factory.
The governor charged the Panel to come up with a detailed report, including recommendations, for immediate actions to be taken to nurse the organization back to life.
Chairman of the Judicial Panel of Inquiry, Justice Agwu Uma Kalu, while responding on behalf of other members, thanked the Governor for finding them worthy to serve in the Panel.
Justice Kalu also assured the Governor that the Panel would strive hard to provide answers to the numerous questions regarding the moribund entity by coming up with recommendations that will enable government to revitalize the Ceramics Industries, promising that the Panel would be objective and fair in their investigations.
Other members of the Panel include Mr O.C Ihedioha who would serve as Secretary, a representative of the Ministry of Justice, Barr. P. U. Ogbunka, Commissioner For Industries, Chief( Mrs) Olewengwa Uwaoma, the Permanent Secretary, Special Services Bureau, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Deacon Sam Odemenam and Mr ABC Ajuziogu.
Modern Ceramics Industry, Umuahia was established in 1961 by the then Dr. Michael Okpara-led administration of Eastern Region.
