Turkey to partner with Imo to build industrial parks in Ohaji/Egbema

Gov Okorocha receives an award from Mr Abdullah Basci after a business meeting with Turkey business community at Turkey.

The government of Turkey has expressed willingness to partner with Imo State government to establish industrial parks at Ohaji/Egbema.

This disclosure was made by Governor Rochas Okorocha while addressing journalists at the Government House, Owerri shortly after his return from a three day business trip to Turkey.

According to him, the economic trip he embarked with some industrialists from Imo State to Turkey recently has yielded positive results as an artisan market which can accommodate about 3000 shoe makers will soon be established in the State while a fish industry will kick off in no distant time. In addition, he said Turkey will hold its trade exhibition in Imo State next year with 2000 business people participating.

Speaking further at the occasion, Governor Okorocha debunked the allegation that his administration has sold some government establishments. He explained that rather than sell government establishments, his administration repurchased those sold by previous administration such as Resin Paint industry, Mbaise and Paper Packaging Industry Owerre Ebeiri.

He commended the people of South East zone for their show of understanding in the appointments made by President Mohammadu Buhari, pointing out that appointment of aides were made within his constitutional powers. In his words, “It is well within our party’s constitution. APC is a great party and a big family. Igbos are also of APC and I represent the face of that very strong movement from the South-East. What is important is what the people of the South-East can get from the federal government to develop the zone. ”

                                             

The governor reminded the press of the cordial relationship existing between him and the governors in the South East, adding that they have agreed to build an economic hub for Ndigbo collectively.

Said he; “… politics is gone, this is the period for development, let’s talk less of politics now and see how we can develop the resources of our land.”

He said his administration has inaugurated taskforces to address the challenges facing the State like street trading, relocation of artisans, motor parks and as well creating more activities in the rural areas.  According to him, some of the taskforces will also look into roads that require attention, improve infrastructural development of schools and bring the general hospitals to modern standard.

Owelle Okorocha also said that his administration will implement an industrialization programme of one community, one industry to improve the economy of the State as government intends to raise N20 million for each community, while branches of the Imo State Micro Finance Bank will be established in all the 27 LGAs. 

  

He reminded the people that Imo government would be hosting parliamentarians in 2017.

On the renovation work going on at the Imo Concord Hotel, Owerri, Governor Okorocha said government will spare no effort in restoring the institution to its five – star status while work will be completed on the dualization of Owerri- Orlu – Akokwa road, in addition to the 27 general hospitals, judicial headquarters and government house annex in orlu and Okigwe.

He regretted that a huge fraud was discovered in the running of Imo Transport Company (ITC), adding that the problem of health workers must be resolved before payment of their arrears will commence.

He announced that government has started paying salary arrears up till September this year, including those of parastatals and encouraged people of the State especially those who are well –to- do to establish private universities in the State.