By Adaobi Nsofor
Awka, Feb. 26, 2021 (MOI) Anambra State Government has called on stakeholders in the state on the need for alternative power supply in the industries within the state. This is aimed at improving maximum business output.
The call was made during the opening ceremony of the state-organized one day workshop tagged “Alternative Power Supply and Export Market Support Forum” which was held at the Golden Tulip Hotel, at Agulu Lake on the 25th of February, 2021.
In an address to declare the workshop open, Gov. Willie Obiano noted that without industrialisation, there would not be any development.
“This calls for ways that the state government can assist in terms of constant and sustainable power supply to businesses in the state.’’
“Another is to create markets for the products that are being produced.’’
The Governor was represented at the event by his Deputy, Dr. Nkem Okeke.
He observed that for industrialisation to take place “there must be sustainable power and once power is stable, then an enabling environment is needed for businesses to thrive.
Dr. Okeke, then, added that Anambra State was doing well in Agriculture in terms of the export of farm produce to other countries.
He enjoined other industrialists to rally around and support the state government in its effort to give the state an agricultural boost.
In a keynote address, Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Beautification, Mr. Nnamdi Onukwuba said “activities of today will help to expose stakeholders on ways to access alternative power supply to achieve a desired constant power availability for their factories, which will in turn, grow their businesses through exploring the market potential particularly exports to the U.K., and U.S.
Mr. Onukwuba emphasised that Anambra State had huge potential for agricultural productivity and one of their key objectives in the ministry was to encourage sustainable agro-industries.
He listed the comparative agro products the state has for export to include vegetables, varieties of tuber produce, oil palm produce, spices, and horticultural products.
“Most of these crops are subject to temperature checks if not stored under optimum storage environment.
“And these are areas where the provision of alternative power supplies becomes inevitable,’’ he stressed.
Other speakers during the event include Mrs. Jane Ohili (representing the Nigerian Exports Promotion Council) and Karra Diallo (African Growth and Opportunity Act, specialist). (MOI)
