Prominent elders and stakeholders in Ebonyi State have thrown their weight behind Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru’s plan to establish a new cement factory, describing the initiative as a strategic step toward industrialisation, economic diversification, and sustainable development in the state.
The endorsement comes amid ongoing debates over the future of the moribund Nigerian Cement Company (NIGERCEM) in Nkalagu, with the elders insisting that the state’s development should not be delayed by prolonged efforts to revive the defunct company.
According to the stakeholders, the proposed cement factory will create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, stimulate local businesses, expand the state’s revenue base, and attract additional investments into Ebonyi.
They noted that while previous administrations made several unsuccessful attempts to revive NIGERCEM, the current administration’s decision to pursue a new industrial project demonstrates a pragmatic commitment to unlocking the state’s vast mineral resources for the benefit of its people.
The elders also appealed to residents, community leaders, and other stakeholders to support the initiative, stressing that collective cooperation is essential for the successful implementation of such a transformative project.
Governor Nwifuru recently disclosed that the state government had concluded plans to establish a new cement factory following the challenges encountered in efforts to reactivate NIGERCEM. He stated that geological assessments confirmed the availability of substantial limestone deposits capable of sustaining cement production for decades.
Observers believe the proposed factory could mark a new chapter in Ebonyi’s industrial development, positioning the state as a major player in Nigeria’s cement industry while creating long-term economic opportunities for its citizens.
