Anambra State Worth N20bn, Says Obi

Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State said the state is worth over N20 billion in investments in spite of the fact that on assumption of office he met an empty treasury.
Speaking at a forum organised by League of Anambra Professionals (LAP) tagged “Lets Rekindle the Anambra Spirit” in Awka recently, Obi disclosed that the laudable feat was achieved without borrowing from any institution or government just as he revealed that six South African companies have already acquired land   at Anambra industrial area and would soon commence business.

Contrary to the belief that he has been on seat as governor for about eight years, Obi disclosed that though his mandate was restored in 2006, his government’s budget was first passed only in 2008, saying  within this short period of about five years,  he   has been able to deliver real value to Anambra people. 

“I did not meet any single functional factory when I assumed office as Anambra State governor. There was

no Government House or Government Lodge. Anambra has no secretariat. This place we are ( referring to Women Development Centre) was burnt down, I rebuilt it. But today as at last week Friday (that is September 6) Anambra is worth over N20 billion in investment,“  he said
He said SABMiller Brewery in Onitsha is the fastest growing factory in the history of SABMiller group of South Africa is about to double its production capacity.

While explaining the challenges that Innoson went through before his vehicle manufacturing company took off, he called on Nigerians to embrace local made products noting that fake products is global trend.
Speaking further, Obi called on Anambra people in other states of the federation to join hands in developing the state by locating some of their investments in Anambra.

“Basic things have changed since I became governor. We call on all Anambra people wherever they are to join hands in making Anambra great. The state is good now but we want to take it from good to great. We have to seek ways to bring solution to the numerous challenges confronting our state. You can only add value if you come home. If you bring about 10 percent of your investment into Anambra state it would make a lot of difference,” he said.

He assured that government has provided enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the state, adding “We are building institutions. People should join hands to make the institutions work. Anambra people should come home. Let us collectively resolve to build our society otherwise it will take revenge on our children. We want to bring change. If we do not, nobody can do it for us.

“ He  decried a situation where people who are given positions of responsibility do not conduct their affairs in a responsible manner. 
Also speaking at the event, Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Prof. Boniface Egboka who was represented at the occasion, called on Anambra people in diaspora to come home and replicate what they had done in other states of the federation so that youths would have jobs.
“The best hotel in  Yola (Adamawa state)  is built by Anambra man, the best factory in Numan is built by Anambra man. If these things are built within Anambra, not that it will eradicate kidnapping but it will eradicate the extent of it.
The government should attract the Igbo who have invested so much in other states to come home and invest in Anambra for the good  of our people.”