Diversification, it’s implication to abia economy- Media aide

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu

Scripted by  Kingsley Maduforo


Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State acknowledges that this a time
for diversification, a time to look beyond petroleum as our main
export products, oil and gas as a sole source of national revenue.
The time calls for a robust national strategy that brings to various
revenue earners hitherto ignored or overlooked.Gov. Ikpeazu a
man of vision have already diversified the state economy by
touching the key areas in other to grow the state revenue.


The “Aba Made Goods” products are gaining back their lost glory
because we have a man of vision heading the affairs of the
government, by being a brand ambassador of the Aba Made
Goods.Gov. Ikpeazu during his inaugural speech pledge to wear
Made in Aba all through his service “I pledge to wear made in Aba
all through my service as Governor and beyond, not because of
lack of option but because it is good to be proud of what we
have, especially if it’s the best”.

The Small And Medium Scale
Enterprise (SMSEs) are regaining their strength because of the
platform laid down for them, more specially those in the city of
Aba, which is the commercial hub of the state by this visionary
leader, Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu.

The infrastructural renewal and economic growth of the state is
growing rapidly thereby attracting investors to the state. This is
evident in the boost of the state Internally Generated Revenue
(IGR).Gov. Ikpeazu has his vision, a future for a “New Abia” and
that is where he’s heading.

Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu is not distracted even in the mist of political
logjam in the state. On 27 June, 2016, Justice Okon Abang of
Federal High Court in Abuja gave a verdict asking Gov. Ikpeazu to
vacate of office in the case of alleged falsification of tax receipts.
The governor who was an appointee of the government from
2011 – 2014 which is the years in question, before his
resignation in October 2014 to contest the Governorship election
in the state, that within this period his taxes were deducted at
source and when he had the need of his tax clearance in 2014,
he applied to the Abia State Board of Internal Revenue, and was
duly issued with his tax receipts for the period in question.



What has been tag as a rape of democracy is when Independent
National Electoral Commission (INEC) issued a Certificate of
Return to Ogah, when Appeal and Stay of Execution has already
being filled in Court of Appeal. The abuse of democracy and the
rape of the constitution are worse than a Military Dictatorship.
The democracy that Nigerians fought for is seriously derailing!

The fundamental reason why Nigeria returned to democracy in 1999 is
not seen in the horizon.Gov. Ikpeazu who believe that the judiciary
which is the last hope of a common man, is optimistic that the
Appeal Court will reverse the verdict of the High Court in Abuja
and will not be use as what many called GESTAPO organization.
The level at which Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu is transforming Abia dose
not need any distraction from any one. Only leaders with vision
understand that all over the world, tourism is used to boost the
Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of a state. Some of the
tourism site we have in the state such as: Long juju of Arochukwu
and as well as the Ugwu Abia Cultural Festival are in the
transformation agenda of the governor.


Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has already flag off the reconstruction of
Eyimba Hotels to international standard, a brain child of Dee Sam
Mbakwe, Governor of old Imo State. Enyimba Hotel is gigantic
architectural master piece, and a project that was aimed at being
a tourism site and for realization. After years of neglect and
abandonment, it is heart warning and remarkable that a denial has
come to rescue this gigantic edifice.

For optimal standard, the project is in conjunction with Swiss
international Hotels. Abia state government has sent the abattoir
packing so as to enhance the aesthetic quality of the hotel
vicinity. The reconstruction of Enyimba Hotel,is target at a place
for tourism and creation of job opportunities for the youth.

Governor Ikpeazu’s administration has also taken measures to
make the state an entertainment and tourism destination with the
Enyimba carnival, which was first of its kind in Abia. This cultural
festival which is an annual event is also linked to the government
agenda of transformation. The programme, which includes cultural
event, talent hunt and more, is directed towards showcasing the
great potentials of the state.


Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu who is a visionary leader know the only way
to survive from this economic downturn we are facing presently is
to diversify the economy. His administration has restructured the
agricultural sector of the state by creating policies that are
favorable for the farmers in the state, creating favorable policies
for SMSEs, tourism in the state etc, in other to grow the state
IGR.

Kingsley Maduforo is a Special Assistant to Gov. Ikpeazu on
Media

Abia Onlibe