Captains of industries, business magnets and notable others in commerce from Nnewi, Anambra State on Saturday July 12 converged at Kingdom of Gold Hotel and Suites, Otolo Nnewi for economic summit organized by Nnewi Chamber of Commerce.
The event with the theme: Repositioning Nnewi for Sustainable Economic Development had Governor Charles Soludo in attendance who was represented by the Commissioner for Industry, Hon Christian Udechukwu.
In her opening remarks, the Chairperson at the event, Dr Mrs Ngozi Ukachukwu commended the Nnewi chapter of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NWCCIMA) in collaboration with the Anambra State Ministry of Industry for coming up with the programme meant to chart a new course in Nnewi economic development.
She said the collaboration was a clear demonstration of the kind of public-private synergy required for sustainable progress
“Nnewi, as we all know, is a land of industrious men and women, renowned across Nigeria and beyond as a hub of innovation, manufacturing, and enterprise.
“Yet, as the global economy evolves and challenges deepen, from climate change to digital transformation, we must ask ourselves how do we move from where we are to where we ought to be, “she said.
The Chairperson noted that the summit presented an opportunity for the stakeholders to pause, reflect, and re-strategize.
She is of the opinion that the stakeholders must evaluate the existing economic structures, identify the gaps, and reimagine a future that is inclusive, resilient, and sustainable.
She said there is no gainsaying, however, that Nnewi has lost grounds in business, saying that she believed that the summit would reposition Nnewi to greater heights.
“Today’s conversations will not end in words. They must translate into action, measurable and impactful.
“As Chairperson, I encourage frank dialogue, bold ideas, and strategic thinking. Let us listen not just to speak, but to understand and to solve. Let us tap into the strength of Nnewi’s legacy, while embracing the demands of a rapidly changing world.
“Together, we can reposition Nnewi, not only as a center of commerce and industry in Anambra State, but as a shining example of what is possible when people, policy, and purpose align, “she added.
One of the resource persons at the event, Engr Ndubisi Okoli in his presentation called for impetus to be given to the establishment of Nigeria Automotive Industrial Park at Akwaihedi in Nnewi South Local Government Area which is already in the pipeline.
He said the issue of power supply in Anambra and Nnewi industrial cluster in particular could only be solved when gas pipelines are run from Agbor in Delta State through Onitsha, Nnewi and Awka.
The summit come up with a proposal to train Nnewi youths by existing industries and empower them to start their productive ventures.
The Governor said that government has set machinery in motion to solve power problem in Nnewi to assist industrial growth.
“There are things government can do and those individuals and organizations can do as well. We have seen certain things we can do to help these things discussed materialize.
“To get it right we apply public-private-community partnership. That’s the way to go for the government.
“Government welcomes gas pipelines innovation from Delta State but we have gas in Anambra which we can equally explore, “he said.
