By Jennifer John
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has given reasons for his avowed commitment to reviving the Imo Standard Shoe Industry, which is according to him, centred on job creation and economic stimulation.
Uzodimma made this clarification in his speech during the handing back of the industry to Imo State by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCO) which took over the company as a result of its indebtedness.
“When we came on board, Standard Shoe industry was one of the ndustries we recognized as being capable of helping greatly in solving the unemployment problem confronting Imo State.I approached the management of AMCON, who had already taken over the industry. I had a discussion with them.
“Why I did it that way was to show that AMCON is not a hostile establishment which is only interested in haunting down those who are owing, but an agency which is interested in the genuine growth and development of the country.
“This is what I found out during our engagement with them and some concessions we requested for. The corporation I received makes it also necessary for me to disclose this aspect of understanding of the organization to the general public”.
Uzodimma gave assurance that his government was fully committed to reviving the industry and making it fully functional.
“Through the company, we will employ our young men and women and it will help to stimulate economy of the state”, Governor Uzodimma enthused.
