In line with the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, vision on industrialization, Milton manufacturing company has ben commissioned as the first manufacturing steel industry in the South-East region.
The ceremony was performed at the company, located along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway in Awkuzu, Oyi Local Government Council.
News Echo reports that the Milton Steel Manufacturing Company is founded by the CEO, Hon. Innocent Ojike (Ojicam), the House of Assembly Elect representing Oyi constituency who is also as the company’s majority shareholder, among other partners.
Speaking at the event, Anambra state Governor, professor chukwuma soludo described the multi-million Naira Milton steel manufacturing company, Awkuzu, as a celebration of lndustry, Enterprise, partnership and Homeland consciousness (Akulueuno) the first of it’s kind in the entire south Eastern Region.
Prof soludo commended the Anambra state House of Assembly member-elect Honourable sir innocent ojike, ojicam,for providing jobs for two hundred persons, who are expected to work in the steel company.
The governor however, assured to grant the only request made by the company, which is about poor power supply adding that the his administration reached an agreement with EEDC for twenty four hour supply of Electricity to the state.
“As a government, we stand, ready to provide every assistance. We have signed an agreement with EEDC to provide the state with 24-hour electricity. We will put in every infrastructural facility to make it happen, now that it is on the concurrent list.
“Their only request is power, and we will assist them in generating power for efficiency and productivity. My primary responsibility as governor is to serve as the chief marketing officer for everything produced in Anambra”.
The governor, who reiterated his goal of making the state an industrialized hub, said that Anambra is well renowned for its entrepreneurship and global network in terms of partnership. He noted that the main goal of his administration is to transit the state from importation to exportation.
Earlier, in his address the chairman/ Managing Director, Milton steel manufacturing company, Honourable sir innocent Ojike, ((Ojicam) said the project is in response to the Clarion call by the state government for the people of the state to bring their investments home in line with the Akulueuno philosophy of the state government, adding that the effort is also to help create jobs and fight poverty in the state.
The House of Assembly member-elect said the steel company which has employed two hundred persons including foreigners will in the nearest future be giving jobs to over two thousand persons, while producing steel Rods of all sizes.
Sir ojike requested that the state government should assist the company
Change the source of power supply from the Aguleri feeder line to that of the Airport feeder line, noting that any interruption during production caused by power failure leads to waste of Raw materials.
He commended the state governor for commissioning the multi-million Naira project owned by four Directors, with himself having the dominant shares.
One of the Directors of the company who spoke at the event, Mr Wang, said the Rods to be produced by the steel company are needed for construction works and will be readily available for the onitsha market. Adding that the company need stable power supply to melt scraps and heat the furnace to enhance production.
In his vote of thanks, the Transition Committee Chairman for Oyi Local Government Arear, Mr. Emmanuel Nweke, recalled Governor Soludo’s first visit to Awkuzu in August last year to commission the Telemedicine Center in the area saying that this is his second visit to Awkuzu, this time, to commission Milton Steel Company. He also praised the Governor’s dedication to providing jobs for the youths.
Highlights of the commissioning ceremony are cutting of the tape by the governor for commencement of steel Rods production in the complex and display by traditional dance groups.
Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, Commissioner for Industry, Mr. Christian Udechukwu, MD Milton Steel Company, Sir Nobert Nworah, Presidents-General of Communities in Oyi council area, including that of umunya chief innocent Nwabueze, and members of the Anambra State House of Assembly, among others attended the event.