The member representing the Ihiala federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Dr Paschal Agbodike, has called on the Bank of Industry (BOI) to assist manufacturing industries in Anambra State with funds to enable them to create more jobs for the unemployed and boost the nation’s manufacturing sector.
Agbodike made this call on Thursday when the House Committee on Industry visited the industry at their headquarters in Abuja.
While describing manufacturing industries as the backbone of the economic development of Nigeria, the legislator lauded the manufacturing spirit of Ndi Anambra and noted that with adequate funding of manufacturing industries, the manufacturers can produce a variety of products that can be exported to other countries, which will earn Nigeria foreign exchange and revive the nation’s economy.
Agbodike pointed out that Anambra people have distinguished themselves as great entrepreneurs from the day of late Chief Michael Okpara till date, expressed confidence that adequate funding of manufacturing industries like Innoson car manufacturing industry which he said is contributing so much to the nation’s gross domestic product will enhance the country’s manufacturing sector.
The federal lawmaker also urged the Federal Government to invest heavily in the manufacturing sector to revive ailing industries, saying that is one of the only sectors next to Agriculture that can create a significant amount of jobs for the currently unemployed in Nigeria.
Responding, the Managing Director of Industry, Dr Olasupo Olusi, observed that regular funding of industries in Anambra will enhance economic growth and encourage manufacturers to remain in business.
He commended the Innoson company for doing very well in car manufacturing as well as reducing the nation’s unemployment rate by engaging many Nigerians meaningfully.
Olusi disclosed that the Bank of Industry was the first government-owned institution to buy Innoson cars and use them officially, assuring that they will keep supporting manufacturing industries to actualise the vision of President Bola Tinubu for the sector.
The call was contained in a statement the lawmaker signed and made available to Journalists in Awka, on Friday.
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