Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo has performed the groundbreaking ceremony for Kojo Motors Auto Assembly and Natural Gas Facility in Umunya, Oyi Local government area.
The plant, which is the second automobile company after Innoson Motors and first CNG manufacturing automobile company in the state, will also house the first CNG station located at Umunya.
Performing the function, Governor Soludo said that it was a sign of progress for the state and a testament to the commitment of his administration to industrialization.
The Governor revealed that the plant would create jobs and boost the economy of the state, urging other investors to come and invest in Anambra state.
“We have come today to celebrate something important to us! Our agenda is to be able to get our people; the most enterprising people on earth, from importation to production. This investment effort will satisfy the local market and export to the world,” Governor Soludo stressed.
The Governor who inquired from the Chairman of Kojo Motors on how quickly vehicle production will happen in the facility was informed that it will take six months.
“This is what Nigeria is all about. China has done it, and by 2050, Nigeria will be the third most populous country in the world. We have close to 250 million people living in Nigeria. This is the place to be.
“Kojo has made a very smart move to start here today. It is in your own best interest to come to Anambra to invest. It is not an act of charity or philanthropy, but rather a business decision.
“Yesterday, we signed MOUs with various organizations. Most of these Investors have already been deployed to site to build modern, planned cities with the highest standards and enforce their maintenance. In months to come, Anambra will be a large construction site by the private sector.
“When the Lokoja-Abuja road is done, you will be in Abuja by road from Anambra in three hours. That is the gateway! Anambra is a hub!
“Those who have made investment decisions in Anambra today are very smart. If you want to do or produce anything in Anambra, call me. I will market it for you.
“CNG-powered vehicles and buses are the future. In the chairman’s speech, he mentioned that they are scaling up to electric cars, which is zero emission and fit into our clean, green, and sustainable environment,” Governor Soludo concluded.
Earlier, the Chairman of Kojo Motors, Mr. Ikenna Onuegbu, said that their company believes in growth and innovation, and aims to advertise Anambra through their products.
He stated that the plant will create direct and indirect jobs, as well as enhance technological development by using CNG as fuel, which he explained is a cleaner and more efficient alternative to petrol.
He added that the plant will also embrace electric cars in the near future.
The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, Commissioner for Industry, Mr Christian Udechukwu, Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Barr. Anthony Ifeanya, Managing Director, ANSIPPA, Mr Mark Okoye, Commissioner for Transport, Barrister Patricia Igwebuike, Chief of Protocol and Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Chinedu Nwoye, Chairman Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Lady Ada Chidozie, Traditional Ruler of Umunya, Igwe Kris Chinedu Onyekwuluje, among others attended the event.