The Chairman of Ishielu Local Government Area in Ebonyi State, Hon. Mrs. Ifeoma Peace Agwu, has lauded Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru’s bold initiative to revive the dormant Nigeria Cement Company (NIGERCEM) in Nkalagu, describing the move as a transformative step toward economic revitalization, youth empowerment, and crime reduction.
In a statement on Saturday, Agwu said the governor’s action aligns with his administration’s commitment to rewriting the wrongs of the past and restoring public confidence through purposeful governance.
She noted that reactivating the NIGERCEM factory, which has remained inactive for decades, holds tremendous potential for job creation, economic emancipation, and infrastructural growth, not just for Ishielu LGA, but for Ebonyi State at large.
“This bold step by His Excellency is not just a political milestone, but a lifeline to many youths who have been victims of unemployment and idleness. The revival of NIGERCEM will help curtail youth restiveness, reduce crime, and spark economic activities within our communities,” the council boss said.
Agwu assured of her council’s full support in ensuring that adequate security and a conducive working environment are provided once operations resume at the factory site.
Her remarks followed the governor’s recent announcement during a Sunday church service at the Government House Chapel in Abakaliki, where he unveiled a 15-member committee to oversee the reactivation of the Nkalagu-based cement plant.
Governor Nwifuru mandated the committee to engage relevant stakeholders, investors, and shareholders in formulating actionable strategies for restarting production. He gave the committee a two-week deadline to submit its recommendations.
The committee is made up of notable personalities including Mrs. Catherine Ogbu, Prof. Adline Idike, Hon. Iduma Igariwey, Associate Prof. Ben Odoh, Hon. Sunday Eze, Sen. Chris Nwankwo, Sen. Ken Eze, Sen. Antony Ani, Sen. Onyekachi Nwebonyi, Engr. Elias Mbam, Sen. Sonni Ogbuoji, Barr. Roy Umahi (SAN), Sen. Obinna Ogba, Sen. Sylvanus Ngiji Ngele, and Chief Ben Okah.
Governor Nwifuru, in reaffirming his promise to the people of Nkalagu, said:
“I assured the community during my campaign that NIGERCEM would be revived within my first term, and I remain committed to fulfilling that promise.”
Beyond the NIGERCEM revival, the governor also underscored his administration’s dedication to infrastructure renewal, urban development, and expanding industrial capacity across the state.
He disclosed that land would soon be allocated to credible investors at the Ezzangbo Industrial City as part of efforts to stimulate private-sector-led industrialization in Ebonyi. A Town Hall meeting, he added, would soon be held to engage stakeholders on the best approach to advancing the state’s industrial growth.
He called on Ebonyians at home and abroad to take advantage of the industrialization drive by investing in projects that will generate employment and increase the state’s revenue base.
