Ebonyi State has recorded another milestone in its industrialisation drive with the commissioning of a 120-tonnes-per-hour asphalt production plant established by Ayigold Investment Limited at Idembia, Ishieke, in Ebonyi Local Government Area.
The state-of-the-art facility is expected to boost road infrastructure development, create employment opportunities, stimulate local economic growth and provide quality asphalt for government and private road construction projects across the state and neighbouring states.
Commissioning the facility, renowned industrialist and elder statesman, Arc. Edward Nkwegu, described the investment as a practical demonstration of the importance of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in driving economic growth and employment generation.
He commended the management of Ayigold Investment Limited for choosing Ebonyi as the location of the investment, noting that the project would significantly strengthen the state's industrial base.
"This is one of the things we have always advocated, that we should encourage micro, small and medium enterprises because they are the engine room of every economy and the greatest employers of labour," Nkwegu said.
"This investment will generate employment, add value to our local resources and contribute significantly to road infrastructure development. I am particularly impressed that the machine was produced locally, reducing dependence on imported equipment."
He urged residents of the host community to continue protecting the facility while calling on government agencies, contractors and private developers to patronise the company.
"I want to call on all those involved in road construction to patronise this company. It is a credible alternative that will reduce capital flight and strengthen our local economy. The community should also continue to ensure the security of this investment because it belongs to all of us," he added.
Earlier, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Ayigold Investment Limited, Mr. Godwin Ayibam Ese, said the commissioning marked the commencement of full commercial production of asphalt in Ebonyi State.
He disclosed that the plant has a production capacity of 120 tonnes per hour and would serve both public and private sector clients.
"By the grace of God, we are officially opening this asphalt plant today so that we can commence production. This facility is open to everyone. Government agencies, contractors and private individuals can come here, purchase quality asphalt and execute their projects," Ese said.
He explained that the investment would contribute to reducing unemployment in the state.
"We have already employed members of the host community, and as our operations expand, more people will be engaged. Our goal is to contribute meaningfully to the development of Ebonyi State through quality infrastructure support and job creation," he added.
Also speaking, the Director of Ayigold Investment Limited, Mr. Igwe Eze Chikodiri, said the project commenced about two years ago after the company identified a gap in the state's industrial sector.
According to him, the decision to locate the facility in Ebonyi was influenced by the favourable investment climate created by the state government.
"He identified a gap and decided to bring this investment to complement what the government is doing. Ebonyi has been kind to him, and he resolved that this project must remain in the state," Chikadoli said.
He disclosed that the company has already employed over 22 workers and urged more investors to take advantage of the state's business-friendly environment.
"This company has already created over 22 direct jobs, and there is room for more. Ebonyi is ripe for investment, and anyone who invests here will certainly smile," he stated.
The producer of the asphalt plant, Mr. Vijay Prakash, said the equipment was manufactured locally at his production facility in Enugu State.
He explained that local production of such heavy industrial equipment would reduce dependence on imported machinery and eliminate huge shipping costs.
"We manufacture asphalt plants and other construction equipment in Nigeria. Producing these machines locally helps reduce importation costs and makes the equipment more accessible to Nigerian companies," he said.
Offering prayers during the commissioning ceremony, Pastor Taye Johnson described the project as a divine vision that would positively impact lives through infrastructure development.
"I believe this is God's vision for humanity. Road infrastructure is one of the greatest drivers of development, and this factory will contribute immensely to the growth of Ebonyi State. I encourage everyone to patronise the company," he said.
Mrs. Joy Ayibam Ese, wife of the Managing Director, said the decision to establish the company in Ebonyi was borne out of gratitude to the state where the business had flourished.
"God has blessed us in this state, and we felt it was only right to establish this investment here. We hope this project will encourage young people to embrace hard work, consistency and entrepreneurship," she said.
The commissioning ceremony attracted industrialists, contractors, business leaders, traditional stakeholders and members of the host community, who described the investment as a major boost to Ebonyi State's industrialisation agenda, employment generation and sustainable economic development.
