Stakeholders of the four host communities to the proposed Brand New Abakaliki Cement Factory have declared their support for the administration of Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, endorsing him for a second term in office in 2027 while reaffirming their commitment to the successful implementation of the multi-billion-naira industrial project.
The position was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of a stakeholders' meeting held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at the residence of former Senator representing Ebonyi Central Senatorial District, Senator Obinna Ogba, in Nkalagu.
The communiqué was presented to journalists on Monday in Abakaliki by Senator Ogba on behalf of the stakeholders.
The forum, comprising representatives of the four landlord communities of Umuhuali, Nkalaha, Nkalagu and Amezu, commended Governor Nwifuru for what it described as his visionary leadership and determination to restore the state's industrial base through the establishment of the new Abakaliki Cement Factory.
The stakeholders applauded the governor for personally inspecting the proposed factory site alongside Chinese contractors before his investment mission to China, noting that the visit culminated in the award of the contract for the project, the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA), and the mobilisation of contractors to commence implementation.
According to the communiqué, "These milestones are clear evidence of Your Excellency's commitment to fulfilling your campaign promises and building a prosperous future for the people of Ebonyi State."
The communities described the proposed cement factory as a landmark project capable of transforming the state's economy through job creation, increased commercial activities, technology transfer, improved internally generated revenue and enhanced industrial development.
"The establishment of the Brand New Abakaliki Cement Factory represents a historic turning point in the economic development of Ebonyi State. Beyond restoring the legacy of cement production, this landmark project will stimulate infrastructure development, encourage local content participation, strengthen the construction industry, boost commercial activities, improve household incomes and attract additional local and foreign investments," the communiqué stated.
The stakeholders also pledged to provide a peaceful and secure environment for the execution of the project, assuring both the Ebonyi State Government and contractors of their full cooperation throughout the implementation process.
"We reaffirm our total confidence in the administration of His Excellency and pledge our unwavering support for the successful implementation of the Brand New Abakaliki Cement Factory Project.
"We assure the Ebonyi State Government and the contractors of our commitment to maintaining peace, unity, security and a conducive environment necessary for the successful execution and operation of the project," the communiqué added.
On the issue of representation, the forum insisted that only the four landlord communities, acting collectively through their Stakeholders' Forum, were authorised to speak on matters concerning the land for the proposed cement factory.
It urged the government, investors and the general public to disregard any contrary statements issued by individuals or groups outside the recognised forum, saying such comments neither reflected the position of the host communities nor advanced the interest of the project.
According to the communiqué, "Any publication, communiqué, press statement, social media publication or public commentary issued by any individual, association or group outside this recognised Stakeholders' Forum should be disregarded by the Government, investors and the general public."
The stakeholders also unanimously adopted Governor Nwifuru as their preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election, citing what they described as his achievements in infrastructure, industrialisation, education, healthcare, agriculture, security, youth and women empowerment, human capital development and equitable distribution of development projects across the state.
They further resolved to mobilise lawful and democratic support within the four communities to ensure the governor's re-election.
In addition, the forum passed a vote of confidence on Governor Nwifuru, praising his leadership and commitment to the economic transformation of Ebonyi State.
The stakeholders, however, appealed to the state government to sustain regular consultations with leaders of the four landlord communities on all issues relating to the planning, negotiations, implementation and operation of the proposed cement factory.
They maintained that continuous engagement would strengthen transparency, mutual trust and community ownership, thereby guaranteeing the long-term success of the project.
The communiqué concluded with a call on all indigenes of Umuhuali, Nkalaha, Nkalagu and Amezu communities to remain peaceful, united and law-abiding in support of the project, expressing confidence that the cement factory would deliver significant socio-economic benefits to the host communities, Ebonyi State and the country at large.
