The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ebonyi State, Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, has unveiled an industrialisation blueprint focused on job creation, local production, agriculture, transportation development and support for small and medium-scale businesses ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Key Highlights:
- Odii promises to transform Chuba Okadigbo International Airport into a cargo hub.
- PDP candidate unveils plan to revive Ezzangbo Industrial Estate.
- Promises reduction of dependence on imported goods through local production.
- Plans independent power projects using agricultural waste such as rice husk.
- Proposes modern transport terminals across Ebonyi’s 13 LGAs.
Odii presented the economic plan when he hosted market women, members of the Nigeria Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), scrap dealers and leaders of various artisan groups at his residence in Banana Island, Lagos.
The 2023 PDP governorship candidate said his administration, if elected, would reposition Ebonyi State as a major commercial and industrial centre in the South-East through strategic investments in aviation, manufacturing, agriculture and entrepreneurship.
Plan to Transform Ebonyi Airport into Cargo Hub
Odii disclosed that he had begun exploring ways to transform the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport into a major cargo airport capable of supporting direct importation and distribution of goods.
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He said the facility could become a gateway for businesses by allowing traders and companies to receive goods directly in Ebonyi instead of depending on other commercial centres.
The airport has previously hosted commercial flight operations, including scheduled services by United Nigeria Airlines between Onueke, Lagos and Abuja.
According to Odii, the cargo airport project would attract Chinese and other international companies to establish stronger business links with Ebonyi.
He said the plan would turn the state’s international market into a major distribution centre for traders across Nigeria while reducing dependence on overseas trips for business transactions.
Ezzangbo Industrial Estate Revival Plan
The PDP candidate also promised to revive the Ezzangbo Industrial Estate by creating a business-friendly environment for local and foreign investors.
He said the industrial estate would accommodate manufacturers, artisans, suppliers and service providers within an integrated economic ecosystem capable of creating thousands of jobs.
Odii referenced the industrial vision of the late Premier of the Eastern Region, Dr Michael Okpara, who promoted industrial growth through interconnected factories and businesses.
He said the Nigerian Civil War disrupted that economic vision but argued that Ebonyi could rebuild a production-driven economy based on manufacturing, employment and regional commerce.
He promised that his administration would pursue policies aimed at reducing the state’s dependence on imported goods by increasing local production.
“Land will be allocated to companies to establish industries,” Odii said, adding that incentives would be provided to attract investors.
Rice Husk Power Project, Livestock Development
Odii also promised to establish independent power projects that would convert rice husk and other agricultural waste into electricity.
He said Ebonyi’s position as a major rice-producing state provided an opportunity to turn agricultural waste into a valuable energy resource while supporting industrial growth.
The PDP candidate further pledged to revitalise the Muturu Cow Multiplication Centre in Oshiri to increase livestock production and reduce dependence on cattle transported from other parts of Nigeria.
He said the broader objective was to make Ebonyi more self-sufficient in production and reduce the movement of essential goods from outside the state.
Promise to Address Multiple Taxation
On challenges facing traders, Odii promised to tackle multiple taxation at the international market.
He said his administration would streamline taxes and levies to create a predictable business environment where entrepreneurs could operate without unnecessary financial burdens.
According to him, government should support businesses rather than create obstacles that discourage investment.
Transport Development Plan
Odii announced plans to construct modern bus terminals across Ebonyi’s 13 local government areas.
He said the terminals would improve passenger safety, organise transport operations and provide better facilities for drivers and commuters.
He also promised an insurance scheme for transport users and a pension arrangement for drivers and conductors.
The PDP candidate said his administration would explore partnerships with vehicle manufacturing and assembly companies to establish vehicle assembly operations in Abakaliki.
He added that incentives would be introduced to make locally assembled vehicles more affordable for transport operators.
Recycling Industry and Scrap Dealers
Speaking to scrap dealers, Odii said their activities contribute to environmental protection by removing recyclable materials from communities.
He promised to attract recycling companies to Ebonyi so that scrap materials would be processed locally rather than transported to other states.
According to him, developing recycling industries would create jobs, reduce transportation costs and keep more economic value within the state.
Odii’s Position on NIGERCEM Revival
On the controversy surrounding the Nigerian Cement Company (NIGERCEM), Nkalagu, Odii said his administration would review existing agreements and partnerships before committing public funds to the facility.
He said he preferred a private-sector-driven approach that would ensure sustainability and accountability.
His comments came amid the Ebonyi State Government’s reported plans to revive cement production in Nkalagu, including a proposed ₦150 billion cement factory project.
Odii criticised Governor Francis Nwifuru’s approach to the cement project, arguing that government must first establish the right framework before investing heavily in industrial ventures.
Odii’s Economic Vision for Ebonyi
The meeting provided Odii an opportunity to present his campaign message as an economic development agenda centred on production, investment and enterprise.
He told market women, transport workers, artisans and other economic groups that government should become a facilitator of business growth rather than focus mainly on regulation and taxation.
The PDP candidate repeatedly emphasised the need for Ebonyi to produce, process and recycle more goods locally instead of relying heavily on imports.
His proposed economic strategy links agriculture, aviation, transportation, manufacturing, energy and commerce into a single development framework.
Leaders of the various groups who attended the meeting commended Odii’s focus on industrialisation and job creation, expressing support for policies aimed at expanding opportunities for traders, artisans and business owners.
However, the success of the proposed blueprint will depend on effective implementation, financing arrangements and the ability to attract investors capable of supporting the projects.
