The Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, has called for partnership between the State and the French Government for the development of the agriculture sector, micro small and medium scale enterprises (MSME), and the Enyimba Economic City Project.
Governor Ikpeazu made the call in a meeting with the French Minister For Trade and Commerce, Franck Riester, in Paris.
Ikpeazu who applauded the existing relationship between the French Government and Abians in particular and Nigeria in general, called for greater engagement in the areas of livestock farming with particular focus on Efi Igbo, vocational training for Abia youths who are willing to engage in agriculture, aquaculture, processing and export of agricultural products as well as support for development of the MSMEs in the state with particular reference to those engaged in export of Made-in-Aba brands.
Ikpeazu while describing the Enyimba Economic City Project as the single biggest development agenda in Nigeria and Africa today and called on the French government and investors to key into the project.
Governor Ikpeazu who has since returned to the country described the trip as highly successful stating that his administration will continue to seek partnerships that will ultimately ensure better life for the people of the state.
“Our focus remains to bequeath a better Abia to the people of the state who trusted us with their mandate and this trip is one of many such efforts. We are hopeful that a lot of positives will come out of the engagement”, he said.
Delegates with the governor at the meeting included the Coordinator of Abia State Education for Employment (E4E) Agency, Mr Ndubuisi Endi Ezengwa, Commissioner Nominee and former Commisioner for Agricuiture, Prof Ikpechukwu Mgbeoji, Cordinator of Abia Livestock Farmers Association, Dr Uchenna Onyeizu, agricuitural expert, Chief Nonso Ogbunamiri, a member of Abia Livestock Farmers Association, Chief Okey Ahaiwe, etc.
The visit which was facilitated by the French Embassy in Nigeria also reviewed the planned establishment of a TVET Village at Nsulu in partnership with Schneider Electric of France.
Other areas that were discussed included:
- Waste to Energy project
- Bamboo plantation, production and its value chain
- Solar electricity generation
- Solar street lighting
