FIC Report (Nasarawa State) – As part of the initiatives of his administration to attract investors into Nasarawa State, Governor Abdullahi Sule has presented the Certificate of Occupancy (CofO) for a piece of land hosting the over eighty billion dollars state-of-the-art, 70 tons per day, paper mill.
A visibly excited Governor Sule presented the CofO during the groundbreaking for the Euphoria 3-Mega projects, in Angwan- Jarmai in Kokona Local Government Area on Friday.
The Governor said it has always been his vision to contribute to the industrialization of Nasarawa State, with the groundbreaking for the construction of the high-end security printing press, paper mill and integrated farm by Euphoria Group Limited, as a clear manifestation of the realisation of his dream for the state.
While handing over the CofO to Abdullahi Girei, President/CEO, Euphoria Group Limited, Governor Sule said the gesture is to encourage investors to come into the state.
He commended the company for choosing Nasarawa State to invest, urging the host communities to consider the investment as their own and to protect it.
The Governor equally commended the MD/CEO of the Nasarawa State Investment Development Agency (NASIDA), Ibrahim Abdullahi for midwifing the initiative to fruition.
He explained that he was particularly excited because of the opportunity presented by the investment in the area of transfer of technology, with the machines and equipment to be brought from Germany the first of its kind in the West African sub region.
“The technology will give our own people the opportunity to learn, to be able to pick up the skill, just like our dear friend and partner, Adnand has mentioned, this is the first time West Africa is going to see this kind of machine from Germany. It means we are going to have equipment that our people are going to learn before many of such equipment are brought into the country. Our people will be able to learn about the machines and be positioned to be employed anywhere such machines are installed. For me, this is one of the motivating factors behind this project,” he stated.
Governor Sule appealed to the members of the host communities to ensure adequate security for the plant, especially that on completion, the factory will employ over 11, 000 people, mostly youths.
“I thank the community here. I thank the traditional rulers for accepting this. Please take it as your own project. The security of this project should be your concern. Because anybody who wants to touch on the security of this project wants to touch on the security of your own income. This project is beyond A. A. Sule. A. A. Sule will finish and go. The greatest beneficiaries of this project are the host community,” he said.
He disclosed that, as part of the thrust of his administration to industrialize the state, there is no local government that is not seeing investments.
He therefore, called on youths to continue to cooperate with traditional rulers to maintain the peace existing in Keffi Local Government Area.
Governor Sule assured that, as with all other investments coming into the state, the interests of Nasarawa State has been adequately protected under the arrangements leading to the groundbreaking for the Euphoria 3-Mega projects.
“When we discussed the various issues, one of the things that have not been mentioned is the financial transaction. Nasarawa State is doing everything possible to ensure that we do not hold the shorter end of the stick. Whatever is happening, we want to ensure that Nasarawa State is properly compensated,” he said.
Giving an overview of the projects, President/CEO of Euphoria Group Limited, Abubakar Girei, said it consist of a paper mill, security printing press and an integrated farm to produce raw materials for the mill.
“The 3-Mega project we are launching here today represents a landmark investment of over USD80m. But beyond the figure are the lives it would impact and the opportunity it would unlock. These projects are designed to create over 11, 000 jobs, offering meaningful employment to the vibrant youths of Nasarawa State and beyond,” he said.
Also speaking, representative of Koenig and Bauer AG (KBA), a German machines manufacturer, Adnand, the groundbreaking demonstrates the realisation of Governor Slue’s dream to have a state-of-the-art security printing press in Nasarawa State.
Earlier, in a welcome address, MD/CEO of NASIDA, Ibrahim Abdullahi, extolled the leadership qualities of Governor Sule which he said is pivotal to the influx of investors into the state.
“It is with joy and gratitude, first of all, for your leadership. Because everything stands and begins with leadership. You have introduced something very remarkable that will stand tall in the history of Nasarawa State. You have opened up Nasarawa State for investors and investment,” he said.
Abdullahi noted that barely six years ago, Nasarawa State was mostly known as a civil service state but with Governor Sule’s leadership, the state’s growth and trajectory has been repositioned for the better.
“Nasarawa State used to be known as a mere civil service state with so much potential. In just six years getting to seven years, you have changed the history and trajectory of the growth of our dear Nasarawa State in the most remarkable way, and history will be kind to you,” he added.
He appreciated the management of the Euphoria Group for choosing Nasarawa State to establish its project.
“There is going to be a high-end security print, a paper mill, and an integrated farm to produce the raw materials. This project also signifies some groundbreaking by a Nigerian company. We are happy this is happening in Nasarawa State,” he said.
In a goodwill message, the Emir of Keffi, HRH Dr. Shehu Chindo Yamusa III, pledged total cooperation and support from the host communities.
The royal father appreciated the Euphoria Group for choosing the Keffi zone to establish their factory.
“I assure you, we will give you our cooperation and any kind of support you desire to make you achieve the mission and vision of your company,” he said.
The groundbreaking ceremony was witnessed by industry giants, top government functionaries, including Ambassador Mohamadou Musa-Njie, the High Commissioner of the Gambia to Nigeria, Aliyu Tijani Ahmed, Federal Commissioner /Chief Executive Officer of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Deputy National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress and Chairman, National Steel Council, Professor Abdulkarim Abubakar Kana, SAN, the Secretary to the Government of Nasarawa State, Labaran Shuaibu Magaji, PhD, SAN, amongst others.
Signed
ARI, LIMAN AMINU.
HEAD OF CENTRE,
FIC, LAFIA.
