Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, has assured the owners of International Equitable Association (IEA), Aba, that the state Government will do whatever is necessary to bring the renowned soap and detergent making factory back to full production.
Governor Ikpeazu who gave the assurance when he received a delegation of the owners of the company, led by Pastor Sola Ajayi, at the Governor’s Lodge, Aba, assured them of the determination of his administration to support the resuscitation of ailing manufacturing companies in order to further boost the job creation agenda of his administration.
According to him, “I grew up knowing IEA as a strong player in the manufacturing sector in Aba and nothing will make me happier than contributing to the revival of the company the same way we supported Golden Guinea to bounce back to life. We are ready to provide security, accommodation, tax waivers as well as help the company obtain needed finance to accelerate its return.”
Governor Ikpeazu has also directed the immediate commencement of reconstruction of Nicholas Street, Aba, where the company is situated to support the revival efforts of the company.
Speaking earlier, Pastor Ajayi who was accompanied on the visit by Dr Okey Akpa, Director IEA, Barr Nkem Odidika and Chief Ndubuisi Onyekwulu, highlighted the plans of the owners of IEA to ensure its early return which hitherto had over one thousand workers in its employ, to full operation and requested support from the state government to enable them overcome challenges militating against the resuscitation of the company.
He applauded the Governor for his focus on industrialization of the state and expressed the determination of the expatriate owners of the company to ensure early return to full operational capacity of the factory.
Also present during the meeting were Chief Uwaoma Olewengwa and Chief John Okiyi Kalu, Abia State Commissioners for Industry and Information respectively.
