Diaspora Investment at Home, Critical to Development of Local Economy – Ikpeazu

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has commissioned a plant for the production of Medical and Industrial Oxygen built by an Abia Medical Doctor based in the United States of America, with a call to other Diaspora Abians to get involved in the economic development of the State. The plant is the first of its kind in the State.

Commissioning the Oxygen Plant today at Amapu Umunwulu, Obingwa LGA Governor Ikpeazu extolled the vision and commitment of the investor to give Abians better lives and described the investment as one of the numerous dividends occasioned by the sustained peace and security that have characterized his administration.

Governor Ikpeazu represented by his Chief of Staff – Chief Okey Ahiwe, encouraged others in the diaspora to think home and embark on investments that will add value to the citizens and advised the Host Community to ensure adequate security of the Oxygen Plant. The Governor assured Abians both at home and abroad that his administration shall continue to partner with genuine investors who are interested in establishing economic activities that will help create jobs dor our teeming youths.

In his address, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Joe Osuji represented by the Permanent Secretary – Deaconess Franca Ekwueme said the Oxygen Plant which is the first to be established in the state has replicated other health facilities of Governor Ikpeazu administration in the state noting that it is a distinctive project aimed at strengthening the health system and is affordable and sustainable.

In a goodwill message, a former Deputy Governor – Rt Hon Eric Acho Nwakanma thanked the Governor for providing adequate security that has attracted Foreign-based Investors to the state and as well reduce unemployment and crime while the State Chairman of Private Hospital Doctors – Dr Ben Kuba said that the establishment of the Oxygen Plant in the state has reduced the risk of going to others states to source for Oxygen and promised of their partnership with Neu-Dyx.

Speaking, the Obingwa local government Chairman – Mrs Uloma Nwogu and Elder Chimezie Ikpeaba who spoke on behalf of the Host Community Amapu Umunwulu Village, Isiala Mbato Autonomous Community thanked the investor – Dr Emeka Nwakanma for siting the project in their area assuring of adequate security while appealing for the employment of their indigenes to work in the Plant.

Presenting his address, the Investor and CEO Neu-Dyx Global Investment Limited – Dr Emeka Nwakanma said the establishment of the Medical and Industrial oxygen Plant follows the ugly experiences Patients and hospitals pass through as a result of shortage of Oxygen in the state resulting to high cost and deaths of some citizens.

He said that the company produces purified medical oxygen made with stainless steel material at the percentage recommended by World Health Organization at a reduced rate that will transcend to a lower cost burden to the patients that need them at the hospitals and for private use.

The guests ar the event were taken on a facility tour of the plant with detailed explanations on the production processes.

Wife of the Governor, Dr Nkechi Ikpeazu, Honorable Commissioners for Trade and Investment, Chief John Okiyi Kalu and his Women Affairs counterpart, Mrs Joy Urenta, Executive Secretary of the Abia State Diaspora Commissiin, Dr. Mrs Ngozi Ogbonna-Erondu , as well as other important guests were present at the event.

Sir Onyebuchi Ememanka
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.
14th July, 2022.