By Cajetan Mmuta
The Federal Government on Tuesday expressed commitment towards boosting improved commercial and economic environment with the completion of all federal government projects in the southeast geo-political zone.

Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo stated this while commissioning an ultra-modern, multifunctional and digital leather industrial hub built and equipped through joint efforts of the federal and state governments in Ogbunike in Oyi local government area of the state.

The shared facility between the federal and state government is geared towards the enhancement of industrialization drives in Anambra State in the area of shoe and other leather production.

The Federal Government had fulfilled its promise to equip a one-stop – center that would house ultra-modern industrial shoe-making hubs with cutting-edge technology.

Prof. Osinbajo said that both governments would not relent in making the area conducive for investment.

He maintained that the essence of the facility was to ensure that small businesses get opportunities to sophisticated equipment.

The Minister of Trade, Investment, and Industry Ambassador Mariam Katagum said the federal government was committed to empowering Nigerians, assuring that the project was a step in the right direction.

Governor Willie Obiano in his speech said the economic benefits of the complex were enormous and that it would create jobs with hundreds of small businesses while boosting a huge impact on the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the state.

The governor also expressed joy that the complex with an in-built factory is fully equipped with the latest technology for shoemaking..
He explained that the process of manufacturing shoes in the state is fully automated from start to finish which according to him is compared to the highest shoemaking processes in the advanced countries.

The managing director of Anambra State Small Business Agency, Mr. Clement Chukwuka who lauded the Federal Government for the creation and effective management of the national MSME’s programs that resulted in the provision of shoe and leather making digital equipment.

He said the agency had judiciously and prudently utilized two billion niara MSMEs from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to achieve the feat.

Nigeria’s leather industry capable of generating $1bn by 2025 – Osinbajo

He however maintained that the project would be a legacy project with multiplier effects to the state and the nation in general, stressing that there was the need for the shoemakers to apply strong professionalism in the management of the edifice .

The Chairman of the market Mr. Clement commended the government for making their work easier and called for the availability of loans to them for efficient service delivery.