.
By Uche Aguoru
The present day Abia state, under the then Imo state had the enviable reputation of being the industrial and manufacturing base of the geographical location known today as south east and South South, and only in competition with states like Lagos in the west and Kano in the North, there was a huge presence of industrial clusters both in the medium and large scale categories in the town then referred to as the japan of Africa because of the ingenuity of those living and doing business in Aba.
In the early seventies and late eighties aba was the home of every Igbo millionaire and it is arguable if there is any successful Igbo businessman both in commerce and industry that his business does not have its roots in aba, Aba played host to multinationals such as international equitable industries ltd, PZ industries ltd, Nigerian breweries ltd, Niger garments ltd, Onwuka Interbiz ltd, Bata Nigeria ltd etc., while industries like modern ceramics ltd, Golden Guinea breweries ltd, and the leading transport companies as at that time Chidiebere transport ltd and Ekene dilichukwu Nigeria ltd had their headquarters domiciled in Umuahia.
Early research shows that Aba also known as the Enyimba city houses the largest number of cottage industries and local manufacturing firms across the west coast of Africa, it is also the commercial destination of all west African and central African states of Cameroun, Niger, Chad, Benin republic etc. while traders across the federation visit aba on daily basis for different types of business transactions making Abia a destination of choice in commerce and industry.
But due to neglect, lack of foresight and purposeful leadership, laziness and deficiency in creative and visionary thinking and leadership, aba has become the direct opposite of what it was ,exposing the lack of intelligence and vision of present day leaders to sustain the foundation of wealth and development that our fathers laid for us and making it a matter of debate if actually our forefathers are not more intelligent and smarter than our generation of leaders who are all reliant on handouts from our crude oil dependent economy.
The drop in the price of crude oil has thrown the entire country into unmitigated confusion, that it takes only states with smart and creative governors to meet up with salaries and at the same time developing infrastructure, our businessmen no longer invest in the manufacturing sector preferring to trade with their money for quicker gains and turn over while overlooking the long term benefits of manufacturing both to the investor and the society, it takes one with genuine appetency for the development of his society like Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah to take up the challenge of domiciling a multi-billion naira investment in a state like Abia where all the catalysts necessary for an industry to grow is absent.
Dr. Ogah has the option of citing the master energy industrial complex in some other cities that their government created the enabling environment capable of growing such an investment to make good and quick profit but he chose Abia as a destination so as to alleviate the sufferings of Abians through job creation.
As at today the first phase of master energy industries at Onuaku Uturu in Isuikwuato LGA has in his employ a direct engagement of 6000 employees with an indirect engagement of almost same number thereby making him the leading industrial giant and the biggest employer of labour in Abia state and beyond.
The first phase of the facility at the moment is housing a Noodles plant, which has been rated the best in Africa because of its Vegetable and African spices and it’s in high demand abroad, the Plastic Company produces Jherry Cans, cloth Hangers, bowls, plastic plates and Cups, plastic seats and tables with high quality masters Overhead tanks, the facility also houses a Lubricant manufacturing plant, a Vegetable oil plant, Transformer oil plant, and Gear oil plant, masters Industries is also into the production of high quality PVC pipes, plumbing accessories, and tricycle assembly plant.
There is also an Organic fertilizer plant where waste is being turned into wealth, a toothpick manufacturing industry and a table water factory all domiciled within the masters energy industrial complex.
Going round the facility took about three hours and left almost every one of us tired, exhausted and panting we gulped down some refreshing master energy table water, after which Dr. Ogah informed the team that we just witnessed the first phase of the industrial complex and showed us where caterpillars, steel fitters and brick layers are already working on the second phase of the project with most of the materials needed for takeoff already on ground.
On inquiry from Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah on why he had to locate such a gigantic factory in his home town rather than take it to Lagos or Abuja where there is an already made enabling ground and huge market for ease of business and bigger profit, he told me that his decision was based on his belief and love for Abia and his efforts at ensuring the industrialization and development of Abia state in all facets, he said that you do not need to be a governor or be in government to add value to the lives of your people.
For him it’s about creating jobs and getting Abians gainfully employed while adding to the overall development of Abia state.
Aguoru
Writes from Umuahia
