By Brenda Chidinma Imo-Eze
As Ebonyi State celebrates its 28th anniversary, the Chairman of the Scrap Dealers Association, Nwigwe Eric Ejike, has called for a major shift in the state’s economic strategy—urging the government to spearhead an industrial revolution.
In an exclusive interview with SpringNews, Nwigwe acknowledged the progress Ebonyi has made under various administrations but emphasized that the state must now focus on building industries to secure its future and reduce youth dependence on government and politics.
Nwigwe praised former Governor Engr. David Umahi for his achievements in infrastructure development and commended the current Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, for prioritizing human capital development. However, he was quick to point out that while government efforts have been significant, they are not enough to provide sustainable opportunities for the growing population.
Stating “what I plead to the state is to help us bring foreign investors, bring in more companies, because government work cannot sustain all of us, by the time we have companies in different localities or rural areas, it will bring development and we will have more job opportunities in the state, so everybody must not depend on what we are getting from government.”
“Industries can help us solve many problems. For instance, if we establish clothing manufacturing companies here in Ebonyi, it will cut transportation costs and make life easier for everyone,” he explained.
Nwigwe also emphasized that industrialization would reduce the increasing reliance of young people on political patronage for survival. “Once there are industries, the youth will have alternatives outside of government or politics.
He referenced neighboring states like Enugu and Anambra, which have successfully industrialized, noting how this has positively impacted their economies and reduced unemployment. “Those states have been able to provide opportunities for their young people through industries. Ebonyi needs to do the same if we want to secure the future of our youth,” Nwigwe stated.
In his final remarks, he also extended his plea to the federal government to revisit economic policies, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies, which he said had added immense pressure on the average Nigerian citizen. “We are calling on the federal government to ease the economic burden. The cost of living is high, and salary earners are struggling to survive,” he said.