By Peter Okutu

ABAKALIKI-EBONYI state government weekend signed a pact with IBETO Group of companies and representatives of 4 host communities of Ishielu local government area of Ebonyi state on the revitalization of the Nigeria Cement Company Plc, in the South East which had been moribund since 2003.

From left— Ebonyi State PDP Chairman, Mr. Onyekachi Nwebonyi; President/ Chairman of Board, African Export Import Bank, Cairo, Egypt, Dr. Benedict Oramah; Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State; Chairman, NIGERCEM and Ibeto Group, Chief Cletus Ibeto; Speaker, Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Francis Nwifuru, and Executive Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Export Promotion Council, Mr. Olusegun Awolowo, at a meeting in Abakaliki.

The occasion which was tagged signing of Deed of Understanding/terms of Settlement between the Nigeria Cement Company Plc and Representatives of the four host communities of Nkalagu, Nkalaha, Umuhuali, Amaezu and Ebonyi State government at International Conference Centre, ICC, Abakaliki laid to rest issues surrounding the revamping of NIGERCEM by the present administration in the state.

Recall that the former administration of Governor Martin Elechi had said that NIGERCEM was moribund and couldn’t be revitalized as it vowed not to handover the cement company to IBETO group of companies.

But knowing the hyper-economic importance, its pride of place within the South East geopolitical zone and employment opportunities inherent in such a pact, Governor David Umahi immediately inaugurated Ebonyi State Production Implementation Committee which worked tirelessly to see to the realization of resuscitating NIGERCEM to its full potential.

The parties involved took their turn to sign the deed of Understanding/term of settlement which comprised IBETO’s social responsibilities to the host communities and the state and withdrawal of cases from the court as it concerned NIGERCEM.

With the signing of the pact, it is believed that within 27 months that NIGERCEM would not only kick start production of quality cement but also carry out infrastructural development of the company and engage in massive employment of the people of the state.

In his remarks, the Chairman of IBETO group of Companies, Dr. Cletus Ibeto who described the occasion as historical expressed optimism that with the future upgrade and operational standards of NIGERCEM, the glory of the company would be restored in Igbo land.

“I never believed such ceremony will take place today in Ebonyi. Am thrilled by this crowd; by the grace of God, it won’t be long and we will start realizing the dividend of NIGERCEM.”

In a keynote speech, Governor David Umahi. Of Ebonyi state who was full of thanks to God for the successful signing of the pact by all the parties involved appreciated the host communities, committee members, IBETO group of companies and the executive members for their contributions in the epoch making event.

He assured the core investor of adequate security and conducive environment as it works towards realizing its vision and key objectives behind the establishment of NIGERCEM.

Also, the Senator representing Ebonyi central zone, Chief Obinna Ogba and the Senior Special Assistant, SSA to Governor Umahi on cement production, Sunday Ugwuocha who expressed joy over the exercise noted that the taking over of NIGERCEM by IBETO would have a positive impact on the lives of Ebonyi people, economically and otherwise.