By Peter Okutu

ABAKALIKI—FORMER Commonwealth Secretary General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, yesterday, called on Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State to extend his developmental efforts towards the resuscitation of the first Nigeria cement factory, NigerCem, which had remained moribund for over 20 years.

Anyaoku who spoke, yesterday, during the 7th edition of an annual lecture series held in his honour at the International Conference Centre, Abakaliki, said  that NigerCem which was once the pride of eastern Nigeria needed to be resuscitated.

Anyaoku

“I urge Governor Umahi and his administration to extend his determination in developing the state by resuscitating what was once the pride of eastern Nigeria, the Nkalagu Cement industry which is the first cement company in Nigeria.”

He also thanked Umahi for graciously accepting to host this year’s edition of the lecture series.

In his remarks, Governor Umahi informed Chief Anyaoku that the government was doing everything possible to revitalize Nigercem factory. Adding that the factory had been handed over to Ibeto cement company for resuscitation.