By ANAYO OKOLI

UMUAHIA—In efforts to revive its ailing industries and create job for the youths, Abia State government has handed over to a private firm, Imoniyame Holdings Limited, the state-owned Rubber Estate at Ameke Abam in Arochukwu Local Government Area.

Handing over the rubber plantation, Monday, Governor Theodore Orji urged the host community to work harmoniously with the company to achieve higher result in rubber production and create more jobs.

According to him, management of the estate by a private investor will bring greater efficiency to running and utilization of the abundant rubber resources for the benefit of indigenes of the area and state at large.

Governor Orji explained that government alone could not solve all the socio-economic and unemployment problems facing the people, adding that informed the need to engage the service of the private sectors through public private partnership.

The governor noted that the company had done well in the management of rubber production, processing, and said this prompted its hand over.

He described the hand over ceremony as another milestone in his administration’s avowed interest in agricultural transformation as a way of boosting the economy.

Orji also expressed hope that the company would live up to  expectation.

The governor later signed a memorandum of understanding with the company to signify the take-off of the deal.