Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC),Asiwaju Ahmed :Bola Tinubu, has promised to boost the economy of Enugu state and make Enugu the regional hub of Nigeria”s manufacturing sector, saying that the state has friendly climate good for economic development.
He made the promise while addressing party supporters at his presidential campaign held at the Michael Okpara Square on Wednesday.
He said,”Nothing will stop us if we are determined to make this state a regional hub of Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.
“Enugu is a richly endowed state with some of the most talented and able people you can find anywhere. You have an enlightened and progressive outlook. You are creative and inventive. You are not content with tomorrow being the same as yesterday.
“Incredible mineral resources lay at your very feet. These resources can fuel economic growth and recovery. Enugu has the largest deposits of coal nationwide. We cannot be afraid to put these deposits to use to fuel industries and light homes.
“The climate is sweet here. The soil is fertile. The state has the potential to be an agrarian powerhouse, producing and exporting an array of cash crops. This will increase our foreign reserves while raising the standard of living with better paying jobs.
“Let us not forget the progress that is the trademark of Enugu regarding the production, assembly and manufacturing of machinery. There is so much potential here. You are a beacon of hope, a lantern shining the way to a greater and better society.”
He urged Nigerians yet to collect their Permanent Voter Cards to do so, noting that is the card that can liberate them and give them renewed hope,
Speaking on his plan for Enugu State if elected president, Tinubu said he would make the state an international export hub and a tourism destination.
His words, “I dream of an Enugu State where agriculture is flourishing, and national and international exportation is the norm. I envision a state where manufacturing and production are booming. Where domestic and international automobile, heavy machinery and other companies set up assembly plants.
“In this visionary state, tourism will be a major source of income. People will travel far and wide to watch their favourite teams play at the Nnamdi International Azikiwe Stadium, to enjoy a game of golf at the Enugu Golf Club and to visit the National Museum of Unity.
“I dream of an Enugu State where the intelligent, talented and hardworking citizens standing before me today have access to quality education, affordable healthcare, lucrative jobs and real opportunities.
“My industrial master plan encourages domestic manufacturers and producers. My administration will create the right business environment through lower import tariffs on the semi-manufactured inputs needed to increase manufacturing here. We will provide tax credits and reduce interest rate loans for businesses. Youth employment will be increased through employer credits and on-the-job training,” he added.
“I am determined to solve insecurity at the state, regional and national levels. Citizens will no longer fear bandits, kidnappers, and terrorists. I will increase our security forces, upgrade tactical communications and transportation, improve our surveillance and protection of critical places and facilities like marketplaces and roads. Those who seek to do harm will be tracked down and will know no rest until they change their violent ways,.
*States need more authority and resources to spur grassroots democracy and development.S Statesmust have more of a say regarding law enforcement. State police and other measures will be explored,” he said.
Speaking, the South-East Coordinator of Tinubu/Shettima Campaign and governor of Imo state, Senator Hope Uzodimma, ssid the people needed a courageous leader who can take bold decisions and guarantee fairness and justice, adding that Asíwájú Tinubu is such a leader.
“We cannot follow a vehicle that has no tyre. Even when you push it, it’s going nowhere,” he said.
On his part, Ebonyi State Governor Dave Umahi who is also the Coordinator, South for the campaign, said the people of the zone “should be obedient to APC and Jagaban and no one else.”
Party chieftains at the rally included the APC Deputy National Chairman, South, Emma Enekwu, who stood in for the Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, former governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, former governor of Akwa Ibom, Senator Godswill Akpabio, former Speaker, House of Representatives Dimeji Bankole and APC National Woman Leader Beta Edu, party chieftains Kashim Ibrahim-Imam , Gbazuagu Nweze Gbazuagu, among others. Meanwhile the APC leaders in Enugu state, former governor of Enugu state,Sullivan Chime, Senator Ken Nnamani, former speakerof Enugu state House of Assembly Rt.Hon. Eugene Odoh, minister of foreign affairs, Geoffrey Omyeama were not at the rally for some reasons.