Anambra’s Gov. Peter Obi has urged politicians to play politics of economic development and job creation to improve the living standards of Nigerians.
Obi said this on Tuesday in Onitsha, Anambra while taking federal and state lawmakers from Anambra to inspect projects that would be inaugurated by President Goodluck Jonathan during his official visit to Onitsha on Thursday, Aug. 30.
The projects inspected included the Governor’s Lodge, Onitsha River Port, Ojukwu’s statue on the Bridge-Head axis of Onitsha-Enugu road, Orange Drugs Factory, SAB-Miller breweries, Harbour Industrial road and Kaly-Don distillers’ factory.
He said that politicians should incorporate the private sector, which had the key to sustainable job creation and growth in all their developmental agenda.
“All we did today is, all the members of the National Assembly, House of Representatives from Anambra came and decided to see for themselves what the president is coming to commission.
“As you can see, most of them are private companies, built by entrepreneurs, which if encouraged would create jobs and turn around the economy.
“They have decided to come and see what is happening; so when they are there now in Abuja, and an issue comes up in terms of supporting industries, helping in the issues of power and everything, they would be more committed.
“And this cuts across party lines, even the entrepreneurs cut across different parts.
“Like where we are now, is a company owned by somebody from Omor and we are here to see what is happening.
“And for me, it’s like I said, playing quality politics.’’
Gov. Obi noted that the projects of private companies the president would be commissioning would create 1,500 direct jobs and over 10,000 indirect jobs and its multiplier effect on the families and households in Anambra especially within the Onitsha axis of the state.
?“Because they would create jobs. Growth without job creation will eventually lead to collapse.
“The problem in Nigeria is not that we did not have growth in Nigeria, but it is not creating jobs.
“That is why we are going into agriculture; when we say we are going to resuscitate Omor rice mill, that is 5,000 jobs.
“By the president’s visit in two days time, and commissioning all these facilities, you have almost a 1,500 direct jobs and about 10,000 indirect jobs; that is what is important now.’’
Mrs. Uche Ekwunife, member representing Anaocha/Njikoka/Dunukofia federal constituency of Anambra at the House of Representatives, lauded the governor for his giant strides and his commitment to revitalising the economy of the state by supporting private sector businesses.
“In the places we have toured, it is evident that Gov. Obi is really doing all he can to better the economy of the state and support entrepreneurs with good roads, water and power.
“On our own part as lawmakers we will support all initiatives of the governor both at home here and within the federal house in Abuja.’’ she assured. (NAN)
