INVEST INANAMBRA STATE

INVEST IN ANAMBRA STATE

Government of Anambra State 2010

Special Investment Destination: Anambra State, Nigeria

Anambra State The Light of the Nation

Location and people Located in South-East Nigeria, Anambra State is bounded by Delta State to the west, Imo State to the south, Enugu State to the east and Kogi State to the north. It has one of the highest population densities in Africa. The State comprises of numerous busy villages, a number of small towns and a few major towns; some areas are so thickly populated that the estimated density is 1,500-2,000 people living within every square kilometre.

Most of the population is rural, although over the last two decades the rural-urban migration has stretched the meagre urban services to a breaking point. This pattern of human migration has posed serious problems for the State’s resources, fragile infrastructure, environmental sanitation, erosion control and social services. This pressure is especially evident in the major commercial city of Onitsha.

Consequently, drinking water, electricity and decent housing have become a luxury for some residents.

The onerous task before the new Government of Mr Peter Obi is to reverse the past decline and turn things round for the people of Anambra State.

The majority of Anambrians are from the Igbo ethnic group who are renowned for their resourceful and enterprising spirit. The Anambra Igbo can be found Head Bridge, Onitsha.

in all corners of Nigeria, as well as in virtually every region of the world. Wherever they find themselves, their entrepreneurial skills make them prominent in every field of endeavour. Anambra State is a highly stimulating place to visit for anyone who wants to experience the authentic vibrant African life.

History and administration The Governor is Mr Peter Obi. He assumed office for his first tenure in March, 2006 following the removal of Dr Chris Ngige by a Court of Appeal’s ruling in Enugu. His second tenure began on 17 March, 2010. The State has experienced political turmoil for several years, but the efforts of the current administration are fast restoring peace and creating the enabling environment for accelerated development.

Old Anambra State was created in 1976 from part of East Central State, and its capital was Enugu.

Following further state creation in 1991, Anambra was divided into two States, Anambra and Enugu.

There are 21 local government areas in the State: Aguata, Awka-North, Awka-South, Anambra-East, Anambra-West, Anaocha, Ayamelum, Dunukofia, Ekwusigo, Idemili-South and Idemili-North. Others are Ihiala, Njikoka, Nnewi-North, Nnewi-South, Ogbaru, Onitsha-North, Onitsha-South, OrumbaNorth, Orumba-South and Oyi.

Anambra State Profile Capital: Awka Population: 4,182,022 Land mass: 4,416 square kilometres Language: Igbo Governor: Peter Obi (APGA) ISO: 31266-2NG-AN Date of foundation: 27 August, 1991

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Welcome message from HE Mr. Peter Obi, The Executive Governor of Anambra State

Anambra State is a hospitable place – the rolling, flat land on the Eastern plains of the River Niger. It is as remarkable as the Anambra River from which it derives its name. Although created only in August ,1991, Anambra is one of Nigeria’s fastest developing states.

One of the special characteristics of Anambra State is the immense resourcefulness of its people, who pursue a vigorous business life. Whereas the common view is that agriculture is the main occupation in the Nigerian economy, Anambra has proved to be an exception. Fewer than half of the people earn their living from farming, while 56 per cent are variously artisans, traders and public servants. With the largest market in West Africa at Onitsha and a significant industrial town at Nnewi, entrepreneurship is alive every day on the streets of Anambra State.

The spirit of enterprise is evident not just from the bustling of small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), but also from the people’s commitment to self-help and community development. This is visible in the construction of rural roads, culverts and bridges, health institutions, rural electricity supply, water boreholes, building and rehabilitation of schools. In much the same way as an extended family pools resources to send indigent members to school, the communal spirit continues to spur development activities in the various communities.

In keeping with its determination to achieve the Millennium Development Goals in record time, the State Government has designed the Anambra Integrated Development Strategy (ANIDS), which is working to solve the State’s development needs in an organised and comprehensive way, by activating all sectors of the State economy simultaneously. ANIDS enables the Government to plan, budget, implement and receive feedback from the citizenry. Since its inception in March, 2006, the Government has recorded achievements that are improving the people’s quality of life.

“The Anambra Integrated Development Strategy is working to solve the state’s development needs in an organised and comprehensive way, by activating all sectors of the state economy simultaneously.”

Consistency of leadership and policies has furnished the state with the socio-political stability necessary for sustainable development. Anambra’s democratic journey has indeed impacted positively on federalism in Nigeria. Besides other elections that have taken place in the state, the first staggered governorship election in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic took place in Anambra State on 6 February, 2010.

Government House, Awka.

Anambra State invites participation in the building of a modern and just society. We can benefit from the assistance of agencies and institutions just as others can benefit from our experiences. We are determined to keep setting the pace. And for this, we are called the Light of the Nation.

Welcome to Anambra State!

Commonwealth Ministers Reference Book 2010 l 93

Special Feature: Anambra State

HE Peter Obi The Executive Governor of Anambra State, Nigeria

The present Anambra State Government has made good use of the resourceful spirit of the citizens in its mission to transform the State. The town unions have been the pivot of community development.

They form the base of grassroots administration and play a full part in mobilising the people. The previous success of town union participation in governance gives confidence that where properly adapted they can become effective instruments of service delivery.

Special Investment Destination: Anambra State, Nigeria Interview with H E Peter Obi HE Peter Obi answers questions by Sylvia Powell, Editorial Correspondent for Henley Media Group.

S. P What is Anambra State’s strategic positioning within the Nigerian federation and why is its location beneficial to economic growth?

P. O With a population of 4,182,022 and land mass of 4,416 square kilometres, Anambra State has one of the highest population densities in Africa. The boundaries are formed by Delta State to the west; Imo State to the south; Enugu State to the east; and Kogi State to the north. Rivers State to the south-east and Abia State to the south-east. The River Niger which is being dredged for use by heavy vessels, links the commercial town of Onitsha with the ports of Port Harcourt in Rivers State and Warri in Delta State. Anambra State lies in the Anambra Basin and is rich in natural gas, crude oil and solid minerals. Nnewi is the state’s industrial nerve centre.

S. P How would you position Anambra State for economic growth and development?

P. O We are using the framework of Anambra Integrated Development Strategy (ANIDS) to address the developing needs of various sectors at the same time, but especially, the real estate sector and social development. We are seeking to enhance industrial and agricultural productivity. The connection between sustainable development and social development is not lost on us. Accordingly, we are working to provide safety nets for women, young people and the disabled, alongside the establishment of skill acquisition centres.

S. P The Nigerian Federal Government has pursued a policy of trade liberalisation with the view to making the operating environment for businesses less rigid and friendlier to foreign investors - How successful has this been in creating opportunities for global business operators in Anambra State?

P. O The policy of trade liberalisation has given birth to the free trade zones, with inbuilt incentives to boost commerce and industry. A free trade zone has recently been created for the Onitsha axis. The dredging of the River Niger for deep-sea marine transport should give a boost to the Onitsha Free Trade Zone. But the challenges remain, and not least among them are the issues of corruption and poor electricity supply.

S. P In which industries do opportunities exist for those companies interested in long-term investment and joint ventures?

P. O Opportunities exist in Anambra State for companies interested in long-term investment and joint ventures in a wide range of activities.

“We are working to provide safety nets for women, young people and the disabled, alongside the establishment of skill acquisition centres.”

The state will soon begin to export kaolin under a joint venture arrangement. There is ample opportunity for investment in the fabrication of spare parts at Nnewi. Other areas include water resources development, energy, agriculture and waste management.

S. P How much emphasis do you place on agriculture as a sub-sector for generating economic development and prosperity in Anambra State?

P. O Agriculture is a top priority sub-sector for

The State Secretariat, Awka.

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obvious reasons. Food security is a prerequisite for social security and political stability. We are working not merely to achieve self-sufficiency in food production but also to export agricultural products. This involves a whole range of support

S. P What incentives have you put in place to attract investors?

P. O It is the abiding concern of the State Government to make available the sites and services needed to attract local and foreign investors. We are committed to liberalising access to land for short, medium and long-term investors. For the growth of small and medium-scale enterprises, the State Government continues to invest in industrial parks and estates, security, entrepreneurial training and skill acquisition schemes. Prompt payment of the State’s counterpart funding in joint ventures and credit access assistance are other effective incentives to potential investors.

Power Plant; the Orient Petroleum Refinery at Otuocha; and the cargo airport.

S. P The people from Anambra state are considered to be one of the most entrepreneurial in Nigeria and the contribution of indigenous small and medium scale enterprises (SME’s) in the attainment of sustainable economic prosperity cannot be understated. How can the inflow of foreign investment support the growth and development of SME’s in Anambra State?

P. O The inflow of foreign investment will facilitate the development of SMEs, acknowledged as the engine of growth. Such financial intervention will provide a lifeline for our micro-credit scheme for SMEs. It will help in the development of industrial infrastructure. We need such capital to fund the micro and cottage enterprises zone outlined in our industrial policy. Financial partnership is needed to promote skill acquisition to provide the numerous unemployed young people with self-employment opportunities. A good instance of foreign direct investment is the LG World ANIDS Technical Academy for skill acquisition in electronics.

S. P In view of the massive infrastructure requirements of Nigeria in general and the funding gap that has resulted, what efforts have been made by Anambra State Government to formulate a Public Private Partnership (PPP) policy and strategy and what opportunities exist for private and institutional investors in infrastructure projects?

S. P Do you have any events/trade fairs planned that would be of interest to potential investors and partners?

P. O On the recognition that the role of government

P. O We use the local annual trade fair at Onitsha to

is primarily to create an enabling environment for entrepreneurship, we have put in place a PPP scheme to drive socio-economic development. It is a policy that allows the private company to recoup its investment within a reasonable period of time while benefiting from certain cost exemptions and support services.

create product awareness at state level, and to also prepare for the quarterly international trade fairs at Enugu, Kaduna and Lagos.

“We are committed to liberalising access to land by short, medium and long-term investors.”

Some of the projects currently being executed under the PPP include the integrated waste management programme; the fertiliser plant at Amawbia; the fivestar hotels at Onitsha and Awka; the Independent

Special Feature: Anambra State

activities, from the provision of extension services and improved input and technology to offering micro-credit facilities to farmers. Anambra State has a College of Agriculture for the training of middlelevel manpower.

Contact Details Government of Anambra State Government House Awka Nigeria Tel: +234 (0)802 304 6227 Email: info@anambrastate.gov.ng Website: www.anambrastate.gov.ng

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VIDEO COMING SOON

FIRST TENURE OF PROMISES KEPT Despite All Odds

GOVERNOR PETER OBI Laying the Foundation for a New Anambra State

Anambra State University Teaching Hospital, Amaku General Hospital, Awka, nearing completion

HEALTH The health sector within Anambra State has seen significant developments in recent times. These changes have resulted in much needed improvements for local communities and business.

Since the beginning of his term in office, Governor Peter Obi has made major strides in achieving unparalleled success within Anambra’s health sector.

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HEALTH

His contribution to improving the standard of the local health system has been highly commended and nowhere is this more apparent than in hospitals such as Onitsha General Hospital and Umuleri General Hospital, where he was instrumental in achieving the following for the state:

» ONITSHA GENERAL HOSPITAL • The Construction of the Cardio Thoracic/Kidney and Breast Centre

• The creation of water borehole systems

• Providing the hospital with generating set, X-Ray and modern laboratory equipment

• The creation of the General Outpatient Department when on-going improvements are still being planned

• Creation of the highly admired Consultants Clinics Complex

• Creating and completing two brand new central pharmaceutical stores

• Construction of the impressive entrance gates from the Enugu/Onitsha Express Road which is reflective of a successful and respected medical centre

• Completing the much needed Accident and Emergency Department

HEALTH

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Breast Cancer/Cardiac/Kidney Dialysis Centre at General Hospital Onitsha: the only such center in the entire South-East

» UMULERI • Fully completed Male wards • Fully completed Female wards

• Renovation of Amanuke General Hospital outpatient block

In addition, major constructions are currently in process at other hospitals within the state including:

» NEUROPSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL NAWFIA » UMUNZE COTTAGE HOSPITAL

Besides the aforementioned, the State Government has embarked and delivered many more projects designed to improve the health sector which include:

Through transparency and good governance, the Anambra State Government’s commitment to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, has yielded many fruits enhancing the development of the region. This is noticeable in the following areas:

• Greater support to the Primary Health Care (PHC) Centres • The vast improvement on the School Health programme

• The immunization coverage rose from below 50% in 2006 to over 85% in 2008

• The accreditation of Onitsha General Hospital for the training of house officers, pharmacists and medical laboratory interns

• Maternal mortality, pre-natal and neo-natal mortality has been greatly reduced

• Extension of greater support to voluntary agencies

• Patient satisfaction and the patronage of state government services has risen

• Provision of grant-in-aid to mission hospitals in Anambra State

• The increase of community participation and partnerships

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The refurbished Onitsha General Hospital

Governor Obi commissioning a modern State-of-art X-Ray Equipment at Onitsha General Hospital

An X-Ray machine at General Hospital Onitsha

Ambulances provided by the Obi Administration for the State Rapid Response Medical Services

One of the newly constructed House Officers Quarters by the Obi Administration at General Hospital Onitsha

Another Block of quarters for House Officers constructed by the Obi Administration at Onitsha General House

HEALTH

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Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board ASUBEB Building Awka, providing a conducive environment for educational administration in the State

EDUCATION » PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION SUB-SECTORS » PAST • Dilapidated school buildings • Poorly motivated teachers, with little promotional prospects

• No operational systems and frame works for teacher performance evaluation

• Lack of adequate supervision in schools

» PRESENT Today, the State Ministry of Education, it’s parastatals and inspectorate units have been repositioned to overcome the obstacles to effective school administration. This remarkable turn-around was achieved through: • Renovation of zonal offices • Renovation of area offices • Procurement of office furniture and equipment • Purchase of seven vehicles, one for each of the education zones and one for the head quarters • Purchase of two motorized boats (Water Buses), through the Education Trust Fund (ETF on behalf of the riverine communities within the State • Procurement of buses for schools

06 EDUCATION

• Purchase of two brand new commuter buses for the Post-Primary Schools Services Commission • Training of teachers and educational administrators in supervision, courtesy of the E d u c a t i o n Committee of the ASAUSA (Anambra State Association of USA) • Establishment of a Microsoft Academy in 105 schools with 50 laptops per school • Provision of Internet services at our secondary schools

• Over 100 schools have experienced the benefits of the State Government’s laboratory rehabilitation and equipment programme • Renovation of school laboratories, plus an increased supply of science and computing equipment and instructional materials • Renovation and equipping of libraries in 174 secondary schools

» INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT Tremendous progress has been made and continues in the provision of infrastructure and facilities within schools. These include: • Construction and fitting of new classroom buildings in almost all the primary and junior secondary schools in the State.

• Procurement of 33KVA generators to over 100 schools in Anambra State.

• Three Technical Colleges have been renovated and fully equipped.

The magnificent Faculty of Engineering and Environmental Science Building Complex commissioned and constructed by the Peter Obi Administration at the Anambra State University Uli Campus

• Fifteen schools have been supplied with 20KVA electricity generating sets.

• Water boreholes have been provided in schools.

• The restoration of St. Anthony’s Secondary School, Agulu.

» CAMPAIGN AGAINST SCHOOL DROP-OUT SYNDROME Anambra state is noted for it’s global and national academic exploits. However this trend was on the decline with past administrations, however Governor Obi has opted to tackle this through: • Regular payment of stipend to facilitators, instructors and supervisors of adult and informal education learners • Supply of equipment to 53 nomadic and migrant farmer/ fishermen's schools • Provision of logistics for regular monitoring The new look of St. Anthony’s Secondary School Agulu

• Establishment of market schools in major state markets • Successful organization of workshops to tackle the decline of males enrolling in schools

» TERTIARY EDUCATION SUB-SECTOR » THE ANAMBRA STATE UNIVERSITY Construction of Faculties for: • Agriculture • Management Sciences • Administration Block • Construction of physiology and anatomy building for the College of Medicine within the Anambra State University Teaching Hospital, Amaku.

• Compound walling and gate at The College of Medicine Igbariam Campus

EDUCATION

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» ULI CAMPUS: • Construction of the Department of Geology building and it’s staff housing offices, lecture room and laboratories • Faculty of Science building containing staff offices • Two bungalows serving as offices for the Vice Chancellor and the Registrar, as well as the Council/Senate Chamber.

• Library extension at the State University Uli Campus • A three-bungalow complex for the Departments of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry (including the three biochemistry lecture rooms and staff offices)

Library Extension at the State University Uli Campus

• Biochemistry laboratory building • Department of Architecture bungalows containing studios, lecture rooms and staff offices (currently under construction) • Fully equipped laboratories for Departments of Micro-Biology, Industrial Chemistry, Industrial Physics and Computer Science • E-Learning and Research Centre • Landscaping of the Campus • Provision of a water borehole • Provision of an interconnected road network

» IGBARIAM CAMPUS An impressive law faculty building with lecture rooms, library, staff offices and Moot Court. The complex is one of the best in the Southeast geopolitical zone of the country; the library expansion project is now completed.

• Provision of electricity generating sets

Mass Communication

• Maintenance of the access roads to the campus from Awkuzu (through the Onitsha Enugu Express Way)

• A state of the complex consisting of lecture rooms, radio and TV studios and staff offices

• The creation of a vision and master plan for the university • Accreditation of academic programmes, e.g. Faculty of Law

• Provision of roads to the campus from Nando

Faculty of Arts/Social Sciences • A complex housing staff offices and lecture rooms • Provision of a water borehole

» NWAFOR ORIZU COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, NSUGBE • Accreditation of academic programmes: 14 departments have received full accreditation • The commencement of faculty buildings at ANSU.

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AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT Globally agriculture is the largest employer of labour. In Nigeria it employs about two-thirds of the total labour force, contributing about 40% of the GDP and providing 80% of non-oil and other mineral earnings.

In view of this Governor Peter Obi’s Administration is vigorously pursuing programmes in the Agric Sector that will ensure food security, poverty alleviation and income generation for the citizens of Anambra State.

In the preparation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of developmental plans, the Government has adopted an all inclusive Participatory approach where the private sector and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) are stakeholders.

The State Government’s (ANIDS) remarkable achievements in agriculture and rural development sectors are as follows:

• Transformation of the State College of Agriculture Mbauk-wu to a successful tertiary institution • Procurement and distribution of 22 new tractors and other implements to Agric-based local government areas to encourage mechanized agriculture.

• Provision of micro-credit funds to farmers under the Government’s micro-credit scheme.

• Provision of project vehicles to the State Ministry of Agriculture to enhance the efficiency of its MicroCredit Unit.

• Procurement and distribution of fertilizer to farmers at highly subsidized rates.

• Through the external counter part funding, the state Government has supported the ‘Under the Food

Security Programme’, with initiatives such as: The Root and Tuber Expansion Programme (RTEP), National Programme for Food Security (NPFS) and FADAMA III Programme.

• The implementation of various activities under the Food Security Programme such as the Root and Tuber Expansion Programme (RTEP), National Programme For Food Security (NPFS) and FADAMA III Programme.

• Funding, procurement and distribution of grains (N23,841,000.00) to cushion the effects of the high cost of grains and make them affordable to the public.

• Establishment of three market g a r dens in the three Senatorial Zones of the State for development of improved seeds and seedlings for

distribution to farmers at highly subsidized rates.

• Major improvements in veteri nar y services to enhance bio-security and reduce the outbreak of some endemic diseases.

• Daily meat inspection by veterinary personnel to ensure that only wholesome meat is allowed to reach consumers.

• Release of N2.484 million to the ministry for the execution of Census and Bio-Security Projects, essentially to control avian influenza and other zoonotic diseases.

• Release of N4 million naira for the anti-rabies campaign and inoculation.

Prompt and full payment of Government Counterpart Cash Contribution (GCCC) for externally co-funded agric programmes: • N26.54 million has been released for the Root and Tuber Expansion Programme (RTEP).

• N74.8 million paid for the National Programme on Food Security (NPFS).

• Release of N2.9 million to the unit for the raising of transplantable oil, palm and coconut seedlings nurseries. The target is to replace all nonproductive and old species with improved seedlings.

• The distribution of 30,000 oil palm and 10,000 coconut seedlings at subsidized rates is ongoing at Amawbia and Nkwelle Ezunaka distribution centres.

• N71.3 million contributed for FADAMA III Project.

AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

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Governor Obi test-driving a tractor purchased by his government for increased agricultural yield in the State

» RESUSCITATION OF ABANDONED PROJECTS The Government is working tirelessly to resuscitate agric projects abandoned during previous administrations, these include: • The allocation of N1.5 million for the rehabilitation of the State Rice Project at Enugwu-Aborfuma in Orumba North Local Government Area.

• Resuscitation of the moribund Anambra State Integrated Livestock Farm at Nkwelle Ezunaka under a public/private sector arrangement.

• Reactivation of the moribund fish farm at Ufuma through Private/ Public Partnership (PPP) with Ufuma Good Courage Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society Ltd. for accelerated fish production, job creation and entrepreneurship development.

• Conclusion of arrangements with the Federal Government for the take-over of the long-abandoned Omor Rice Mills/Project in Ayamelum LGA by Anambra State to effect its reactivation

• In keeping with the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the establishment of the Ethanol plant in the State, the reconstruction of Amansea-ebenebe Ugbenu-awba Ofemili Road is now in progress.

• Release of the sum of N5.5 million for surveying work on the CassavaBased Biomass Ethanol Project.

» ETHANOL PROJECT The Peter Obi Administration is facilitating the establishment of an ethanol project at Ebenebe and Ugbenu in Awka North Local Government Area:

10 AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Governor Obi inspecting farm produce at the 2008 Agric Show

Tractors for mechanised agriculture: Governor Obi’s efforts to develop the Agric

Inspection of farm products at the 2007 Farmers Day Celebration

» AGRICULTURE FAIRS Since the inception of the present administration, there has been consistent Government support and funding of agric shows. Governor Peter Obi has made it a point of duty to attend these fairs and personally motivate the farmers.

» CAPACITY-BUILDING • About 500 farmers were recently trained on Fish Farming Techniques • The College of Agriculture is providing training for agricultural service providers under its ‘Job Creation and Entrepreneurship Development Programme.’

Governor Obi planting a tree during the Tree Planting Campaign in the State

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The First Business Park (Financial Centre), Onitsha: providing quality accomodation for high-profile business enterprises in the commercial nerve centre of the State; the Second Onitsha Business Park is already in the offing.

COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY The knowledge and experience that His Excellency Peter Obi gained from a successful career in the private sector, is being put to good practice in the drive to boost the economy of Anambra State. The Government and the organised private sector are working as partners in this process. These efforts are premised on ANIDS, which is fast yielding results, as the state economy is now purpose driven and highly focused on sound economic policies aimed at making the state the economic hub of Nigeria. Some of these policies include the following:

Âť SME DEVELOPMENT AND A N2 BILLION SME INTERVENTION FUND The state government has identified small and medium enterprises (SME) as a driver for industrial and economic growth. The development and support of small and medium sized enterprises is being vigorously pursued, especially so following the creation of a specialist department exclusively devoted to SME development issues.

The present administration has created an intervention fund of N2 billion for the benefit of small to medium sized enterprises in particular. Industrialists from the state are currently assessing the fund, under the administration of The Bank of Industry (BOI). A branch of BOI will soon be opening at Amawbia.

Âť INDUSTRIAL PARKS AND PROMOTION OF CLUSTERS After a careful assessment of the problem facing industries within the state, the present administration concluded that the best way to overcome some of these challenges would be through industrial parks and the promotion of clusters. This is structured under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) in which common facilities and infrastructures will be provided for entrepreneurial development within a given location.

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The State Government is currently working with The Bank of Industry and two other commercial banks towards the construction of an industrial park at Ozubulu and mechanic village complex at Obosi.

» MODERNIZATION OF EXISTING INDUSTRIAL ESTATES • The cost of the infrastructural development within the

estate is approximately N3.5 billion. Similar infra-

structural developments are expected at Awka and Nnewi Industrial Estates.

•

The Harbour Industrial Estate Onitsha is receiving a massive facelift with the construction of a 15-kilometre dual carriage road with modern drains. The cost of the infrastructural development within the es tate is estimated at N3.5 billion.

» SECOND BUSINESS PARK (ICT):

Prototype of the ICT building at the second Onitsha Business Park: The establishment of the park is aimed at modernising business in the state, especially in Onitsha

It is noteworthy that the revenue raised from the leasing of the Financial Centre is now being re-invested into the Creation of a new Business Park targeted at ICT and Telecomm Companies.

» YOUTH EMPOWERMENT SCHEME ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND CAPACITY BUILDING “Taking Youths off the street/youth working for the future of the State” is the slogan for driving this project.

A series of workshops/seminars have been organised, targeted at promoting SME entrepreneurial spirit, and engendering skill acquisition, self-employment, economic independence and self-actualization programmes for the youths. The programme is targeted at taking our youths off the streets by empowering them with the necessary skills and management techniques for profitable ventures.

Governor Peter Obi receiving equipment and materials for the establishment of a neem-based organic fertilizer industry at Amawbia

These workshops include: • Sources of fund and business improvement for SME’s • Boot camp programme: Secrets of Business Success

Governor Obi commissioning the first automated electronic stock exchange in South East Nigeria (Onitsha)

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» OJOTO SKILL ACQUISITION CENTRE

» CHILDREN’S AMUSEMENT PARK

This Skill Acquisition Centre was built by the Ojoto Community and handed over to the Ministry for the purposes of training the youths in various types of skills.

The State Government is currently working with a consor tium of investors from USA towards creating an amusement park/spa.

» INDUSTRIAL POLICY DOCUMENT 2007 This is a comprehensive industrial policy for the State to aid investors and assist industrialists in doing business in

the State. The document is a guide for establishing industry and business ventures in the State.

» MIXED DEVELOPMENT HOTEL RESORT PROJECT AT ONITSHA The State Government is partnering with private sector investors on the development of a modern hotel resort in Onitsha. The mixed development is a concept of Smart City (a mini city within a city). The projects will be carried out in phases and will incorporate: • The development of a 120-room world class hotel with a village square, • Conference/Convention Centre • A shopping mall (Shoprite, South African) • Luxury apartments and town houses • Office towers • A high end, gated estate with an installed card system.

The State Government is acting as catalyst by providing

land and the needed funds to kick-start the project through an SPV to which Anambra State will take at least 20% of the equity. This is strictly a private sector driven project.

The development when completed will boost tourism and the State’s economy and create the environment for commerce to thrive.

» STATE COUNCIL ON INDUSTRY (SCI) The State Council on Industry is the highest policy making body in the State in all matters relating to industries. The convocation of the Council on the 8th and 9th October

2007 was aimed at drawing up an industrial blueprint for the State and endorsing the industrial policy document

» FREE EXPORT ZONE PROJECT It is a major plan of the present administration to establish an oil and gas Free Export Zone in the Ogbaru area. This is to take advantage of the State’s proximity to the Niger Delta region and incentives of the National Policy on Local Content Programme in the oil and gas sector. This Ministry has since 2007 been dealing with the Federal Ministry of Commerce and Industry and Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) to realize the objective.

As part of the preparation to launch the free zone, the

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Director of industry participated in a 21-day seminar recently held in China. The Hon. Commissioner and the Desk Officer (FTZ) participated in the Convention of Africa Free Zones Association held in Abuja from 4th to 5th November 2008. The license to operate the Free Zone is expected shortly from the Federal Government.

» FACILITATION OF REGISTRATION OF BUSINESS PREMISES FEES COLLECTION As part of its effort to boost IGR collection in the state, the present administration has provided three Ford Ranger 4 x 4 double-cabin vans for use by MCIT Divisional Trade Officers (DTOs) in their revenue drive, registration of business premises fees and renewal thereof. Prior to this,

these officers operated without vehicles and AIE. This affected their collection capacity. Business premises fees defaulters will now be prosecuted in the revenue courts within the State.

» REGISTRATION AND SUPERVISION OF COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES The Peter Obi Administration has encouraged the formation of co-operative societies as a weapon for poverty alleviation and grassroots mobilization. Between March

Prof. Amobi Ilika

Hon. Commissioner for Health

2006 and November 2008, this ministry registered 3549 Co-operative Societies. Professional supervision of the societies by the Ministry has also been intensified.

Dr. (Mrs.) Kay Onyechi

Hon. Commissioner for Education

Chief Godson Ezenagu

Hon. Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development

Chief Maja Umeh (Okwoaka Amichi) Hon. Commissioner for Information & Culture

Chima Philip Okafor Esq. Hon. Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Tourism

COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

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CREDITS The Invest in Anambra State digital book was prepared by Mr. Elonna Aguh +234 803 2470988 Editor: Sylvia Powell for the Henley Media Group

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