By Nurudeen Alimi
AS part of efforts targeted at boosting export activities in the state for improved revenue generation, the Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has inaugurated an export-based plant seed-processing the Panac Industries Limited.
Soludo, while performing the inauguration ceremony at Mgbawa, Ogbunike, in Oyi Local Council, said the industry, the first of its kind in the South-East region, was a pointer to the industrialis ation drive of the government of the state.
The governor, who was represented by the commissioner for Industries, Mr. Obinna Ngonadi, urged business people across the nation to invest in Anambra because the state is now open to investors.
He praised the company’s managing director, Mr. Chinedu Aniagboso, for breaking new ground in the seed-processing industry.
Accompanied by the Special Adviser to Soludo on Commerce and Industry, Mr. Eloka Mmaduekwe Ngonadi, said the current administration is determined to support activities in the export sector, adding that it has already commenced the creation of an export emporium where all export-bound products would be showcased, standardised, branded, and containerised.
He said: “This is a great initiative, exporting processed agro produce is a huge addition to the industrialisation efforts of Anambra including its employment and revenue benefits. “We are going to support businesses like this. We have started building an export emporium on a 40 hectare land. That facility will be a standardised point for all Anambra export brands.”
Earlier in his remark, Aniagboso, said the company was set up with a view to adding value to Nigeria’s agricultural produce, adding that it is an export-based seeds processing plant in the state.
According to him, the initiative was borne out of years of business opportunities research, both within and outside the country.He said the plant, which has a combined capacity of 60 metric tonnes, processes sesame seeds, soya bean seeds and sorghum for export.
He commended the state government for providing the environment, appealing for the provision of basic infrastructure and institutional support for young entrepreneurs.
On his part, the Director-General of Onitsha Business School, Professor Segun Sogbesan, said the only way Nigeria could improve her balance of trade was to encourage export of value added products, insisting that Nigeria should move from exporting primary products to processing to earn foreign exchange.
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