By Ifeoma Aka

Chief Uche Nnaji, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Enugu State, has pledged to establish three major industries in the state within two years if elected in 2027.

Nnaji made the pledge during a consultative campaign visit to Enugu indigenes residing in Aba, Abia, according to a statement issued by his Media Adviser, Mr Robert Ngwu, in Enugu.

He said the proposed industries would focus on coal processing, iron ore utilisation and cement production to promote industrialisation and create employment opportunities.

The candidate said his industrialisation agenda would focus on harnessing the state’s mineral resources to stimulate economic activities and expand local production.

He identified Awhum, Nachi and the Nsukka axis as areas with coal and iron ore deposits that could support the proposed industrial projects.

Nnaji said his administration, if elected, would prioritise local processing of coal rather than relying on the extraction and transportation of the mineral in its raw form.

He also proposed establishing an iron and steel industry to utilise iron ore deposits stretching from Nachi to the Nsukka area.

According to him, the project would support local production of iron rods and other construction materials.

Nnaji said cement production would also form part of his industrialisation agenda, although he acknowledged that the project would require further consideration.

He said the proposed industries would provide employment opportunities, strengthen the state’s productive capacity and improve its economic base.

The PDP candidate also spoke on the economic challenges facing residents, including food affordability, security and the cost of doing business.

He said his proposed development agenda would seek to address these concerns through investment in productive sectors and improved economic opportunities.

Nnaji also expressed the need for a business-friendly environment that would support traders, entrepreneurs and other economic operators.

Welcoming Nnaji and other PDP candidates at the event, the Chairman of the Enugu State Consultative Forum, Abia Chapter, Mr Sunday Okonkwo, pledged the support of Enugu indigenes residing in Abia for the candidates.

Okonkwo said the forum, comprising sons, daughters and wives of Enugu indigenes living in Abia, considered itself a stakeholder in the political and developmental affairs of the state.

He said the visit demonstrated the importance of maintaining links between Enugu indigenes living outside the state and those at home.

Okonkwo said members of the forum were interested in the development of Enugu and would support candidates with practical solutions to the state’s challenges.

He identified unemployment, insecurity, poor roads and taxation as issues requiring attention.

He described Nnaji as a businessman and job creator, expressing confidence in his proposed industrialisation agenda.

Okonkwo assured the PDP candidates that members of the forum would mobilise support among their relatives and other Enugu indigenes ahead of the 2027 elections.

He said the forum’s members remained committed to contributing to the political and developmental progress of Enugu State. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Afonne