From Ijumu.
Photo credit:ope.news.
The road towards the springing up of major industries in kogi state got a boost recently with Mangal Industries Limited and Sinoma International Engineering of China commencing the construction of a 3-million metric tonne per year cement plant in Iluagba, Kogi state.
The managing director of the company, Engr. Fahad Mangal revealed this at the groundbreaking ceremony in Iluagba.
According to him, the cement plant and a 50megawatts power plant formed part of the US$600million deal agreement between the two companies, adding that the project would be expected to be a reality by the end of the first quarter of 2024.
Engr. Mangal,who noted that the work had commenced with the site levelling and foundation workout, expressed optimism that when completed, Mangal Cement would bridge the gap of housing deficit as well as cement production in the country.
He added that the company would add value to the nation’s economy by creating thousands of jobs for the immediate communities and youths in the country and boost revenue generation for both the State and Federal Government.
According to him,the vision of Mangal Cement is to become the major player in the production of cement in Nigeria.
He advised the Chinese constructing firm to deliver the project according to specification and on schedule.
The enginer stated that part of the vision of the company was to provide quality in cement production in West Africa and commended the Ijumu and Mopa communities as well as Kogi State government for their respective support and cooperation.
Contributing,the General Manager of Sinoma, the Chinese Cement Plant Construction Firm, Mr. Zhang Sicai, expressed the commitment of the firm to deliver quality job as and on schedule.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Ijumu Local Government Area, Alhaji Taofiq Isa and his Mopa-Amuro counterpart, Hon. Moses Sunday lauded the decision to site the project in Okun land.
They expressed the commitment of their respective areas of jurisdiction to unite to ensure the overall success of the project.
The duo expressed the hope that the cement company, when on board, would bring good development to Okun land, Kogi State and Nigeria in general.
Sunday and Isa, however, advised the company to make the two LGAs as partners in progress in the execution, completion and operation of the plant.
The traditional ruler of the area, the Olujumu of Ijumu, Oba Williams Ayeni, described the ceremony as adream come true for his people.
” God has finally answered our prayers for a gigantic company like this that will help reduce unemployment among our teaming youths,” the royal father said.
He assured the company that the people of Ijumu and Mopamuro are one and committed to working together for the overall success of this laudable project.
He, however, stressed that the land earmarked for the plant is not for sale but on lease, adding that the people would do their best to keep to the memorandum of understanding.
The royal father promised the people of the area would be willing to provide more land as a as their modest commitment to ensure the success of the project.
