President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Abuja expressed optimism that new investment coming to Nigeria’s textile sector, of which Aba is a major beneficiary, will be actualized within the shortest possible time.
He gave the assurance while receiving traditional rulers from Abia State led by His Royal Majesty, Dr. Isaac Ikonne, Enyi 1 of Aba.
The President also assured the monarchs that the issue of unstable electricity and other basic infrastructure in the Ariaria Market, a major trading hub in West and Central Africa, would soon be a thing of the past.
In a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the President also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to rapidly industrialize the country through projects that promote import substitution.
The President said the investment in the textile industry would create thousands of jobs for youths in Aba.
He said: ‘‘Just last week, I was in China to attend the Forum for China-Africa Cooperation. During that visit, I personally met with executives of one of the largest cotton and garment companies in the world who would soon establish operations in Aba.
‘‘This is following a joint effort of attracting this investor by both the Federal and Abia State governments.
‘‘The proposed investment will create thousands of jobs for the vibrant and creative youths in Aba.
‘‘I am very excited about this project. I have directed the Hon. Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment to ensure this investment is actualised within the shortest possible time,’’ Buhari said.