…Promises ROI, Security as Leaders Empower Youths with Scholarships

In a historic step towards charting a new course for development, the people of Nkerefi in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State on Sunday showcased the vast economic opportunities in their community, assuring investors of high returns while declaring unflinching support for Governor Peter Mbah’s administration.

The declaration was made at the maiden Nkerefi Economic Summit, which brought together thousands of stakeholders, professionals, political leaders, and community members in a rare display of unity.

Keynote Address: Nkerefi’s Potential

Delivering the keynote address titled “Dissecting the Nkerefi of Yesterday, Today and the Future”, Justice Cyprian Ajah of the Enugu State High Court described Nkerefi as a resilient and enterprising people blessed with vast arable lands yet to be fully tapped.

He highlighted enormous investment potentials, including:

• Large-scale rice milling
• Cassava and palm oil processing
• Fish farming and ranching
• Poultry and snail farming
• Fruit juice and honey processing

Justice Ajah emphasized that Nkerefi’s fertile land and youthful population are key to transforming the community into a major agro-industrial hub.

Local Development and Governance

Prince Jim Dubem, President-General of the Nkerefi Development Union (NDU), outlined the progress achieved since 2017, noting strengthened local security, attraction of government projects, and mobilization of organizations and individuals for development.

He highlighted Nkerefi’s political growth, with voter registration rising sharply from about 5,000 to a significantly higher figure, attributing the progress to the NDU’s grassroots engagement.

Hon. Monday Diamond, Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, described the summit as a bold step to rescue Nkerefi from underdevelopment. He urged the community to transition from an agrarian society to an industrialized one, noting:

“Nkerefi is blessed with resources and intellectuals making waves across sectors. Our duty is to project Nkerefi on the global map. We’re calling on all sons and daughters, as well as investors, to see the huge economic opportunities Nkerefi holds.”

Government Endorsements and Investment Opportunities

Prince Ejeh Josh, Special Assistant to Governor Mbah on Research and Publications, commended the turnout, describing it as proof of the people’s yearning for genuine progress. He assured investors of a de-risked environment and guaranteed returns, noting:

“Nkerefi is ready for partnership. With thousands of untapped fertile hectares, the community is ripe for agro-allied industries. Governor Mbah’s administration has made it easier through the farm estates, and Nkerefi is among the first electoral wards to donate lands.”

Hon. Okechukwu Edeh, Chairman of Nkanu East Local Government, praised the community’s unity and resilience, describing Nkerefi as one of the most secure in the state due to its robust local security architecture. He noted that the summit marked a new era of collective development in the council.

Other dignitaries, including Dr. Gabriel Ajah (former SSG), Barr. Chimaobi Okorie (Commissioner for Lands), Dr. Ben Nwoye (former APC chairman), Barr. Chijioke Edeoga (former LP governorship candidate), and HRH Igwe Pedro Manuwa, lauded the initiative and pledged support for Governor Mbah’s developmental agenda.

Youth Empowerment Through Scholarships

The summit featured notable philanthropic gestures:

• Dr. Uche Ogah, former Minister of Mines and Steel Development, awarded scholarships to eight school children from primary to university level.
• HRH Igwe Pedro Manuwa announced scholarships for 200 students, emphasizing the importance of human capital development and partnerships to drive growth.

Infrastructure Development

A major highlight was the unveiling of the Nkerefi Ultra-modern Civic Centre, a multipurpose facility designed to serve as the heartbeat of the community’s socio-cultural and economic activities.

Closing Communique

In their closing statement, stakeholders unanimously declared unwavering support for Governor Mbah’s administration, hailing his projects and reforms as consistent with Nkerefi’s aspirations to become a major economic and industrial hub in Enugu State.