Ajaokuta Steel Company needs attention for revival of manufacturing companies – Osigwe
By Richard Akintade, Osogbo
Both the Federal Government, Nigerian Governors and members of the National Assembly have been enjoined to critically look into the revival of the nation’s steel industry and Iron Ore in Ajaokuta as well as Itakpe both in Kogi State.
While speaking over the weekend at the 8th Coronation anniversary of the Ooni of Ile-Ife Oba Enitan Ogunwusi Adeyeye, Ojaja II, the Head of Cooperate Communication and Affairs for Innoson Motors, Mr Cornel Osigwe, whose company donated two vehicles and two motorcycles from Innoson Motors to support the monarch on his 8th coronation anniversary celebration at his palace in Ile-Ife said it’s high time for revival of the ancient steel company.
In his words, “We have been advocating for the revival of the steel industry and as you know the raw materials that are being used in producing steel the iron raw materials we have it in huge abundance in this country.”
According to Osigwe, “We have it in Kogi, Niger state, Abuja, even in Enugu and we have about 8.3 billion tons of iron too that are not been tapped.
Osigwe emphasised that if the steel industry can be revived it will go a long way in reducing the price of steel in Nigeria and it is going to help car manufacturing companies in using it to build vehicles thereby further reducing the cost of production.
Osigwe who spoke about the Hope Alive Initiative of Imperial Majesty, Ooni of Ile-Ife and his Queen, Olori Dr Temitope Adeyeye noted that they have been one of the strong advocates of Innoson Vehicle, as an indigenous company.
The Hope Alive Initiative has been in the business of advocating, advocacy roles for governments, private individuals, and private companies for them to start patronizing made-in-Nigerian vehicles.
It would be recalled that recently the Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi Adeyeye has admonished Nigerian leaders to encourage local production and patronage of products with relevant laws and policies.
He also enjoined Nigerian Governors and members of the National Assembly to promulgate policies and laws that would galvanise local production and purchase that would in turn boost the nation’s economy and also provide job opportunities for youths.