GROUND BREAKING CEREMONY FOR APOLO BUS IN ITU, AKS

GROUND BREAKING CEREMONY FOR APOLO BUS/ ARMOURED PERSONNEL CARRIER MANUFACTURING PLANT IN ITU SLATED FOR JULY 13

The promise of industrialization in Akwa Ibom will receive a boost as the Ground Breaking ceremony for a Bus Assembly/ Armoured Personnel Carrier Plant at Ikot Ukap, Ekim and Obong Itam in Itu Local Government Area will be performed by Governor Udom Emmanuel on July 13, 2015.

Dropping the hint after a courtesy call on him by Executive officers of the Isreali Company, MIMSHAC at his office on July 1, 2015, Governor Emmanuel disclosed that, 20 hectres of land has already been acquired in Itu for the siting of the company which will assemble luxury Apollo series buses, armoured Personnel carriers and other utility vehicles including fire fighting and recue vans, riot control vehicles, ambulanc/intensive care unit & cash delivery vans as well as multi purpose mini buses.

Earlier, the leader of the Isreali delegation, Mr Valentino Okorie, President/CEO MIMSHAC Group Africa Exclusive Agent of Merkavim said that, Merkavim is a leading manufacturer of special purpose vehicles and systems with more than 30 years of experience. Okorie further explained that, over this period, they have designed, built and supplied specialized utility vehicles and buses to governments and municipals in more than 30 countries of the world.

Also expressing appreciation to the Akwa Ibom State Government for creating the enabling environment and conducive investor friendly atmosphere for them to come in, Mr Micha Miksner-Merkavim said, his company Merkavim is happy to invest in Akwa Ibom and become a major player in the Nigerian economy as the company will manufacture and export vehicles and security and other military equipments with a guarantee of about 3, 000 jobs for the people.

Governor Udom Emmanuel who welcomed the business delegation commended their foresight and choice of Akwa Ibom to invest, assuring them that, this was in tandem with his pledge to industrialize Akwa Ibom State and a very vital part of his Five Agenda programme for the States economic and industrial transformation. The governor gave his word that, his administration will continue to create a conducive atmosphere for business, commerce and industry to thrive in the state and reiterated his call to investors to take advantage of the opportunity to invest in he state.

It will be recalled that, during his campaign at Itu Local Government, Governor Emmanuel had promised that he will site an Armoured personnel Carrier plant in Itu Local Government Area. Pundits say, this move is a fulfilment of his promise and a firm proof that, Governor Emmanuel is serious about making good all his campaign pledges to the Akwa Ibom people. 

Other members of the delegation from Merkavim include, Mr. Rami Tesler - Merkavim, VP Marketing, Mr. Yuval Ganani - EY Partner, Mr Ronen Golan - special adviser international business development. And Mr Gil Golan - VP business development / international sales.

Meanwhile preparations are in top gear for the ground breaking ceremony for the plant at Itu with the people grateful that the Governor Emmanuel is beginning his industrialization drive in their council area , while 20 twenty Akwa Ibom State indigenes are on their way to Israel for training .