The Imo State Commissioner for Industry, Mines and Solid Minerals, Barr. Jerry Egemba, has described the commissioning of the Marvico Multi-Processing Factory in Obazu Mbieri, Mbaitoli Local Government Area, as a practical demonstration of Governor Hope Uzodimma’s industrial vision for the state.
Egemba made this known on Saturday, October 24, 2026, while representing Governor Uzodimma as Special Guest of Honour at the grand opening of the processing facility.
The event attracted several dignitaries, including former Imo State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Ikedi Ohakim; the Managing Director of Marvico Group, Udu Nnamdi Iroegbu, KSC; the Chairman of the CANEX 2026 Committee; the traditional ruler of Obazu Mbieri; and other community leaders and stakeholders.
Addressing the gathering, Egemba described the establishment of the factory as a significant milestone in the state government's drive to transform Imo into a production-driven economy.
"Mr Chairman, today is not just about commissioning a factory. It is about validating the industrial vision of this administration," he said.
The commissioner explained that Marvico's investment aligns with the industrial policy direction of the Uzodimma administration, particularly its commitment to promoting local manufacturing, attracting private investment and creating employment opportunities.
According to him, the factory is designed to produce more than 300 products, including kitchen essentials, household supplies and convenience items, making it a significant addition to the state's manufacturing sector.
"This factory is a practical expression of the Imo State Industrial Policy, our 64-page blueprint developed with the technical support of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO)," Egemba stated.
He noted that the industrial policy complements the governor's 3R Agenda of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Recovery, which seeks to reposition Imo State from a consumption-based economy to a production-oriented economy.
Highlighting the government's commitment to economic development, Egemba cited the state's 2026 Budget of Economic Breakthrough, estimated at N1.439 trillion, representing a 78 per cent increase over the N807 billion budget for 2025.
He explained that 83.4 per cent of the 2026 budget was allocated to capital expenditure to support infrastructure development and economic growth, while the state's internally generated revenue had grown to N63 billion.
The commissioner also highlighted the administration's investments in road infrastructure, electricity and other strategic projects designed to stimulate industrial activities across the state.
According to him, more than 130 strategic roads have been constructed to improve connectivity among the state's 27 local government areas and neighbouring communities.
He further identified electricity supply as a critical component of the government's industrial development strategy, noting that the Light Up Imo Project was designed to provide round-the-clock electricity to industrial clusters.
Egemba also referenced the N190.451 billion allocation to the power sector in the 2026 budget, describing it as part of the administration's efforts to address energy challenges confronting businesses and manufacturers.
On the ease of doing business, he disclosed that the state government had introduced a blockchain-powered system through the Imo Land Information Centre (ILIC), enabling the processing and issuance of Certificates of Occupancy within 24 hours.
He said the initiative was intended to simplify land administration, improve investors' confidence and reduce bureaucratic obstacles to business development.
Commending Marvico Group for investing in the state, the commissioner said Imo possesses significant natural resources that could support industrial expansion and attract further investments.
He noted that the state's energy potential, particularly its gas resources, offered opportunities for industrial development through the Orashi Energy Free Trade Zone.
Egemba also identified kaolin, limestone, sharp sand and other solid minerals as resources capable of supporting value-added industries, including ceramics, cement production and agro-processing.
He explained that these opportunities align with the state's 10-year Development Plan, which seeks to promote sustainable economic growth through the effective utilisation of local resources.
The commissioner maintained that the government was committed to creating an enabling environment for investors to establish businesses, expand production and contribute to the state's economic prosperity.
On human capital development, Egemba disclosed that approximately 65,000 youths in Imo State had received digital skills training through initiatives associated with Imo Digital City, while about 50,000 had graduated under the SkillUp Imo programme.
He said the beneficiaries had acquired skills in software engineering, artificial intelligence and financial technology, among other areas.
According to him, the growing pool of digitally skilled young people represents an important workforce resource for manufacturing companies such as Marvico.
He stressed that industrialisation requires not only factories and infrastructure but also a skilled workforce capable of supporting modern production systems and technological innovation.
The commissioner praised the management of Marvico Group for responding to the state government's call on indigenous entrepreneurs to invest in their home state.
He described the establishment of the factory in Obazu Mbieri, the hometown of the company's founder, as an encouraging example of local investment and private-sector participation in economic development.
Egemba noted that the factory was expected to generate thousands of direct jobs and tens of thousands of indirect employment opportunities across transportation, distribution, marketing and other related sectors.
He added that investments of this nature would help reduce dependence on imported products, promote the use of locally available raw materials and strengthen the state's manufacturing capacity.
According to him, these objectives remain central to the industrial policy direction of the Uzodimma administration.
The commissioner assured Marvico Group of the Ministry's continued support, particularly in facilitating access to raw materials, strengthening industrial linkages and connecting the company to relevant investment incentives along the Orashi industrial corridor.
He emphasised that the government would continue to promote and protect indigenous manufacturing enterprises as part of its broader strategy to stimulate industrial growth, expand employment opportunities and improve the state's economic competitiveness.
Egemba expressed optimism that the factory would contribute significantly to the development of Obazu Mbieri, Mbaitoli LGA and Imo State at large, while encouraging other indigenous entrepreneurs to invest in productive ventures that would create jobs and stimulate economic activities.
He maintained that the establishment of the Marvico Multi-Processing Factory represented a positive step towards achieving the administration's vision of a stronger manufacturing sector and a more productive Imo State.
Report By Fredrick Njoku