The Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has called on Nigerian Breweries (NBL) PLC to reopen its “33” Brewery in Awa-Omamma, Oru West Local Government Area, which has been shut down for over two years.
Speaking through his representative, Commissioner for Trade, Commerce and Investment, Rex Anunobi, the governor expressed the state government’s readiness to assist the company in resolving any issues that led to the closure.
“Our stay today is a celebration with mixed feelings. Imo is a hub of economic activities. Whatever led to the shutting down of the Brewery here, those concerns and challenges should be addressed to enable this plant to come on stream; this giant establishment to come back to life. Whatever challenges and concerns, Imo State government will help you. We will partner and help you,” Anunobi said during the inauguration of a two-ton-per-day cassava processing facility in the community.
The cassava plant, built and operated by NBL as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, is projected to generate N500 million annually for the host community. The event, held on Wednesday, was also attended by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Enlightenment, Prince Eze Ugochukwu, among others.
Addressing the gathering, NBL’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Thibaut Boidin, described the project as a “transformative initiative” aimed at economic empowerment. He said the facility would create multiple direct and indirect employment opportunities for local youth and residents.
“Today, we gather here to commission the Cassava Processing Plant, a project that’s dear to our hearts and a testament to our commitment to enriching lives and building a future of opportunities, particularly for our community. This facility is generating a projected annual revenue of N500 million,” Boidin said, adding that NBL would continue to support education, healthcare, access to clean water, COVID-19 relief, security, and economic development in the community.
“Beyond the infrastructure, the true impact lies in the opportunities this facility creates,” Boidin noted. “We are creating new livelihoods for residents and positioning Awo-Omamma as a major hub for cassava processing in the Southeast.”
Eze Val Amanfo, the monarch of Awa-Omamma, who received the keys to the facility, expressed gratitude to NBL and pledged that the community would protect and make optimal use of the plant.
The governor’s appeal underscores a broader effort to revive industrial activity in Imo State and strengthen partnerships between government, investors, and host communities.
