By Kenneth Onuoha
The Ebonyi State Government in demonstration of its support to rid the country of substandard products, has offered land to the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), to build an office in the state.
Governor of the state, David Umahi, who made the pledge in Abakaliki during a courtesy visit by the Director General of SON, Farouk Salim on Thursday.
Umahi, represented by his deputy, Kelechi Igwe, said the presence of SON in the state is “inevitable” in order to tackle the menace of substandard products.
“The time is ripe and time is now for SON to start operation in Ebonyi.
“The land will be possible and office complex for now, we will ensure that such is available too,” Igwe said.
Speaking earlier, the SON DG said the organisation was in Ebonyi to seek for land allocation to enable it commence operations in the state.
According to Salim, the organisation needs an office complex first to begin operations in the state, before building on the land that would be given to it.
“We need to start functioning properly in Ebonyi and not coming from Enugu, where we have zonal office.
“At least five hectare of land because Ebonyi being known for rice production, it is good for us to have office here in the efforts to promote the African free trade programme.
“SON is not only here to enhance business but to take business from people who are bringing substandard products that are damaging the lives of people,” Salim stated.