By Eze Victor, Abakaliki
Ebonyi State has recorded another milestone in its industrialisation drive with the commissioning of a 120-tonnes-per-hour asphalt production plant established by Ayigold Investment Limited at Idembia, Ishieke, in Ebonyi Local Government Area.
The state-of-the-art facility, commissioned on Friday, is expected to boost road infrastructure development, create employment opportunities, stimulate economic growth and provide quality asphalt for government and private road construction projects within Ebonyi State and neighbouring states.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, renowned industrialist and elder statesman, Arc. Edward Nkwegu, described the investment as a practical demonstration of the critical role of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in driving economic development and creating sustainable employment.
Nkwegu commended the management of Ayigold Investment Limited for choosing Ebonyi State as the destination for the multi-million-naira investment, noting that the project would further strengthen the state’s industrial base.
He said, “This is one of the things we have always advocated—that we should encourage micro, small and medium enterprises because they are the engine room of every economy and the greatest employers of labour. This investment will generate employment, add value to our local resources and contribute significantly to road infrastructure development. I am particularly impressed that the machine was produced locally, reducing dependence on imported equipment.”
He urged government agencies, road contractors and private developers to patronise the company, describing it as a credible local alternative capable of reducing capital flight while strengthening the nation’s economy.
Nkwegu also appealed to residents of the host community to continue safeguarding the facility, stressing that its success would translate into greater economic opportunities for the people.
Earlier, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Ayigold Investment Limited, Mr. Godwin Ayibam Ese, said the commissioning marked the commencement of full commercial production of asphalt in Ebonyi State.
According to him, the plant has a production capacity of 120 tonnes per hour and is equipped to meet the asphalt needs of government agencies, contractors and private individuals.
“By the grace of God, we are officially opening this asphalt plant today so that we can commence production. This facility is open to everyone. Government agencies, contractors and private individuals can purchase quality asphalt here and execute their projects,” he said.
Ese disclosed that the company has already employed members of the host community and over 22 workers, assuring that additional employment opportunities would be created as operations expand.
“Our goal is to contribute meaningfully to the development of Ebonyi State through quality infrastructure support, job creation and the delivery of premium asphalt products,” he added.
Also speaking, Director of Ayigold Investment Limited, Mr. Igwe Eze Chikodiri, said the project was conceived about two years ago after the company identified a gap in the state’s industrial sector.
He attributed the decision to establish the plant in Ebonyi to the favourable investment climate created by the state government.
“He identified a gap and decided to bring this investment to complement what the government is doing. Ebonyi has been kind to him, and he resolved that this project must remain in the state,” Chikadoli stated.
He revealed that the company had already created over 22 direct jobs and encouraged more investors to take advantage of Ebonyi’s investment-friendly environment.