Obansanjo Commissions Skyrun Project In Calabar
BY UBON EKANEM, CALABAR – Nigeria’s former President Olusegun Obasanjo has officially commissioned Skyrun Ultra-Modern Deep Freezer/Fridge Production Factory in Calabar Free Trade Zone (CFTZ), Calabar, the Cross River State capital
He said given Nigeria’s estimated population figure of about 193 million, industrialization offers the key to its socio-economic development and growth, especially in employment generation, job creation, provision of food and shelter for the citizenry.
Speaking at the project commissioning, Chief Obasanjo expressed delight at the progress made by Skyrun since it commenced operations about 12 years ago, noting that besides attracting foreign investments, the project has the capacity to make Nigeria a leading industrialized nation in Africa.
The former President challenged the firm to work assiduously towards ensuring quality production and meeting acceptable standards that would boost its competitiveness on the international stage.
According to him, the time has come for indigenous companies to dig deep and evolve creative ways aimed at promoting and positioning Nigeria to achieve its goal of ranking among the best 20 economies in the world by the turn of year 2020.
In his remarks, the Cross River State Governor, Professor Ben Ayade, expressed the State Government excitement at Skyrun’s input towards enlarging the economy of the State.
Represented by the State Commissioner of Commerce and Industry, Mr Peter Akam Egba, Governor Ayade said with its conviction that industrialization is the best way to go, his administration has expanded the frontiers by building industries across the 18 Local Government Areas to boost the State’s economy and nation at large.
He assured that being top of his government’s agenda, the provision of required infrastructure and enabling environment for businesses to thrive would not be compromised.
Speaking at the occasion, team leader of Skyrun, Mr Shen Hai Gno acknowledged that the company was established in CFTZ with the support of ex-President Obasanjo during his tenure, explaining that Skyrun is currently producing Freezer/Fridge, Wall-mounted split and Commercial Air conditioner.
He also listed items on the firm’s production line as portable microwave oven, portable ice maker, prepaid meter, water dispenser, standing fan, floor standing unit and decoder among others.
Gno pledged Skyrun’s commitment to Nigeria’s development efforts through job creation, skill acquisition, national and rural industrialization, and sports growth among others, noting that aside the State Civil Service Commission, the firm easily rank as the highest employer of labour in Cross River with about 350 personnel and another 150 staff located outside the State.
Highlights of the programme were commissioning and inspection of the factory as well as dinner night. Among dignitaries present were: former Cross River Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke; and Speaker, House of Representative, Rt. Hon Yakubu Dogara, represented by Hon. O. C. Prestige.
Others include; National Coordinator Skyrun, Chief Matthew Uwaekwe; Cross River State Head of Service, Barrister Ekpenyong Henshaw; Commissioner for Agriculture, Prof. Anthony Ineji; Service Chiefs and Commanders; Obong of Calabar; traditional rulers and religious leaders as well as top Government functionaries.
