The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to creating a conducive environment for corporate organisations operating in the state in order to enhance business growth, job creation and sustainable development.
Governor Fubara stated this on Friday during the commissioning of the Solewant Specialty Protective Coatings and Paints(SSPC), manufacturing plant at Alode, Onne in Eleme, Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The ceremony was designed to officially unveil the company’s modified paint series and coating solutions, as well as showcase it’s capacity to serve decorative, industrial and specialty asset-protection markets. The event brought together government officials, industry leaders, technical partners clients, distributors, contractors and industry regulators.
Governor Fubara, represented by his Chief of Staff (CoS) Government House, Barr. Sonny Ewule noted that his administration’s massive investments in infrastructural development, is a deliberate policy aimed at ensuring a conducive, friendly environment for businesses in the State. He commended the promoters of the paint manufacturing company for citing the plant in Rivers State, stressing that the investment is an eloquent testimony of the peace prevalent in the state.
Governor Fubara beckoned on all local and foreign investors to emulate the Solewant Group by taking advantage of the peaceful atmosphere prevalent in the State to expand their investments.
“I thank the board, management and Staffs of Solewant and Specialty Protective Coatings and Paints Limited, , for choosing Rivers State as your industrial hub for citing this gigantic state-of-the-art paint manufacturing plants. It is a testament that Rivers State is peaceful and safe for investments. The government and the good people of Rivers State are indeed very happy for this remarkable project. We, as government, are calling on all local and foreign investors to emulate what the Solewant Group’s has done in Rivers State.
“The Rivers State Government is willing and ready to partner with your conglomerate in the area of manufacturing sustainable development, local content development and industrial growth in the State. This partnership would not only expand business activities in the State but also create job opportunities for our teaming youths. It will also increase the revenue base of the state which will in turn increase rapid socioeconomic development in our state,” he said
Governor Fubara disclosed that his administration is partnering with relevant agencies to ensure stable power supply in a bid to reduce cost of energy for companies doing business in the state.
In a keynote address, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources(Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri commended the Solewant Specialty Protective Coatings and Paints(SSPC) limited for their bold steps in supporting local content and creating job opportunities for Nigerians. Lokpobiri noted that the federal government will remain committed to supporting indigenous players in the oil and gas industry.
“I am very happy today that I have the privilege to be invited to come and witness the inauguration of this plant, that will not just serve Nigeria but the entire African continent.
“As a government, we are fully committed to supporting companies like Solewant Group because that is the only way we can grow. As chairman of the Governing Council of the Nigerian Content Development Board, we have tackled the problem of middle men, and have made it compulsory that all coating and pipes are done in Nigeria.
“I have always said the solution to solve Nigeria’s energy problem lies with Nigerians, nobody will come from anywhere else to solve the problems of the energy sector in Nigeria,” he said.
Group Managing Director (GMD) and Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of Solewant Group, Engr Solomon Ewanehi described the project as a celebration of excellence in research and technology, products development and quality delivery to meet global demands in the oil and gas industry.
