The Imo State House of Assembly has urged Governor Hope Uzodimma to review moribund state-owned companies and agencies and develop an implementable revitalisation plan for their functionality and profitability.

The House made the call during a plenary session on Tuesday in Owerri, following a motion moved by the Deputy Speaker, Amarachi Iwuanyanwu (Nwangele constituency).

The motion also urged the governor to recover government assets, restructure and reposition them for the economic growth of the state.

It further called on the state government to prioritise job creation for Imo youths through the revitalised companies and agencies.

Moving the motion, Mr Iwuanyanwu noted that the state owns numerous companies and agencies with the potential to drive economic growth, create jobs, and improve its socio-economic standing.

He observed that several of the companies and agencies, including the Standard Shoe Industry Ltd, Imo Modern Poultry Avutu, Imo Rubber Estates Ltd, Emeabiam, Integrated Aluminium Products Ltd, and the Achara Ubo Farms in Owerri North, had become moribund.

He said this led to a heavy revenue loss, brain drain, and unemployment, especially among the youth.

The deputy speaker expressed concern that the continued dormancy of these entities undermines the state’s development and exacerbates socio-economic challenges.

He, therefore, prayed the house to urge the governor to quickly conduct a comprehensive review of all moribund companies and agencies and develop and implement a revitalisation plan to restore functionality and profitability.

The lawmaker also prayed the house to urge the governor to recover government assets and restructure and reposition them for economic growth.

He said the government should also prioritise job creation for Imo youths through the revitalised companies and agencies.

Supporting the motion, the member representing Ideato North, Okechukwu Udeze, described the motion as thoughtful, adding that the revitalisation would perfect the efforts of the state government in developing the state.

He said that reviving the moribund industries would also help combat low job opportunities and reduce the unemployment rate.

Also supporting, Francis Osuoha (Ohaji Egbema constituency) said the lack of jobs had led to brain drain, with youths leaving and not contributing to the socio-economic development of the state.

He added that reviving and maintaining the industries under the present administration would be reversing the trend.

Chidiebere Ogbunikpa (Okigwe constituency), while supporting the motion, commended the governor for improving the infrastructure needed to support the revitalisation of the moribund industries.

He said that the move would encourage youth empowerment while giving them an opportunity to showcase their skills and contribute to the economy.

The majority leader, Kanayo Onyemaechi (Owerri West constituency), in his contribution, noted that the lands surrounding some of the affected industries had been parcelled and sold illegally.

He urged that proper measures be taken to recover any government property illegally sold.

Following more contributions and a unanimous vote in favour of the prayers, the Speaker, Chike Olemgbe (Ihitte Uboma), ruled in favour of the prayers.

He also directed the clerk to convey the house resolutions to the office of the governor. 
(NAN)