Anambra State’s new governor, Chief Willie Obiano, yesterday made a breakthrough in his effort to create jobs for the youths of the state when he received the assurance of the management of SABmiller Breweries that the number of Anambra indigenes working with the company would be doubled from its current 43% in December this year.

At present, no fewer than 146 out of about 300 permanent staff of SABmiller are from Anambra while about 250 non-permanent staff are also from the state.

Obiano, who upon the assumption of office on March 17 declared that he was in a hurry to turn things around in Anambra, also received the commitment of the management of the company that it would strongly consider the possibility of growing some of the raw materials it uses in brewing its highly popular brands in the state.

These assurances came during Obiano’s brisk working visit to the Onitsha-based brewers of popular beverages like Hero, Grand Malt, Crystal Milk Stout, Voltic Water, Yoghurt, etc. The governor, on a visit to the South African-owned breweries – one of the largest investors in the state – had appealed to the management for support in his plan to bring down the rate of unemployment in the state. Obiano pointed out that employment opportunities from the company were some of the benefits that should naturally go to Anambra indigenes.

Governor Obiano described SABmiller as one of the most viable companies operating in the state, commending the management for the quality of its products and facilities as well as the cleanness of its operating environment.

He also assured the management of his administration’s resolve to provide companies operating in Anambra State an effective security coverage, reliable electricity supply and other critical infrastructure that would enhance their operation and help bring down the their over-head cost.

Governor Obiano further explained that his administration is working to overhaul the entire land administration system in the state to make it easier for people to obtain Certificates of Occupancy, revealing that he had already set up a committee to look into outstanding requests for Certificate of Occupancy in the state.

He further revealed that an investment board would soon be set up among other institutions to examine the investment statistics and assist Nigerians in the Diaspora who are willing to establish their businesses in the state.

Responding on behalf of SABmiller, the Finance Manager, Mr. Ryan Martin, said the governor’s support would help the company to consolidate on its current achievements and focus on its growth plans for the future.

He explained that the first phase of the company’s on-going expansion programme would be concluded in July this year while the second phase would end in December.

Mr. Martin explained that the current expansion of the company would double its overall capacity and staff strength, adding that the company had already commenced a round of interviews to fish out viable candidates for essential positions.

•Photo (L-R) shows Finance Manager Mr. Ryan Martin, Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, Senior Special Assistant (Investment) to Governor, Mr. Mark Okoye, during a plant tour of Sabmiller Breweries . . . yesterday in Onitsha.

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