The Federal Government yesterday received the Certificate of Occupancy for a land estimated to be over 80 hectares from the Anambra State Government for the construction of an Automotive Industrial Park.

The land was donated by three communities, Akwaihedi and Unubi in Nnewi South Local Government Area and Uga in Aguata council area.

Handing over the certificate of occupancy to the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah, at the site in Unubi, the state Governor, Chief Willie Obiano said that the land which is above 80 hectares was half of the demand by the Federal Government from Anambra State for the automotive industrial park, noting that because of the unsavory experience the state had with past governments, it could not give away all the land.

“I thank Unubi, Akwaihedi and Uga communities for accepting to donate this land. We are giving this, which is half of what the Federal Government requested, and we believe that when we begin to see the benefits, we will donate even more.

“Anambra has the least land mass in the country, and erosion is further depleting our land, so we do not have land to give to anyone for free, but we have seen that this government wants effective partnership with states, that is why we are donating this,” Obiano stated.

According to him, the land was donated free of charge and has no condition attached, and the Certificate of Occupancy bears a caveat which states that the land must be developed within 18 months.

In his speech, Dr. Enelamah thanked Anambra people for their hospitality and acceptance to give out the land, while assuring that work will soon start on the land, and that the full benefits of the park will accrue to the people as development and employment are part of the benefits.

“From my childhood, I had always known Anambra people to be very industrious, and you cannot talk about industrialisation in Nigeria without talking about Anambra, Nnewi too.

“When I was called upon to serve, I told myself that we must industrialise Nigeria, and Anambra is the right place to start achieving that,” the Minister said.

He noted that the Federal Government under President Muhammadu Buhari is passionate about partnership with states, and that the partnership being entered will boost infrastructure in Anambra State while providing employment opportunities.

The Minister also said that when the park becomes fully functional, it will attract investors to the state, saying that it is one thing he has also been discussing with the Governor on how to attract investors to the state.

The event also drew the presence of Engr. Aminu Jalau, the Director General of National Automotive Design and Development Council, traditional rulers of most communities in the state and members of the Anambra State executive council.