Chief Akai Egwuonwu: An Example of Sound Anambra Aku Lue Uno Policy

ODAA OPUO

When Chief Akai Egwuonwu established Stine Industries Limited in 2006, some Nay Sayers were laughing and cajoling him for spending such billions in siting of a rice Mill in his village Amichi. During the teething period of the company, he experienced all manner of negative developments both from the people, security agencies and even from the fund providers. Chief Akai was being pulled from hands to legs by many of the government’s obnoxious policies and many policy summersaults and reversals. The business environment became too critical for a new company like Stine Industries Limited. The worst of it all was the power challenge, which impedes the growth of every business in Nigeria. Yet, Chief Akai Egwuonwu persevered and hung on.

Chief Egwuonwu, whose belief in the development of the manufacturing/real sector of the economy as a way of improving our economy and strengthen our currency, resolved to play his role in the development of Anambra economy and Nigeria. He is from a family that is known for manufacturing for decades. He went into research to see how he would provide other agro-allied brands amongst other things. His ranges of products are various brands of quality rice, Beans Noodles, Poultry feeds, Fish feeds, Cassava floor, Table Water production etc. He also has interests in Oil and Gas, Aluminum manufacturing, shipping and Haulage. His pivotal aim is geared into human capital development which made him to employ, train and deploy young men and woman where they best fit. His staff strength is over 600.

This is the reason for attracting several awards and supports both from local and international organizations. His local rice brand was adjudged the best in Africa in 2016. He recently won an award as the ECOWAS man of the year. Yesterday again, he won the South East Business Man of The Year powered by My Media Africa at Radisson Blu, Victoria Island, Lagos.

This award is a clear manifestation that his contributions to the growth of Nigerian economy are appreciated. It is also to encourage him to invest more on the real sector in order to help our economy to move from an import-driven economy to a production economy. It will help reduce the pressure on our currency.

In his response, Chief Akai Egwuonwu who was represented by Chief Abuchi Ezike (Abuson J) said that nothing will stop him from contributing his quota in the development of the economy. He called on the managers of Nigerian economy to support the manufacturing sector which is the only hope of revamping the economy and create jobs. He also called the government to do something about the power which is the basic problem bedeviling Industrialists in Nigeria. He was full of appreciation to My Media Africa for recognizing and honouring him.