The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has promised to industrialise Abia State to make it one of the major exporters of manufactured goods.

Tinubu, who praised the people of Abia State, said they are one of the most industrious, energetic, and dynamic people one can find on earth.

The APC presidential standard-bearer said this at the party’s presidential rally at Umuahia Township Stadium in Abia State on Tuesday.

He hailed indigenes of the state for making the nation and Africa proud through their industrious and innovative nature, which he said has put them on the global map.

Tinubu further promised to make Abia State more globally recognised if elected as president on February 25, promising to establish a primary industrial hub in the state.

The former governor of Lagos State said: “Your state is a centre of production and industry. Today, my hope is renewed that together we can achieve industrial activity unprecedented in our history.

“Aba market is one of the largest in West Africa. I see it becoming a major exporter of all types of manufactured goods to Asia, to North and South America, and Europe.

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“I see this state humming with industrial activity such that it will become a world-famous centre of activity from the manufacture of clothing to that of cars, appliances, and computers and their components.”

Tinubu said his plans were genuine for the people of the state as well as across the country from his understanding of the needs of Nigerians.

The APC presidential candidate further promised to provide jobs for the youths of the state, strengthen the digital economy, and improve Nigeria’s power generation and distribution.

Tinubu, who said students would no longer spend eight or more years in universities for four-year courses, promised to reform the power sector to bring the electricity supply the citizens require to live and work.

“We will give you the tools to make your businesses as competitive and productive as any on earth.

“The teeming youth population standing before me makes my heart glad. We have good plans for you! God’s Own Youth! You are blessed! We will empower you. There will be jobs for those who desire jobs by providing tax and other employment credits to employers, encouraging them to hire you.

“My government shall support those starting their own businesses. My Digital economy plan calls for one million new jobs in ICT within 24 months in office.

“We are also investing in an educational system that will provide you with skills that make you globally competitive while also affording you a good standard of living,” he added.

Speaking on insecurity in the country, Tinubu said: “Our national security policy will function to give peaceful living clear of violence and fear. Insecurity will be tackled using advanced technological platforms for surveillance and tracking kidnappers and violent criminals. Security forces will be better trained and better compensated. They will exercise restraint when needed but will also show strength whenever put to the test.

“This nation will be a safe and prosperous place to live.”

Also speaking at the rally, the APC Deputy National Chairman (South), Emma Enekwu, urged the people of Abia State not to waste their votes but back Tinubu who he said would be victorious in the 2023 presidential election.

Others at the rally were Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinnma; the APC National Woman Leader Betta Edu; and other members of the party’s National Working Committee.

The Star