Loss Of N90b Brewery To Ogun By Obiano’s Inaction: The True Story

The True Story Of The Loss Of A 90 Billion Investment To Ogun State By The Inaction Of Governor Willie Obiano

Before Peter Obi left as the governor of Anambra state, he has already negotiated with Sabmiller, and a large expanse of land mapped out for the expansion.

The land is located at the banks of Omambala River at Umueze Anam.

When the company met Willie Obiano who was the new governor then to discuss the takeoff of the expansion, Governor Willie told them that he understands how such deals are brokered and demanded that the company must factor in his interest.

He also requested moving the site from Umueze Anam to Aguleri. The company refused.

Those aware of how globally acclaimed companies of repute function, should be aware that they operate within international standards. Such a deal as Obiano proposed could lead to the delisting of the company from the London Stock Exchange.

Former Gov. Peter Obi with top Management of Distell Worldwide and top government officials during the laying of the foundation of the initial N8.5 billion facility of Distell at Ozubulu, Anambra State in 2014

That was how the Governor allowed them to go, and we lost thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities.

His personal interest was more important than the future of Ndi Anambra.

In saner climes, governments give out free lands to companies, knowing fully that they will make up the money for the land in taxes in no distant time.

It’s really worrisome that the Anambra state government headed by Willie Obiano is trying to change the narratives, by exonerating itself from the loss of the investment, citing business decision as the reason why the company moved out.

Though I expected damage control efforts, but James Eze (The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor) would have done better than telling us the reason the company moved was to get closer to Lagos market.

He forgot that they have an already existing brewery in Ilesha which services the Lagos market.

In the spirit of their damage control, can they also tell us if “business decision” and “Lagos market” were the reasons why Distell left Anambra state?

There was already a ground breaking ceremony for 8.5 billion Naira Distell facility at Ozubulu before Obi left, but as Governor Willie came in, they didn’t agree to accommodate his personal interest, and he sent them packing. Many other companies suffered the same fate.

Like International Breweries, like Distell!

A man who is preaching “Akulue uno”, and who is going all over Europe looking for investors, or ironical busy at home driving away willing investors because of selfish interests.

To cover up, he resorted to importing jobless white men and signing countless MOUs with them. Who is fooling who?

The government should have kept mum than circulating their damage control, as it will bring out more facts about the Governor’s complicity than the intended damage control.

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