Keystone Bank Boss Hails Soludo for Creating Nigeria’s Best Industrial Ecosystem

By Polycarp Onwubiko

The Chairman of Keystone Bank and Chairperson of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Southeast Zone, Lady Dr. Ada Chukwudozie, has applauded Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, for creating what she described as one of Nigeria’s most attractive industrial ecosystems, saying the state’s business-friendly environment is driving an unprecedented influx of local and foreign investments.

Speaking as the keynote speaker at the 2026 Industrial Summit and Exhibition held at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Awka, Lady Chukwudozie said Anambra is rapidly positioning itself as a leading destination for industrial growth and sustainable economic development.

The summit, themed “Globalizing Local Brands for Economic Sustainability,” was organised by BusinessDay Media Limited in collaboration with Pineleaf Estate and Properties and the Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA).

“Governor Soludo has built one of the best industrial ecosystems in Nigeria. The focus now should be on building Nigerian brands that both Nigerians and the international community can trust,” she declared.

Lady Chukwudozie commended the organisers for creating a platform that brought together policymakers, manufacturers, investors, traders and other critical stakeholders to chart a new course for industrialisation in Anambra State and the Southeast.

Describing the conference as “timely and necessary,” she stressed that sustainable industrial development requires strategic collaboration between government, the organised private sector and manufacturers.

She urged governments at all levels to prioritise security, infrastructure and policy consistency to attract investors.

“A peaceful, secure and business-friendly environment is fundamental to attracting both local and foreign direct investments. Without security, industrial growth becomes difficult,” she said.

The banking executive also advocated greater value addition to Nigeria’s abundant raw materials, arguing that exporting finished products rather than raw commodities would boost foreign exchange earnings, strengthen the naira and create jobs.

“Manufacturing remains the pathway to economic prosperity. Our industries must become globally competitive, reduce dependence on imports and position Nigeria as an export-driven economy.”

She expressed concern over the decline of many industries across the Southeast, attributing the situation to high production costs, limited innovation, expensive financing and inadequate infrastructure.

According to her, these challenges have weakened the competitiveness of locally manufactured products and discouraged investors.

Lady Chukwudozie, however, noted that the Southeast chapter of MAN is working with development partners to address energy infrastructure deficits and reduce production costs for manufacturers.

She also called for increased access to patient capital, noting that financing remains one of the biggest obstacles confronting African industries.

“Africa has free trade opportunities, but we must first have competitive products. Financing, innovation and policy stability are critical to unlocking our manufacturing potential.”

She praised the growing international acceptance of locally produced fabrics and fashion designs from the Southeast, urging manufacturers to maintain global standards through quality, excellence, integrity and innovation.

Chairman of the occasion, Chief Victor Emeka (Iduu Eri), expressed optimism that resolutions from the summit would accelerate industrialisation across Anambra State and the Southeast.

Similarly, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Pineleaf Estate and Properties, Archbishop Dr. Onyekachi Nzekwesi, identified security as a major determinant of investment decisions.

He disclosed that his company initially established operations in Asaba, Delta State, because of insecurity in Anambra but has since expanded into the state following significant improvements in security under the Soludo administration.

He also endorsed Lady Chukwudozie’s call for value addition, saying Nigeria must process and export finished products to generate wealth and create employment.

The traditional ruler of Umueri Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Igwe Dr. Benneth Emeka (Okebo Umueri), emphasised the importance of peaceful coexistence among neighbouring communities as a prerequisite for attracting investment.

Reflecting on the past communal conflict between Umueri and Aguleri, the monarch said the restoration of peace has renewed investor confidence in the area.

President-General of ASMATA, Chief Humphrey Anuna (Nze Ajilija of Oraeri), commended Governor Soludo for promoting digitalisation, value addition and infrastructure development across markets in the state.

He said ASMATA has introduced e-commerce platforms to align Anambra traders with global best practices and thanked the state government for its partnership in improving market infrastructure.

The summit concluded with the presentation of awards to distinguished personalities, including Lady Dr. Ada Chukwudozie, HRM Igwe Dr. Benneth Emeka, Archbishop Dr. Onyekachi Nzekwesi, Chairman of Innoson Group Chief Innocent Chukwuma, and Chief Victor Emeka, in recognition of their contributions to industrial development and economic growth.