The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel says Nigeria has been spending not less than N750b on the importation of pencils yearly.
Emmanuel said with all the raw materials available, it was shameful for the giant of Africa to continue to import such item.
At the commissioning of Pencil and Toothpick factory in Uyo on Monday, Emmanuel said Akwa Ibom is far ahead of Nigeria as it was already producing both items before the federal government began such contemplated.
He disclosed plans to, as soon as possible begin a plastic and plastic consumables factory just beside the pencil and toothpick industry.
The governor said his intention was to ensure that beneficiaries of the free and compulsory education in the state have regular supplies and pencil.
“In the next few months we are bringing plastic and plastic consumables factory here. We want to make sure that we have regular supplies of pencils to support our free and compulsory education policy in the state”.
“Akwa Ibom is one of the very few states that offer free education in Nigeria. We want to ensure that all the consumables for schools are produced here”. He said
The Governor pledged to ensure that AKEES pencils and toothpick are available in all 36 states of the federation.
Responding to critics of his groundbreaking ceremonies across the state, the governor said no meaningful development can take place without a foundation.