…says, critics unfair with their judgement over viability of the newly built factories
The Director General of the Cross River State Investment Promotions Bureau Barr. Tutu Ekeng has debunked statements from critics claiming that the factories built by the Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade in his drive towards industrializing in the State is not viable.
In her statement, she affirmed that businesses do not breakeven under 3 years and that it takes atleast a minimum of 10 years beyond such appraisals can be made.
“I am not saying this because I work for him and I am also not a sycophant, I am an intellectual and I am a lawyer.
So when lawyers think, we call ourselves learned people, we think differently from the way other people think.
We look at things both scientifically and analytically.
“Looking at it analytically and objectively against all what the critics say, I’ll say it is a 100% successful.
“Let me tell you why;
I am an entrepreneur, I have a shop. I know what it took and the struggles it took for me to open my shop in this Cross River State, in this climate.
If we must be sincere with ourselves, we should be applauding Ayade.
“You, try to start a business, just pure water business.
“How much does it take?
“How many people will buy your pure water?
“How many will even encourage you?
I am an employer of labour, try to employ people, the work ethics in Cross River is terrible.
Even to get a house help, try and see how many house helps would stay.
People are unfair when they criticize”
She maintained that she remains resolute about her position about the person and character of the Governor and describes him as a genius for pulling off so much in a short period of time, saying that only few persons can match such feat.
The Director General will commenting on the status of factories said;
“The industries have taken off and they may not be functioning and you cannot expect it to function.
I am the CEO of Investment Promotions, you cannot start a business and expect it to breakeven in the next 3 years”
“I am talking of buying and selling.
Go to Dubai today, buy boxers and start selling, I have done business for a long time. In the next 5 years you won’t break even.
“It takes a minimum of 10 years to make an overnight success in business.
“So when you see us successful, we have been working for the past 10 years.
That is why I want my voice to be heard for people to give this government a chance and to appreciate what this government has done.
I went on tour on to the Poultry Farm and they are building it, they are putting coops there.
It is not easy to even get to that stage, in this climate, being one of the states with the poorest allocation.
It is very easy to judge people’s shoes until you wear the shoes.
I think that Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade should be applauded and he has successfully done what he said he will do”, she added.