The MD/CEO of John Zobis Group, Mr. John Ezeobi, has again been honoured with another major industry prize in recognition of his contributions to local sourcing, innovation and the growth of Nigeria’s manufacturing capacity.

The prestigious award, “Pillar of Industrial Enterprise and National Impact,” which was conferred on him by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) — Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu Zone, was presented during the association’s 37th Annual General Meeting, Awards & Gala Night at the International Conference Centre, Enugu.

coming barely three weeks after Ezeobi was nominated as the winner of The Sun’s Industrialist of the Year Award 2025 by the Management of The Sun Newspaper, a run of recognition that has further highlighted his rising profile in the South-East manufacturing ecosystem.

The latest award, it was gathered, celebrates Ezeobi’s deliberate investment in backward integration, his push for local sourcing of raw materials and efforts to strengthen domestic value chains, which MAN described as essential to reducing import dependence and creating jobs across the region.

Chaired by Chief Obinna Iyiegbu (Obi Cubana), the well-attended occasion, themed “Exploring Opportunities for Backward Integration and Local Sourcing of Raw Materials for the Manufacturing Sector,” brought together regulators, policymakers, manufacturers and industry stakeholders and also featured presentations, panel sessions and cultural performances, among other highlights.

Speaking at the event, the Keynote Speaker and Director-General of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, said the economic benefits of exploring Opportunities for backward integration and local sourcing of raw materials for the Manufacturing sector cannot be overemphasized.

Prof. Ike-Muonso told delegates that Nigeria spent over ₦3.53 trillion importing raw materials in the first half of 2025 alone, warning that such dependence continues to weaken the nation’s economy. He further argued that the proposed 30% Value Addition Bill, which would require a minimum local value addition before export, would be transformational if signed into law.

He also outlined the bill’s potential to expand GDP, generate hundreds of thousands of jobs and save foreign exchange by keeping more of the country’s raw-material wealth in domestic supply chains, boost local manufacturing, and generally reposition Nigeria as a regional industrial hub.

On his own part, the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, endorsed the call for stronger industry-academia partnerships and urged financial institutions to make affordable credit available to manufacturers who adopt backward integration. The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Barrister Ifeanyi Ossai, described the policy pathway as key to moving Nigeria from resource export dependence toward higher-value industrial output.

Reacting via his social handle shortly after receiving the award, the Zobis Cable Boss expressed gratitude for the honour, describing it as a strong motivation to do more in driving local production, reducing import dependence, and strengthening Nigeria’s industrial base.

Ezeobi, who received the plaque from pioneer Nollywood star and legal practitioner, Barr. Kenneth Okonkwo, attested that the AGM provided a critical platform for renewed commitment to backward integration as a pathway to sustainable industrial development.

“The event highlighted the critical importance of backward integration and local sourcing of raw materials as strategic levers for strengthening domestic production, reducing import dependency, and building resilient, self-sustaining industries. A meaningful platform for driving progress and collaboration across Nigeria’s manufacturing sector,” he partly wrote.

Also speaking, the Chairman of MAN for the Anambra-Ebonyi-Enugu zone, Dr. Adaora Chukwudozie, described local sourcing as the pragmatic route to lowering production costs and stabilizing supply chains for SMEs and larger manufacturers alike. She welcomed RMRDC’s roadmap and invited state governments to partner in establishing raw-material corridors and shared processing facilities that would bring inputs closer to factories.

The event, which had His Eminence, Eze Eberechukwu Orji, Eze Aro, as the Royal Father of the Day, was also graced by other notable dignitaries and stakeholders, which include Senator Osita Izunaso, Dr. Gideon Chidiebere Osi, Ichie Sunday Ezeobiora , Chairman, Sunchi Farms; Mr Linus Williams Ifejika, Chairman Blord Group; Otumba Francis Meshioye, National President, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria; Dr. Ifeanyi Okoye, Chairman, Juhel Pharmacy; Chief Dr. Dan Chukwudozie, Chairman,Dozzy Group; Dr. Chike Obidigbo,Chairman, Hardis and Dromedas; Anambra Commissioner for Trade and Industry,Mr. Christian Udechukwu.

By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
15-NOV-2025

Globacom, one of Nigeria’s leading digital solutions providers, has entered into a groundbreaking Internet connectivity agreement with the Imo State Government through the Ministry of Digital Economy and e-Governance—an ambitious step that signals the state’s commitment to becoming a fully digitized economy and a model Smart City in the South-East.

The agreement, hailed as the largest single fixed Internet connectivity initiative ever undertaken by Globacom’s Enterprise Business Group, underscores the company’s growing influence in deploying world-class telecommunications infrastructure across Nigeria. This milestone partnership positions the operator at the heart of Imo State’s fast-evolving digital future.

Through the deal, Globacom will deliver high-capacity, state-of-the-art Internet infrastructure to strategic government and institutional locations. These include the 15-building Smart City complex in Owerri, the Ministry of Digital Economy and e-Governance, and the Imo State University for Innovation, Science and Technology (formerly Imo State Polytechnic). The infrastructure rollout is expected to strengthen digital literacy, modernize public administration, and enhance access to digital services for residents.

A central component of the project is the integration of the Glo-1 submarine cable—Globacom’s privately owned, trans-Atlantic fibre optic system that links Nigeria directly to Europe. Known for its high bandwidth, ultra-low latency, and secure connectivity, the Glo-1 network will serve as the backbone for Imo State’s digital expansion.

With this partnership, Imo State aims to accelerate e-governance, improve the efficiency of public service delivery, attract technology-driven investments, and promote innovation across sectors including education, commerce, and security.

The collaboration demonstrates a shared vision between the State Government and Globacom: to empower citizens, institutions, and businesses through robust digital infrastructure that can sustain long-term economic growth.

Japanese automaker Toyota, the world’s top carmaker, unveiled the electric vehicle model of its pickup truck ‘Hilux’ for the first time in Bangkok, Thailand, on the 10th. A ninth-generation model undergoing a complete redesign after 10 years, it marks Toyota’s first electric pickup truck.

Toyota plans to sequentially sell the Hilux, produced at its Thai factory, in multiple Asian countries starting next year. A diesel model targeting the Japanese domestic market is also scheduled for release from the middle of next year.

Why did Toyota, which has been criticized for lagging in electric vehicles, unveil its first electric pickup truck in Thailand? Industry analysts suggest the move is part of efforts to defend its “home turf” as Chinese companies, leading with electric vehicles, have rapidly captured Southeast Asian markets. In Thailand, the largest market in Southeast Asia, Chinese firms dominate 88% of the EV market, far surpassing South Korea (1%), the U.S. (6%), and Europe (5%).

While U.S. import car tariffs have decreased from 25% to 15%, global automakers including Toyota continue to face tariff risks in the world’s largest U.S. market. Additionally, concerns over a “peak out” in the U.S. auto market persist, making the defense of third markets increasingly urgent.

In a similar context, Hyundai Motor has recently increased investments in third markets and is seeking a turnaround through new vehicle launches. Last month, Hyundai announced that Tarun Garg, the current COO, Chief Operating Officer, of its Indian subsidiary, would be appointed as the new CEO, Chief Executive Officer, starting January 1 next year. This marks the first time in 29 years since the establishment of the Indian subsidiary that a local Indian has been named CEO.

Hyundai also held its first CEO Investor Day for shareholders and institutional investors in India, pledging to invest 450 billion rupees (approximately 7.4 trillion Korean won) in the country by 2030. Last year, it had announced an investment of 320 billion rupees (approximately 5.3 trillion Korean won) by 2032, but the average annual investment has since increased by hundreds of billions of won.