PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA
ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, SENATOR ANYIM PIUS ANYIM,
PRESIDENT OF SENATE,
FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA,
ON
THE OCCASION OF FORMAL PRESENTATION OF THE FIRST CERTIFIED BRANDED COMPUTERS MANUFACTURED IN NIGERIA BY NIGERANS
ON THIS DAY OF OCTOBER 9TH. 2001
AT
EKO LE MERIDIAN HOTEL, VICTORIA ISLAND, LAGOS
PROTOCOL
The invitation to be part of today’s occasion elicited warm enthusiasm in my heart. My enthusiasm was informed by three factors. Firstly, the pioneering role of Zinox Technologies Limited in computer technology. Secondly, the event is an eloquent testimony of foreign investor’s confidence in our government. And lastly, the occasion being a reference point to our local enterprenuers of the preference of
joint venture business to the traditional one man, one destiny business.
Zinox Technologies Limited has invited us today for the formal presentation and launching of the Nation’s First Certified Branded Computers Manufactured in Nigeria by Nigerians. Their product line includes Laptops, Personal Computers, Servers, UPS Systems, etc. These products are marketed under the brand name of Zinox Computers.
From available information, scientific and technological research that led to the manufacturing of these products has been on going for the past five years. Of particular interest to me is that the research and business study that led to this break-through was at the instance of joint business venture between a Nigerian company and other foreign companies. These companies for the avoidance of doubt are STAN Technologies Nigeria Limited, Mustek South Africa Limited and
Alhena Ventures of France.
Dear Compatriots, may I place on record that the efforts and vision that led to today’s occasion is indeed commendable. Zinox Technologies Limited has taken upon itself the challenge to provide Nigerians with affordable computers.
By this initiative Zenox Technologies Limited have become the undisputed pacesetter in indigenous computer manufacturing. Their vision undeniably will certainly make the dreams of millions of Nigerians to be part of the global information hi-tek a reality.
I am deeply encouraged by the affirmation of the promoters of Zinox Technologies Limited in their profile ” this partnership is formed with the prime aim to manufacture high quality and cost effective computer systems that will compare with global leaders in the market place.” The import of this corporate resolve is manifold, such as cost and quality consciousness. Generation of gainful employment.
Keen interest in research and development of skilled manpower in optics and computer related fires. Economic empowerment of many Nigerians (at their plant site and four support centres at Lagos, Port-Harcourt, Abuja and Kano), accessibility to information highways by greater number of Nigerians in schools, research institutions, homes, vocational centres, small and medium scale business, etc. The beneficial impact of this pioneering role of Zinox Technologies Limited is obvious. It is expected that through this singular breakthrough of Zinox, Nigeria and Nigerians in no distant future will become part and parcel of the computer revolution.
I salute the courage, steadfastness and commitment of the promoters of Zinox Computers. Please be assured that the government is unrelenting in its efforts to have in place a conducive and enabling environment for investment both for our nationals and foreigners. Be further assured that the National Assembly will remain alive to its responsibility of ensuring that legislative and budgetary frameworks
and policies are put in place to encourage local investment especially
in the manufacturing sector.
It is significant to note that the National Assembly is determined to review existing Laws to reflect the dynamism of our present socio-economic environment and beyond. This review without doubt will fine-tune our existing tar regime and ancillary matters, as they affect industrial and manufacturing capacity utilization.
The government is fully aware of the imperatives of strong industrial and manufacturing sectors in an emerging economy. Accordingly, Government will leave no stone unturned in its drive to overhaul and improve existing infrastructural facilities with the view of reducing the cost of doing business in our Country.
Finally, as I wish the promoters, board of directors and management of Zinox Technologies Limited best of luck in their endeavour, may I also urge you to make the manufacturing of quality products at all times your hallmark. Resist the dumping syndrome. And always champion the wellbeing and welfare of your human capital.
Remember what the legendary American Tycoon, J. Paul Getty said: …. a seasoned businessman must show at all times in word and action that he and the company are aware of the workers existence and of the importance of their work, »
Ladies and Gentlemen, against the foregoing, I call upon you all present here today to witness and join me in the formal presentation of Zinox Computers manufactured in Nigeria by Nigerians.
Thank you and God bless.