INVESTORS, BUSINESS LEADERS STORM ENUGU’S INVESTMENT SUMMIT
Business leaders and investors from across the globe yesterday stormed Enugu State to attend the International Business Summit convened by administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, urging other state governments in the country to wear their thinking cap in line with the need to diversify the nation’s economy.
The investors and
business moguls came from France, Swaziland, China, Ireland, parts of Africa while some came from other parts of Nigeria. An elated Governor Ugwuanyi who addressed the huge gathering at Michael Okpara Square, Enugu, venue of the Summit reeled out plans by the state government to diversify the economy of the state through a planned robust relationship being incubated for investors Delivering his goodwill message, the Minister of Power, Works and Housing the former Governor of Lagos State Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola represented by Mr. Ayo Dele, called for collaboration between local and foreign investors for a reliable and viable investment, commending Governor Ugwuanyi for his business foresight. He urged investors to invest in the state following a conducive friendly business environment created by Governor Ugwuanyi’s administration.
Other dignitaries included Chief Paschal Dozie, Governor Willy Obiano of Anambra State represented by his deputy Dr. Nkem Okeke, said that leadership is about meeting the needs of the people and thanked Governor Ugwuanyi for his initiative. The summit attracted personalities within and outside the country including the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekwueremadu, Senators Chukwuka Utzi, Senator Gil Nnaji, Senator Jim Nwobodo and other federal and state House members who tripped in their numbers to appreciate the landmark achievement of the governor in the area of business. Senator Ekweremadu had in a vote of thanks commended His Excellency Governor Ugwuanyi for what he described as the dream of vision of legacy. He urged the people to work in partnership with the governor by informing investors around the world about the health investment climate opportunity in the state. South East Governors advised to build a common and medium term development strategy for the socio-economic revival of the region.
The founder, Tony Elumelu Foundation, Dr. Tony Elumelu, advised South East governor at the opening ceremony to come together to plan for economic survival of the zone.
Dr. Elumelu an economist, who spoke in a keynote address, enjoined the three tires of government to create conducive environment aimed at diversifying the nation’s economy particularly now the dwindling nature of the oil sector had resulted to the present economic crunch in the country. He explained that he expected to see a maximum economic blue print that would transform the futures and potentialities of his people of the South East by the key players by involving the private sectors in harnessing the technological-know-how of the zone. The summit that kicked off with a bang with the array of personalities continued today and tomorrow.