Business leaders and investors from across the globe Tuesday 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 caps in line with the need to diversify the nation’s economy.
The investors and business moguls have come 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, 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 that attended the Summit include Chief Paschal Dozie, Governor Willy Obiano of Anambra State represented by his deputy Dr. Nkem Okeke, who said that leadership is about meeting the needs of the people and thanked Governor Ugwuanyi for his initiative.
The summit attracted personalities from within and outside the country including the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekwueremadu, Senators Chukwuka Utazi, Senator Gil Nnaji, Senator Jim Nwobodo and other federal and state Assembly members who trooped in in their numbers to appreciate the landmark achievements of the governor in the area of business.
Senator Ekweremadu had in a vote of thanks commended 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 healthy investment climate opportunity in the state.
South East Governors were advised to build a common and medium term development strategy for the socio-economic revival of the region.
The Chairman, United Bank for Africa, UBA, and the founder, Tony Elumelu Foundation, Dr. Tony Elumelu, advised South East governors at the opening ceremony to come together to plan for the economic survival of the zone.
Dr. Elumelu, an economist, who spoke in a keynote address, enjoined the three tiers of government to create conducive environment aimed at diversifying the nation’s economy particularly now that the dwindling nature of the oil sector had resulted in the present economic crunch in the country.
He explained that he expected to see an economic blue print that would transform the future and optimise the potential of the people of the South East by involving the private sector in harnessing the technological know-how of the zone.
