President Tinubu, Soludo Call for Strategic Partnerships At Anambra Economic Summit
Chinwe Onuigbo, Awka
President Bola Tinubu has lauded Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, as a visionary leader during the opening of the 2024 Anambra Investment Summit, themed “Changing Gears: Accelerating Anambra’s Economic Transformation.”
The event, held at the International Convention Center in Awka, on Thursday, served as a platform to showcase the state’s significant development strides and attract critical investments.
Represented by Dr. Emeka Obi, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, Tinubu emphasised the importance of rallying support for Governor Soludo’s initiatives aimed at propelling the state into a new era of development.
He reflected on his own experience in Lagos, commending Soludo for drawing on similar strategies to facilitate sustainable growth in Anambra.
“This gathering is a vital part in our national path to economic growth. Anambra State stands out as a shining example to what is achievable. Through this investment summit, the state is on the path to economic transformation.
“Your theme, aptly captures what our country needs at this critical time of the economy. As President, I remain steadfast in delivering my electoral promises. Many citizens are facing challenges due to the economic policies, but it will soon be a thing of the past.
“Let me commend Soludo for conceptualizing this idea. Reflecting on my journey as governor of Lagos State, many critics dismissed some projects I embarked upon as mere political tool, but today, three governors have used those projects to advance the economic prosperity of Lagos State.
“I urged the people of Anambra State to rally round Soludo. My government fully supports these initiatives and we will provide the necessary incentives. The development of any nation lies in the hands of the people.”
Governor Soludo, addressing attendees, reiterated the state’s readiness for investment and urged potential investors to view their involvement as a strategic move rather than a favor. He outlined plans to transform Anambra from a “departure lounge to an investment destination hub” through substantial investment in security and infrastructure, promising rapid processing of investment applications.
“Today, i join the organisers of this event in welcoming all of you to the 2024 Anambra investment summit. It is a platform created in celebrating strategic partnership for Anambra transformation. Each investor is bringing something to Anambra State.
“This is an investment summit like no others. Anambra is much more than ready for investment. The fundamentals are very strong and we are doing everything possible to ensure we create the needed environment.
“Our mission is to turn Anambra from a departure lounge to an investment destination hub. We are building a state that I will be glad to live in when I leave office. Let us partner to create prosperity for you and prosperity for Ndi Anambra.
“In few weeks to come, Anambra will become an investment destination hub. We are not asking the people to do us a favour, but we are asking them to invest in Anambra, in their best interest. Those that are investing now, especially in the three new cities we are building will be able to tell the story in a few years time.
“It is not by mistake that Anambra is rated as number one state in the southern Nigeria in the ease of doing business, we have invested in bankable projects. Those who start will have the stories to tell, we have.
“Today, land is platinum gold in Anambra, just like Lagos, we have the second smallest land mass after Lagos. But, while Lagos is expanding by reclaiming the ocean, in Anambra, land is shrinking because of erosion, that is why land is priceless in Anambra,” Soludo said.
Sustainable Banking
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency(ANSIPPA), Mr. Mark Okoye revealed that the state is already taking the next step on the agenda, as all the projects are sustainably bankable.
The summit provided a platform to present the economic progress achieved under Governor Soludo’s administration.
In his remarks, the state Commissioner for Industry, Mr Christian Udechukwu, outlined these achievements, which include initiatives like the One Youth 2 Skills Program, empowering over five thousand young people, and the Solution Innovation District, designed to reach over twenty thousand.
“Infrastructure developments, such as the construction of more than 520 kilometers of road networks and the recruitment of 8,115 educators and over two thousand healthcare professionals, among others, are cited as evidence of the governor’s commitment to comprehensive development in infrastructure, health, and education.
“Anambra positions itself as a modern megacity, this summit marks a pivotal moment in securing partnerships and resources necessary for achieving the administration’s vision of economic prosperity and comprehensive development. The collaboration between state leaders, investors, and economic experts emphasizes a collective commitment to foster growth in the region.”
The summit attracted participation from distinguished dignitaries, including Isaac Keen Parashina from the Kenyan High Commission and Elsie Attafuah, UNDP Resident Representative, who expressed optimism about Anambra’s investment potential.
Notable achievements and partnerships facilitated by previous memoranda of understanding (MOUs) were showcased, culminating in the signing of new agreements with eleven firms across various sectors.
Hauwa Abu
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