Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, has indicated that his administration’s mission is to turn the state from a departure lounge into an investment destination hub, through strategic partnerships with critical stakeholders.
Soludo also stated that Anambra is more than ready for investment, insisting that the fundamentals are very strong for the state to achieve it.
The governor stated this at the Anambra Investment Summit 2024 held at the International Convention Centre, Awka, the state capital, on Thursday.
Speaking on the programme, themed, “Changing gears: Accelerating Anambra’s economic transformation,” Soludo called on investors to partner with the state to create prosperity for themselves and prosperity for the people of Anambra.
He said, “I join the organisers of this event in welcoming all of you to the 2024 Anambra Investment Summit. It is a platform created to celebrate strategic partnerships for Anambra’s transformation. Each investor is bringing something to Anambra State.
“This is an investment summit like no other. 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 a 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.”
The governor said it was not by mistake that Anambra was rated as the number one state in Southern Nigeria in the ease of doing business, adding that his administration had invested in bankable projects.
“Today, the 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, the land is shrinking because of erosion, that is why land is priceless in Anambra.”
The governor assured investors of a seamless process, adding that anyone who wants to invest in Anambra will be given an irrevocable letter and speedy certificate of occupancy issued within three days without going through bureaucratic bottlenecks.
President Bola Tinubu, who was represented at the summit by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Vitalis Emeka-Obi, commended Soludo for the summit, describing it as an important gathering in the country’s path to economic growth.
Tinubu said as President, he remained steadfast in delivering his electoral promises, adding that the challenges many citizens were facing due to the economic policies would soon be eased out.
He said, “This gathering is a vital part of our national path to economic growth. Anambra State stands out as a shining example of 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.”
He urged the people of the state to rally around Soludo, adding, “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.”
The summit attracted notable international and local investors, captains of industries, and operators of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises across the country.
The highlight of the event was the signing of the memorandum of understanding between the state and the investors who indicated interest in various sectors of the state.