Anambra aims to become Nigeria’s new investment hub — Soludo

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has declared 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 much more than ready for investment, insisting that the fundamentals are very strong for the state to achieve it.

The governor stated this when he spoke 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 who are investing now, especially in the three new cities we are building will be able to tell the story in a few years.

“It is not by mistake that Anambra is rated as the number one state in 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, 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 a speedy certificate of occupancy would be issued within three days without going through bureaucratic bottlenecks.

President Bola Tinubu, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Vitalis Emeka-Obi, in his remarks, commended Soludo, for the summit, describing it as an important gathering in the country’s path to economic growth.

Tinubu said as President, he remains steadfast in delivering his electoral promises, adding that the challenges many citizens are 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.

“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 tools, but today, three governors have used those projects to advance the economic prosperity of Lagos State.

“I urge the people of Anambra State to rally around 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.”

The summit attracted notable international and local investors, captains of industries, and operators of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises across the country, with various economic experts and other speakers commending the summit and proffering the way forward for the economic prosperity of the state.

The highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the state and the investors who have indicated interest in investing in various sectors of the state.