Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu says the Rivers State Economic and Investment Summit 2024, will place the State in the right trajectory of accelerated development.
Prof. Odu stated this during the closing Ceremony of the Rivers State Economic and Investment Summit 2024, at Obi Wali International Conference Centre, in Port Harcourt on Thursday, 23rd May 2024.
The Deputy Governor Deputy said the essence of the summit amongst other things was to attract investment and investors to the State.
“The essence of this summit is to attract investment, we want investors to come, people within and outside the country to come here, we want to encourage economic growth and change the trajectory, change the narrative, networking and collaboration. It was also to showcase the opportunities that do exist in Rivers State to encourage innovation, boost tourism, hospitality and also for long term economic growth”. The Deputy Governor stressed.
Prof. Odu, who revealed that the Governor Fubara led Administration, would hit the ground running with the outcome of the summit, stressed that it will continue to provide the enabling environment and make relevant policies that would enable the State to harvest the low hanging fruits from the discussions and interactions of the Summit.
According to the Deputy Governor, “We are saying that this Summit is not a talk show, this is a Summit we want to drive to the end, to translate from talks to action and from action to vivid things people can see and feel”.
She congratulated Governor Fubara for conceiving the idea of hosting the Economic Summit while also commending the organizers and participants for making the Summit a huge success.
The Deputy Governor congratulated the Emir of Kano His Royal Highness Muhammad Sanusi II on his reinstatement as the 14th Emir of Kano.
In his Keynote Address, the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, and the 14th Emir of Kano, His Royal Highness Muhammad Sanusi II, commended the Rivers State Government for putting together the Summit at this critical time of our economy, noting that the decision to centre Governance and economic development through investment promotion was very thoughtful and brave by the Rivers State Government, because the reform of any economy whether state or country requires difficult decisions that may be painful but, it is for the good of the people.
He said as the second largest economy in the country with rich arable land, abundant oil and water resources and the strategic location of the State, Rivers State can be the best investor’s paradise not just in Nigeria but the world at large.
Earlier on, in his welcoming address, the Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG), Dr. Tammy Danagogo, said that the ongoing discussions and exchange of ideas on economic growth are geared towards securing a promising future for the State.
Represented by Head of the State Civil Service Dr George Nwaeke, Dr. Danagogo, noted the statesmanship of Governor Fubara, whose mind is set on the sustenance of the next generation, adding that he was laying the foundation that will drive the State on the path of economic prosperity.
He said, “The Governor is a statesman because the benefits of the economic summit and things that will be put on ground will benefit our people and make the future generation more responsible.
“His (Fubara) commitment to sustainable development, his foresight in planning for the long-term, and unwavering dedication to the betterment of our State now and for the future, truly places him as a true leader.”
Dr Danagogo said further: “I, therefore, urge each person here present to draw inspiration from the ethos as we continue our discussion today. Let us channel our energies towards finding solutions that will not only benefit us today, but will also lay a solid foundation for generations that will follow.
- “Together, we can create a legacy of progress, prosperity and sustainable development that will define the future of Rivers State and give her the pride of place in the comity of states.”
In her goodwill message, the Director of International Operations at the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Stella Fubara, expressed delight that the news of the summit has started reverberating at the global stage.
She pointed to the commendations elicited for the Governor Fubara for his commitment to laying the foundation for a renewed economic growth of the State.
The global tourism expert urged the citizens to realise that they are the greatest resources and the answer to the expected economic development, which demands that they must be involved in the process, critically and passionately in their contributions to ensure growth.
She thanked the Governor for placing the State on the global map for potential investors to explore, given the diverse opportunities available, and charged him to sustain the momentum in order to realise the vision of turning the State to the best investment destination of the present and future generations.
