By Chikaodi Chukwuleta

Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo of Anambra State has called on investors to partner with the state to create prosperity for themselves and the people of the state.

Speaking at the Anambra Investment Summit 2024, with the theme, ‘Changing gears: Accelerating Anambra’s economic transformation’, held at the International Convention Centre, Awka, on Thursday, the Governor restated  his administration’s determination to turn the state from a departure lounge into an investment destination hub through strategic partnership with critical stakeholders.

He maintained that Anambra is more than ready for investment, insisting that the fundamentals are very strong for the state to achieve it.

“I join the organisers of this event in welcoming all of you to the 2024 Anambra Investment Summit. It is a platform created for 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,” hé said.

The governor assured investors of a seamless process, adding that anyone who wants to invest in Anambra will be given irrevocable letter and speedy certificate of occupancy would be issued within three days without going through bureaucratic bottlenecks.

In his remarks, President Bola Tinubu, ably represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Vitalis Emeka-Obi, commended Governor Soludo for the summit, which he described as an important gathering in the country’s path to economic growth.

He promised to remain steadfast in delivering his electoral promises, assuring  that the citizens’ challenges due to economic policies would soon be eased out.

“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,” Tinubu said.

The event featured signing of Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) between the state and some investors.