The Ondo Seaport will soon be actualized, according to Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NidCOM).
At the conclusion of the three-day Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS), which was hosted at the Conference Center of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Dabiri-Erewa said this.
The theme of the recently completed NDIS was “Optimizing Investment Opportunities for National Development,” according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
The summit’s main objective, according to the head of NiDCOM, is to encourage significant investments in a variety of regional economic areas.
She stated, “Prof. Yemi Osibanjo, Vice-President, has pledged that the ambition of having an Ondo Seaport will soon be realized.
As the state in focus, Ondo state, has been able to exhibit the myriad investment prospects in the state, Dabiri-Erewa urged the delegates to invest at home.
The Federal Housing Authority (FHA) is prepared to support and collaborate with investors and developers, according to Sen. Gbenga Ashafa, the organization’s managing director, who was represented by Hajia Hafsat Kadiri.
“As a pilot project, The Diaspora City will be built on 600 hectares of land in Abuja. We intend to expand it all around the country.
He announced that “Diasporans are hereby welcome to create their own cities in their various states.”
Nigeria is the best country for investment, according to Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa, Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), who was speaking through Dr. George Ekpungu, the commission’s Secretary.
“Nigeria offers enormous prospects that must be transformed into national investment via responsibility. Investments will result in the greatest benefits for both investors and the country with integrity and accountability in the management of resources, Bawa added.
In particular, he cited the three most recent laws as evidence that the agency was committed to combating corruption and sanitizing the economy to ensure that investors get value for their money.
The Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Bill, 2022, the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Bill, and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, he said.
Amb. Dr. Oludare Folowosele spoke on behalf of Zubairu Dada, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, who hailed the diasporans as genuine sources of joy for the nation.
He gave his word that the ministry would keep collaborating closely with all relevant parties to further the interests of the diasporans.
The FCT’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Adesola Olusade, praised NiDCOM and its collaborators for organizing the occasion.
“There is no doubt that the Diaspora summit has improved with time. Because of the numerous potential in FCT, we anticipate it becoming a priority state, he added.
The chairman of the House Committee on Diaspora Affairs, Mr. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe, tasked the diaspora to promote Nigeria as a desirable location for foreign investment.
“We can work together to encourage more entrepreneurs to set up shop in Nigeria, both at home and abroad. To ensure that anyone with a connection to Nigeria will recognize himself as a Nigerian, we need a pathway similar to the interpretation of the constitution, he continued.
The chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organizations, Mr. Michael Ana-Nnachi, asked diasporans to reflect on their own lives and cooperate with the government to create an economy that would improve the fortunes of the country.
In addition, Ana-Nnachi recommended that the summit be used as a platform for diversity and unity as well as a center of inspiration where information could be freely exchanged in the hopes of reforming Nigeria.
According to NAN, the three-day event concluded with a dinner and gala night to amuse attendees and friends of Nigeria. (NAN).
