The Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, has expressed his administration’s readiness to partner with all efforts, particularly those driven by the private sector, to develop Igboland.
He emphasised that entrepreneurs from the region should harness their potential to invest in Igboland.
The governor gave this assurance on Monday when a delegation from the Association of Computer Village Merchants of Nigeria paid him a courtesy visit at his office in Ochoudo Centenary City, Abakaliki.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr Monday Uzor, and made available to journalists in Abakaliki.
Governor Nwifuru highlighted the importance of collaboration to increase revenue and drive investment in the South-Eastern region.
“It is said that the revenue of Ekpe, Alausa, Ikeja, and the entire Lagos State in one month is almost greater than the revenue of the entire South Eastern Nigeria,” he stated.
The governor noted that Igbo indigenes have contributed significantly to the development of cities outside the region and stressed the need for them to replicate such efforts at home.
He outlined efforts by the Ebonyi State Government to support home-grown ideas and innovations
“In 2019, you were given land in this place, and that place is my ancestral land. Till now, it is not developed.
“If you have foresight, you will know where we are heading. If you stay outside your hometown for many years, you remain a visitor.
“You must think home. Whatever you invest outside stays there,” he emphasised.
The Ebonyi State Chief Executive commended the merchants for their efforts to invest in the state.
“I thank you for coming to Ebonyi State to invest, for not looking down on us,” the governor said.
The President of the Association of Computer Village Technology Operators, Prince Tony Nwaokike, praised the governor for the massive transformation in infrastructure and human capital development within the state, which he said has supported the operations of the association.
Nwaokike stated: “Within the last 18 months, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Builder Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has performed miracles in Ebonyi State.
“Our mission began in Igboland in 2019. We have been developing other states, but we deemed it necessary to now return home to invest.
“Other states generate over N1 billion in Internally Generated Revenue from computer technologies. Fortunately, when we visited home, Ebonyi State gave us hope.”
He also noted: “The previous administration of the state promised to support us with drainage. We request Your Excellency’s support in this regard.
“We want to partner with you in the development of ICT in the state. We appeal to you to allow us to contribute to the development of this strategic area of investment.”
