The Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, has expressed his administration’s commitment to collaborating with various initiatives, particularly those led by the private sector, to foster development in Igboland. He emphasized the importance of regional entrepreneurs harnessing their potential to invest in their homeland.
Governor Nwifuru made this statement on Monday during a courtesy visit from a delegation of the Association of Computer Village Merchants of Nigeria at his office in Ochoudo Centenary City, Abakaliki. This information was shared in a statement released on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Monday Uzor, and made available to journalists in Abakaliki.
During the meeting, the governor underscored the significance of collaboration in boosting revenue and driving investment in the South-Eastern region. He pointed out that the revenue generated by areas such as Ekpe, Alausa, and Ikeja in Lagos State in just one month surpasses the total revenue of the entire South Eastern Nigeria.
Governor Nwifuru acknowledged the substantial contributions of Igbo indigenes to the development of cities outside their region and stressed the necessity for them to replicate these efforts at home. He outlined the initiatives undertaken by the Ebonyi State Government to support local ideas and innovations. He recalled that in 2019, land was allocated to the merchants on his ancestral land, which remains undeveloped to this day.
He urged the merchants to consider the long-term benefits of investing in their hometown, stating, “If you stay outside your hometown for many years, you remain a visitor. You must think home. Whatever you invest outside stays there.” The governor commended the merchants for their willingness to invest in the state, expressing gratitude for their decision to support Ebonyi.
Prince Tony Nwaokike, the President of the Association of Computer Village Technology Operators, praised Governor Nwifuru for the significant advancements in infrastructure and human capital development within the state, which he noted have facilitated the operations of the association. Nwaokike remarked, “Within the last 18 months, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Builder Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has performed miracles in Ebonyi State.”
He further explained that their mission began in Igboland in 2019, and although they have been developing other states, they felt it was essential to return home to invest. Nwaokike highlighted that other states generate over N1 billion in Internally Generated Revenue from computer technologies, and he expressed optimism upon returning to Ebonyi State.
Additionally, he mentioned that the previous administration had promised support for drainage development and requested Governor Nwifuru’s assistance in this area. He concluded by expressing a desire to partner with the governor in advancing ICT development in the state, appealing for permission to contribute to this vital sector of investment.
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