Ugwuanyi: Nsukka Trade Fair Will Boost Enugu’s Economic Growth

By Christopher Isiguzo in Enugu

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State on Wednesday reiterated his administration’s commitment to support business ventures that would promote opportunities for both local and international businesses with a view to expanding the state’s economic potential.

The governor spoke at the opening ceremony of the first Nsukka Trade Fair organised by the Nsukka Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NSCIMMA).

He said the fair, themed: “Promoting SMEs and Agriculture for National Recovery”, would provide the platform for the identification and harnessing of business and investment opportunities in the state, especially in the areas of agriculture and agro-allied ventures and small and medium enterprises.

The governor also added that the event was consistent with the administration’s policies to attract investment and create business opportunities for the state’s economic growth and quest for diversification of its economy.

Ugwuanyi reassured the people of the state of his commitment to develop the entire state, enjoining the people of Enugu West Senatorial district to organise a similar fair so that the three senatorial districts will exploit the inherent benefits of trade fairs for the overall interest of the state.

Earlier in his address, the President of NSCIMMA, Dr. Basil Onugu, said that the mission of the association was to promote business and economic development in the state in general and Nsukka zone in particular in order to create wealth and jobs through entrepreneurship and innovation.

Also speaking, the rector of the Institute of Management and Technology, Prof. Austin Nweze, while identifying with the noble vision of the fair, commended Governor Ugwuanyi for his remarkable leadership resulting in Enugu’s emergence as one of only three states in the country that regularly pay workers’ salaries.

The governor in his response attributed the feat to the grace of God, noting that it also stemmed from prudent management of the state’s lean resource.

A recent report published by BudgIT listed Enugu, Lagos and Rivers as the only states in the federation still able to meet their recurrent needs.

Other dignitaries that spoke at the event include the Senator representing Enugu North Senatorial district, Senator Chukwuka Utazi, former Minister of Information, Chief Nnia Nwodo, Council chairmen, traditional rulers, among others.

 

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