…..As South-East Governors Forum partners AFREXIMBANK for massive and major infrastructural development of the region
By Tony Ezike
The South-East geopolitical zone is on the match for massive economic boom, as the South-East Governors Forum, (SEGOF) engages AFREXIMBANK on initial discussions aimed at improving the Infrastructural status of the area, in a crucial meeting attended by relevant stakeholders.
South-East Governors Forum, (SEGOF) was represented in the meeting by His Excellency Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, Governor of Ebonyi State, while AFREXIMBANK President, Prof Benedict Okey Oramah, Director General South-East Governors Forum, Senator Uche Ekwunife and other major stakeholders attended the meeting.
Key focus of the meeting was to fashion out modalities for major investments into key areas of development in the South-East region, which includes Cargo and Passenger Rail, Energy, revitalization of moribund industries, construction and rehabilitation of interstate roads, improvement of the region’s aviation industry, among others.
The meeting equally brainstormed on the crucial need for adequate provision of basic amenities and other subsidiary projects within the zone, with a view to foster a formidable value chain of economic activities needed for the economic advancement of the region.
Impressed by his wealth of knowledge and resourcefulness, especially in the areas of project financing and understanding of public, private partnership, PPP, Governor Francis Nwifuru described the AFREXIMBANK President, Prof Benedict Oramah as a worthy son of Igbo land, and a leading player in the global banking community, adding that his financial ingenuity has placed him on a pedestal, and created an endurable track record for the bank within Nigeria, Africa, and at the global stage.
The AFREXIMBANK President, Prof Benedict Okey Oramah in his remarks assured the Forum of his commitment towards supporting viable proposals, noting that the intentions of the South-East Governors as discussed during the meeting would be prioritized and given adequate attention. He expressed appreciation for the recognition accorded to him by the Regional Chief Executives of the South-East States.
Speaking shortly after the meeting, the Director General South-East Governors Forum, Senator Uche Ekwunife CON, described the partnership as strategic, in view of its anticipated potentials to boost Transportation, Trade and Industry across the South-East region, Nigeria and beyond.
She urged the people of South-East region, especially community leaders and youth leaders to see every single project coming to the region as a collective responsibility, aimed at opening up the region for higher productivity and rapid development, while avoiding any action that could jeopardize each ongoing investment at any stage.
Ekwunife expressed satisfaction with the willingness of AFREXIMBANK to invest in the zone, noting that the bank’s decision to partner with the Forum could not have been possible without the collaboration, unity of purpose, regional diplomacy of the South-East governors under the pragmatic leadership of His Excellency, Sen. Hope Uzodimma CON, Governor of Imo State, and Chairman South-East Governors Forum.
She expressed confidence in the viability of the SEGOF / AFREXIMBANK partnership, stating that both parties have all it takes to improve the GDP of the South-East region, and give the area a befitting facelift, by leveraging the enormous human and material resources available to both parties.
She however, called for massive support for the South-East governors, considering their unwavering cooperation and unflinching dedication towards adequate provision of security and enabling framework for sustainable development of the region.
