The Enugu State governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, has expressed his administration’s willingness to partner donor agencies towards strengthening the state’s economy in the light of the country’s recent economic challenges.
He was speaking at a one-day donor conference tagged “Building a Strong and Sustainable Partnership for Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals” held at the Nike Lake Resort, Enugu.
The governor, represented by his deputy, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, explained that the round table was informed by the need to strengthen existing bonds between the state and its local and international development partners, and explore areas of further collaboration.
He noted that despite revenue shortfall caused by decline in oil price, his administration had nonetheless introduced development initiatives such as free maternal and child health care programme, as well as free medical and pyscho-social services to victims of sexual assaults in the state.
According to him, “as part of the state’s development agenda and its efforts to grow the economy of the state, the government organised an investment Summit in April this year, which is already yielding some fruits as some local and foreign investors have indicated their interest to bring their businesses to the state.”
Governor Ugwuanyi is hopeful that the conference would help expand the state’s economy and bolster foreign investors’ confidence in the state.
As a prelude to the round table, the governor had earlier hosted the Irish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Sean Hoy, and officials of various development agencies to a dinner at the Government House Lodge, Enugu.
Mr. Hoy described Governor Ugwuanyi’s work on infrastructural development as remarkable, adding that he was in the state to renew the cordial business relationship between his country and Nigeria, particularly Enugu, and thanked his host for the warm reception.
The Irish envoy is optimistic that the round table would create opportunities for businesses to thrive in the state.
Some of the donor agencies that attended the event include the UK Department for International Development (DFID), UNICEF, WHO, World Bank, Water AID, Women for Women International, and Society for Family Health.
