By Abdul Jelil Adebayo
Determined to ensure the success of the forthcoming first Abuja infrastructure investment expo, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike has called on the Diaspora to invest in various infrastructure opportunities available in FCT.
Speaking at the five day NIDO worldwide Diaspora week, Wike noted that Diaspora plays a pivotal role in shaping the development and progress of Nigeria “bringing with them a wealth of resources such as knowledge, skills, experiences and finances which are invaluable to our economy and growth.”
He said he has approved Abuja maiden infrastructure investment expo, an initiative to explore strategic areas that will attract investment opportunities and boost development.
According to him, across the world, government partner with the private sector for development emphasizing that the expo is targeted at investors who are interested in providing infrastructure for all sectors for accelerated development in the nation’s capital in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of president Bola Tinubu.
While urging the Diaspora to get involved in the infrastructure expo, he explained that their input and collaboration will no doubt be very critical in the determination to create a more vibrant and sustainable capital city that is comparable to world’s best capital cities in terms of infrastructure and service delivery.
He reminded them that their contributions range from healthcare to technology; education to entrepreneurship, the Nigerian Diaspora continues to make significant contributions that impact lives back home.
The infrastructure investment expo is going to focus only on infrastructure as the government alone can’t do it, he noted.
He explicitly said Nigerians abroad are easily regarded as one of the most educated individuals who are the leading lights in their chosen professions and careers.
He therefore emphasized the importance of harnessing this professionalism, expertise and resources to accelerate the development process in Nigeria and the FCT in particular.
He said that was why it is imperative that government and the Diaspora leverage on interconnectedness and build productive networks of all Diaspora community to attract investors to partner with “us in our quest for accelerated growth and progress.”
Other areas like transportation, housing, healthcare and renewable energy, Wike said there are countless ways in which Diaspora investments can leave a lasting impact and transform the landscape of the capital city for the better.
To the Diaspora, he said their insights, expertise, and financial resources can play critical roles in enhancing the basic infrastructure, amenities, and overall quality of life in “our beloved capital city.
“Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient Abuja that serves as a model for sustainable, urban development and innovation.
He said the need to develop FCT made him to give the approval.
“FCT is 48 years old and there are a lot of opportunities that we need to develop more, tourism is one of the key areas, in some countries, tourism is their main stay, this also, he believes can happen in Abuja.
“By tapping your talents and resources, we can create enduring partnerships that can drive inclusive growth, ensure job creation, and improve the standard of living of our people.”
People can be invited to take over the site and develop it for us, it will bring about huge revenue generation for FCT administration.
According to him, the time has come to revive the hidden potential and opportunities in the territory under his watch.
He therefore urged them to see Abuja not just as a city, but also as a source of our pride as a people and as a canvas of opportunities, waiting to be tapped.
Abuja Infrastructure Investment Expo Overview:
The Abuja Infrastructure Investment Expo is an inaugural event that aims to drive investment, partnership, innovation, and sustainable development in the Federal Capital Territory.
The expo will bring together policymakers, developers, financiers, and international investors to initiate dialogues, partnerships, and projects that will drive forward the infrastructure agenda of the FCTA.
Investment Attraction:
Attracting both national and international investors is the cornerstone of the expo.
Partnership Development:
The expo serves as a platform for fostering partnerships between the public and private sectors.
Promoting innovation and knowledge exchange is another key pillar of the expo
The expo is committed to driving sustainable development within the FCT and the wider region.
The plenary sessions will cover topics such as smart cities, intelligent transportation systems, renewable energy transition, and more.
The expo is expected to be a novel and transformative event, the first of its kind for the FCT.
The initiative aims to attract investors to contribute to the development of Abuja’s tourism sector, bringing about substantial revenue generation for the FCT Administration.
The expo is scheduled for September later this year and Abuja will not remain the same thereafter.
. Abdul wrote in from Abuja via abduljelil2001@gmail.com
