Anyim said that in spite of the federal allocation to states, those in the South-East have failed to harness the economic opportunities of the area.
By Jeffrey Agbo
A former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim, has called on South-East governors and the Igbo to develop the region by investing in the five states of the zone.
Anyim spoke in Enugu on Tuesday at a two-day 2nd Eastern Nigeria Investment Summit themed “Ibu Anyi Danda“ meaning “The magic of togetherness and common purpose.”
He said unity of purpose with shared motivation, benefit and mutual survival would offer them opportunity to pull their resources, talents and ideas together for the benefit of the region.
Anyim urged them to emulate the late Premier of the defunct Eastern Region, Michael Okpara, who brought so many transformation and development to the area in the First Republic through industrialisation and infrastructure.
He reminded the audience that after the assumption of office in 1960, Okpara was confronted with the challenge of uplifting the living standard of the people.
He said that with the support and collaboration of stakeholders in the region, Okpara was able to lift the plight of people through his government’s growth plan.
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“At 39, he was able to invest in critical areas such as human capital development, industrialisation, entrepreneurship, agriculture and others, to stimulate the entire region.
“He attracted participation of the private sector and divest government interest to private sector and the region was rated the fastest developing economy in the world,” Anyim said.
While calling on South-East governments to provide industries, infrastructure to develop the area, Anyim said in spite of the federal allocation to states, those in the region failed to harness the economic opportunities of the area.
Anyim noted that “visionary leaders“ such as Chief Jim Nwobodo and Chief Sam Mbakwe did wonders in developing Enugu and Imo states respectively through the provision of infrastructure and the setting up of industries.
Anyim said that investors would have confidence if the South-East governors took the first step of providing insurance policy, protection, support and infrastructure to make their investment succeed.
