Africa has the Potential to Drive the World Economy – Obi

Governor Peter Obi says Africa has the potential to drive the global economy in the nearest future Governor was speaking at a dinner organized in honour of the Consular General of the American Consulate in Lagos, Mr. Jeffrey Hawkins at the Governor's Lodge.

The Governor noted that while most of the developed nations are fast exhausting their resources, Africa has a lot of untapped wealth that will provide for other countries of the world when harnessed.

He explained that at the present tempo of growth and development in Nigeria, the country will soon become the power house of the Sub-Saharan Africa and will by the turn of the decade overtake most leading economies in Africa.

Governor Obi said till date Anambra had the assets of human capital and highest concentration of entrepreneurs, while the State had been recreated by his administration to become a reference point in the country and beyond.

The American Consul General, Mr. Hawkins who said they were in the State as part of their tour of South-East States, said he was impressed with the vision and efforts of Governor to elevate the State to a pride of place.

He said the visit has enabled him to appreciate firsthand the dynamism and enterprising spirit of the people and extolled the rich cultural heritage of the State. He said America would continue to explore areas of cooperation, collaboration and exchange to further deepen relations with the State.

In his speech, the secretary to the State government, Mr. Oseloka Obaze said the State ha remained the industrial and commercial hub of the Africa where small scale and medium enterprises had continued to thrive. He explained that Governor Obi has repositioned it to become a fertile ground for investors and presently has the highest direct foreign investment in the non-oil sector.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Professor Chinyere Okunna said the administration had made a difference and was working hard to entrench enduring legacy. She noted that it has established a reputation of skillful, prudent and transparent management of resources which she said was attracting donor agencies and Development partners.