The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation, AKICORP, Imo-Abasi Jacob, has called on strategic investors to invest in the State and drive economic growth, stressing the need for increased private capital to make Akwa Ibom a leading industrial hub in Nigeria.
He made the call at the third-quarter Akwa Ibom Investors Forum, themed “Strengthening Investor Confidence and Unlocking Private Investment in Akwa Ibom State,” where he presented an investment outlook for the State, highlighting opportunities in real estate, tourism, aviation and other sectors, as well as the creation of six economic zones across the State.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Finance, represented by Dr. Dani, made a presentation titled “From Reforms to Results: Akwa Ibom’s Business-Enabling Reform Priorities,” highlighting key objectives, assessments, inputs, outcomes and the framework for the State’s Business Enabling Reforms Programme.
The State Manager of the Bank of Industry, Chief Oputu Ejiro-Rume, also spoke on the fund available through collaboration between the Bank of Industry and the Akwa Ibom State Government to support businesses in the State, while highlighting some of the challenges affecting the fund.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Agribusiness, Pastor Godwin Ukwat, gave the vote of thanks and urged participants to take advantage of the opportunities available in the State, while stressing the need for increased awareness to enable more people understand how investment works.
The Head of the Investors Aftercare Department at AKICORP, Jacob Ikpe, called on existing investors, growing businesses seeking support and prospective investors with enquiries to contact the department for guidance, complaint resolution, investor engagement and facilitation. He said enquiries could be made via info@akwaibominvest.ng or 0812-345-1462.
Those present at the event included the Head of Media (AKICORP) Elizabeth John; Deputy Director, Trade and Investment, Assian Umoren; representatives of private institutions, investors, MDAs, among others.