Mbah Lays Foundation Stone For Enugu Diaspora Conference Centre, Urges Indigenes To Invest In Homeland

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, has called on indigenes of the state living in the diaspora to think home, adding that the state is safe for business and investment.

Mbah made the call on Friday during the foundation stone laying ceremony for a multimillion naira Enugu Diaspora Conference Centre.

The 1,000 seating capacity conference center situated at Diaspora Gardens by Centenary Estate, Enugu, is an initiative of the Enugu Diaspora Organisation (EDO).

The governor at the ceremony witnessed by the Chairman, South-East Council of Traditional Rulers, Igwe Lawrence Agubuzu, and the traditional ruler of Edem-Ani Ogwugwu Ancient Kingdom, Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, Igwe Samuel Asadu (Igwe Ogadagidi), reiterated his administration’s determination to creating an enabling environment for indigenes in diaspora to contribute to the development of the state.

Mbah, who was represented at the ceremony by the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dame Ugochi Madueke, said it was time all indigenes of Enugu worked together to make the state a destination point for commercial and industrial development.

He said: “what we’re doing here today is an example of ‘Aku Luo Uno” meaning, taking one’s wealth home where it is most needed. We’re Igbos, we do not have any other place except beanyi.

“I’m happy that a group of people came together and carried this burden, this big and heavy burden and today, we’ve seen the result.

“I can assure you that, I’ll take your two major desires back to His Excellency, one being the establishment of a ‘Commission’ for diaspora, and two, the bill for the diaspora. And being a disruptive innovator that he is, I can assure you that in no distant time, we would have these things established.

Earlier, the President, Enugu Diaspora Organization (EDO) Kenneth Udichi, commended the governor for finding the time to lay the foundation of the Diaspora Conference Center.

According to him, “we look forward to His Excellency and all the distinguished Enugu State indigenes, supporting the actualization of the Conference Center for the Diaspora financially.

Udichi appealed for a quick passage of the Enugu Diaspora Commission Bill, adding that the passage of the Bill would give the people in diaspora the confidence to come home and invest.

He said, “Enugu is the face of diaspora in the South-East.

“The Diaspora Commission Bill was a selfless effort put together, to encourage our members in Diaspora to be part of the new Enugu State. A Diaspora commission that is properly managed, will attract a lot of overseas investment, into Enugu State.

“His Excellency, Dr. Peter Mbah is not only in love with the Diaspora, he is a Diaspora himself. A man of big vision, equally matched with an uncommon innovative spirit.

“His records before being elected as Governor Enugu State, says it all. It is clear today that the years when Enugu city, use to be the place to go is back, except that this time the State is targeting a GDP of 30Billion dollars, which we believe will be realized given the current speed of the conqueror Governor.

“Enugu Diaspora Organization (EDO) will convince our colleagues in Diaspora, to invest in Enugu State Government through bond instruments etc.

Highlights of the event was the presentation of award to some indigenes of Enugu, including the Senator representing Enugu West Senatorial District, Osita Ngwu, Vice Chancellor, Godfrey Okoye University (GOUNI) Very Reverend Prof. Christian Anieke; Chancellor, Coal City University (COOU) Dr. Chinedu Ani.

Others are, the former General Manager, Enugu State Housing Development Corporation, Chukwuemelie Lambert Agu; a Professor of Digital Economy and Innovation, Chinedu Ochinanwata; a popular Enugu traffic warden, Sgt. Eze Peter; Dr. Cosmas Agu; and Ezeh Sunday Chukwu Akpu.

Enugu Diaspora Organization (EDO)
is a Non-Governmental Organization

The organization’s history started with Dr. Jude Akubuilo, as its Pioneer President.