Meet In Lagos Tomorrow
GROWING concern over seeming loss of investor confidence in Nigeria as a result of the controversial reforms in the financial services sector notwithstanding, investors from across the world are billed to converge in Lagos tomorrow to explore new avenues of intervention in the nation's Energy and Agriculture sectors.
The investors, most of whom have arrived from, at least, seven countries — including the United States of America, Britain, Austria, Israel, Holland, Syria, Iraq —, will be accompanied by government officials from their respective countries.
Tagged Energy and Agriculture Summit 2011, the investors' forum, which is being organised by a group of Nigerians in the Diaspora, under the aegis of the International Strategic Alliance Committee (ISAC), at the Four Points By Sheraton, Lekki, will set the tone for a new wave of investment in line with President Jonathan's policies on Power and Agriculture.
The Guardian authoritatively gathered that, at least, 20 Israeli investors arrived Nigeria last Thursday, through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos, while six others, from Damascus, are expected to arrive this morning.
"We are working hard to drive as many investors as possible from the Arab world and from the western nations, so that they know what Nigeria has to offer," UK-based ISAC chairman, Mr. Olatunji Adebayo, said in a telephone interview with The Guardian at the weekend. He stressed the need for Nigerians in the Diaspora to drive as many investors as possible to the country.
"We, as Nigerians, have a lot to offer and it is our responsibility to promote Nigeria around the world, because there is the need for the world to know that the country is strategically placed to do business with the world. With various things happening around the world now, we are like a hidden treasure and we need to expose this as quickly as possible."
Adebayo listed Isreali agricultural investor, Rasi Eipan, and government officials, including Israeli Deputy Minister for Development, Ayoob Kara, as guests. Kara, who will represent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is expected to bring 10 other Israeli investors to the Lagos meet tomorrow.
Others guests are Austrian member of Parliament and Shadow Prime Minister, Christian Stracha and Defence Committee Chairman for the Austrian Parliament, Mr. Peter Fichtenbauer.
From Syria are Ali Fephil Al-Ahafal and Mustapha Kalaji, among others.
Adebayo said ISAC had secured substantial commitment from the Presidency regarding official backing for the event. According to him, ISAC had perfected arrangement to pair up investors with state governments that indicated interest in strategic partnerships with investors from the seven countries with which ISAC has built official and private-sector relationships. He also disclosed that the Committee would request nominations from the Presidency of at least 50 Nigerian graduate youths that would be given six month on-the job training across the world. Explaining that ISAC would foot the bills, Adebayo said the youths would be mentored to become reference points in building a new generation of entrepreneurs for the country.
ISAC is a membership-led organsation that serves as the focal point for strategic alliances by stimulating legislative interests in the business and social enhancement of the country. It organises business events that provide development international opportunities for members.
The Guardian