Port Harcourt houses an abundance of untapped talents, yet remains overshadowed by Lagos due to the glaring absence of sponsorship. My-ACE China, a real estate expert and Port Harcourt’s Man of the Year, has called attention to this disparity. He asserted that while Port Harcourt surpasses Lagos in raw talent, its creatives face an uphill battle, working harder to secure recognition in the absence of adequate financial backing.
At the DMOMA Awards held in Port Harcourt, China described the city as Nigeria’s true treasure base, not because of oil and gas but because of its immense creative potential. However, this potential remains unexploited as talents struggle to attract sponsorship, a factor that drives many to Lagos in search of better opportunities.
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China highlighted that Port Harcourt’s image problem plays a significant role in deterring investments. The city is often associated with violence and political instability, overshadowing its progress. According to him, reshaping Port Harcourt’s narrative is crucial. Stakeholders, local media, and influencers must spotlight the city’s potential as a peaceful, creative, and investment-worthy destination.
Despite these challenges, the Rivers State governor’s non-partisan governance has given the city renewed hope. China praised the governor for focusing on inclusive development and implementing a blueprint that aligns with stakeholders’ visions. This governance approach, he said, is already creating opportunities for local growth and could attract significant investments to the city.
In line with this optimism, China announced its company’s plan to develop the Alesa Sustainable Smart City, a groundbreaking project aimed at redefining Port Harcourt’s identity. He believes transitioning from mere branding to delivering impactful experiences will not only boost the city’s perception but also elevate its standing on the global stage.
China also urged entrepreneurs to shift their mindset. He advised them to think expansion, not contraction, as Port Harcourt gears up for a potential economic boom. “New entrants will take the ground if local entrepreneurs don’t act fast,” he warned, emphasizing that innovation and resilience are key to thriving in the emerging market.
Furthermore, he called on real estate players to evolve from selling land to developing housing. With the housing deficit in Rivers State, developers aligned with the state’s vision will likely reap the rewards of incoming regulations and growing demand.
Port Harcourt’s growth hinges on proactive efforts from all sectors. By addressing its sponsorship deficit, changing perceptions, and leveraging its governance improvements, the city can unlock its full potential and stand tall alongside Lagos.
