Rivers State, boasting the second-largest economy in Nigeria, recently hosted the Rivers State Economic and Investment Summit in Port Harcourt, themed Rivers Emerge: Advancing Pathways to Economic Growth and Sustainability. The summit aimed to explore dynamic trends, foster insightful dialogues, and build strategic partnerships to propel the state into a prosperous future.
The two-day event featured sub-themes on infrastructural development, security, education, technology, blue economy, tourism, and creative economy. The government recognized the importance of infrastructural development and security in achieving sustainable progress, and the summit opened with a panel session on these twin pillars.
It bears mentioning that the International Forum for Women in Energy, Oil and Gas (WEOG) Nigeria, a voluntary non-profit organization, showcased the importance of gender diversity and inclusion in driving innovation and sustainability. The organization emphasized the need for career development, thought leadership, and mentorship for women in the industry.
Notably, the infrastructural development and security panel highlighted the importance of road networks, ports, energy infrastructure, telecommunications, healthcare facilities, education infrastructure, law enforcement, cybersecurity, community policing, emergency response systems, border security, and counter-terrorism in achieving socio-economic progress.
The panel concluded that stakeholder commitment is critical to achieving and sustaining future economic growth and development in Rivers State. Dignitaries in attendance included Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Prof. Mrs. Ngozi Nma Odu, Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo, Chief Justice Simeon C. Amadi, former governor Donald Duke, and Emir Muhammad Sanusi II, who delivered the keynote address.
Read Also: Rivers Police Command Warns Protesters Against Unlawful Acts
Participants from diverse sectors, including Women in Energy, Oil and Gas, public sector leaders, industry leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders, attended the summit. The event showcased Rivers State’s ample investment and growth opportunities in critical sectors, including real estate, manufacturing, agriculture, international trade, transportation, tourism, ICT, and energy.
It bears mentioning that the summit demonstrated the state government’s commitment to harnessing innovative strategies and sustainable practices for a thriving economic future. With its strategic location, abundant resources, and investment opportunities, Rivers State is poised to emerge as a leading economic hub in Nigeria.
