Enugu govt has sealed landmark investment deal with Lion Business Park
… we'll guarantee your business, hurry and invest, Mbah urges diasporans
The Enugu State Government and the Lion Business Park Limited have sealed an investment deal with the signing of Novation Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to develop a world-class industrial and commercial hub within the Enugu Industrial Park Free Trade Zone.
This was even as the state governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to guaranteeing businesses through the provisions of infrastructure and enabling environment for ease of doing business, urging diaspora investors to turn their capital into Enugu State for a high return on investment, RoI.
Signing the MOU alongside top management of Lion Business Park Ltd in Enugu today, the firm’s chairman, Dr. Okechukwu Mbonu, commended the governor for his visionary leadership, developmental strides and achievements the administration had recorded within a short period in office.
Highlighting the objective of the deal, Mbonu stressed that the company was poised to develop industrial and commercial hub that would catalyze trade, industry, economic growth and create jobs for the youth population.
“This strategic collaboration aligns with Your Excellency’s visionary economic agenda to grow the GDP of Enugu State from $4.4 billion to $30 billion (US Dollars) for the overall benefit of the people of Enugu State and Nigeria as a whole.
“It is therefore, a watershed moment with this renewed partnership between Lion Business Park and Enugu State Government. It is indeed a case of a promise made and fulfilled and I have no doubt that you will continue to fulfill your promises to the people of Enugu State,” the chairman added.
Mbonu, who expressed optimism about the investment, said the project would leverage on the incentives associated with businesses in a Free Trade Zone to attract foreign direct investments, promote human capital, innovation and technology development to create jobs.
Calling on the business community, private sector leaders and global investors to maximize the perfect opportunities the park presented to them to be part of the economic revolution, Mbonu added that the project had immense benefits that spurred beyond the state, the South East zone to Nigeria at large.
Speaking, Governor Mbah reiterated the administration’s economic blueprint, which is to grow the economy and make the state the number one destination for investors in the country, saying the promise to inspire exponential growth could only be possible with investment deals such as the one executed with the Lion Business Park.
“The Enugu State Government has committed to increase their stake in this going concern by providing all the necessary infrastructure that is required in order for this business park to be fully functional. We see the business park as food that is ready. Because if we are to start the process of building a business park, we know what it will take. Procuring your licenses; getting the free trade license, getting the dry port license because we have an inland port also at the Lion Business Park,” he noted.
While harping that the location of the park was a product of strategy, innovation and due diligence conducted by a team of economic experts in the administration, the governor said, “The business park is strategically located. It is three hours from Onne Sea Port in Rivers State, less than two hours to Asaba in Delta State, and less than 25 minutes to Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu. We couldn't ask for a business park at a better location”.
He assured that the administration would continue to make the state attractive to investors to set up their industries by providing the right incentives such as electricity, paved roads, and other infrastructure.
While appreciating host communities in the state for their support, the governor enjoined them to continue to cooperate with investors.
Today in my office, I signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding with the management of Lion Business Park Limited to develop a world-class industrial and commercial hub within the Enugu Industrial Park Free Trade Zone.
Yesterday, I paid a condolence visit to the widow and family of our late legend, Chairman Christian Chukwu, who passed away while I was on an official trip outside the country.
Pleased to receive the Honourable Minister of State for Agriculture, Sen. Dr. Aliyu S. Abdullahi, CON, on a courtesy visit to my office yesterday. We had a productive engagement on areas of collaboration that will further enhance agricultural productivity and food security.
JUST IN: Governor Mbah visits Christian Chukwu's family, saying 'we'll immortalise him'
Governor Peter Mbah last night paid a condolence visit to the widow and family of former Nigerian international and coach, Christian Chukwu, in Enugu, assuring them that they were not standing alone.
Mbah, who was out of the country attending the Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit in London at the time of Chukwu's death, also assured that the deceased would be immortalised.
He described the late footballer, popularly known as Chairman, as a legend, who served his country unreservedly and inspired millions of youths. He said the Government and people of Enugu, his home State, were thoroughly devastated by the death.
Speaking to newsmen after consoling the family and also signing a condolence register, Mbah said, "We have come here to commiserate with the family and also to express our devastation. We are just as devastated by his death; and his death is not just a loss to the family alone, it is a loss to all of us, particularly the government and the people of Enugu State.
"As you know, our beloved brother and legend, Chairman Christian Chukwu is a household name that inspired a lot of young people. He represents a lot of values when it comes to sport globally not just even in Nigeria.
"So, we are so devastated by his death, but we have also come here to assure the family that this loss is not just theirs, this is our collective loss; that we are going to be with them all through this period of grief, and that we are also going to ensure that his name is immortalised."
He also prayed for the peaceful repose of Chukwu's soul and for fortitude on the part of his family to bear the irreparable loss.
Also with the governor at the round leather maestro's residence were the Speaker, Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Uchenna Ugwu and the Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Barr. Lloyd Ekweremadu.
Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, paid a condolence visit to the widow and family of former Nigerian football legend and coach, Christian Chukwu, assuring immortalization of the globally acclaimed professional.
https://t.co/HsxCf3D1xk
Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, paid a condolence visit to the widow and family of former Nigerian football legend and coach, Christian Chukwu, assuring immortalization of the globally acclaimed professional.
https://t.co/HsxCf3D1xk
Enugu: LP Guber Candidate Cites Gov Mbah’s Superlative Performance, Re-joins PDP
_Edeoga: I’m happy to be back_
The 2023 governorship candidate of Labour Party (LP), in Enugu State, Hon. Chijioke Edeoga, has returned to (PDP). Edeoga had met https://t.co/MFMsS0Anub
Happy Mothering Sunday!
On behalf of the Government and the good people of Enugu State, I felicitate you, our dear mothers, on this occasion of Mothering Sunday.
Today, I had a productive discussion with the House of Representatives Committee on Reformatory Institutions, led by Hon. Chinedu Ogah, at the Government House. We deliberated on the relocation of the Enugu Correctional Centre, a facility built in 1915 that is no longer suitable for its present location in the heart of the city.
I commend the Federal Government for approving its relocation, a move the Enugu State Government has long advocated for. We are fully prepared to partner with the Federal Government to ensure its swift actualisation. We have already conducted a survey of the new site.
Beyond relocation, we are also tackling the root causes of congestion in correctional facilities. Our administration has fully automated court processes to ensure the speedy dispensation of justice, eliminating delays that often keep inmates awaiting trial for prolonged periods. The automation extends beyond case filing to court proceedings, with verbatim reporters replacing the traditional longhand method. This is a significant step towards a more efficient justice administration system.
I appreciate Hon. Ogah’s recognition of the improved security in Enugu, where people can now move freely at any time of the day. As he noted, our investment in security technology and the dedication of correctional officers and security agencies have ensured there has been no jailbreak in our state. With our modest efforts in creating jobs and boosting economic activities, we are not just improving security but also addressing the socio-economic factors that contribute to crime.
The Committee’s support and collaboration are valuable in driving this reform forward, and we look forward to working together to make these initiatives a reality.
Pleased to receive the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, today. He was in Enugu to strengthen collaboration between the Federal Government and our administration on several digital initiatives aimed at accelerating our state’s transition into a tech-driven economy.
His commendation of Enugu's rapid digital transformation is a testament to our commitment to building a thriving, technology-powered economy. Our administration is leveraging the digital economy to diversify revenue streams and achieve our vision of a $30 billion economy. From Smart Green Schools that equip our children with future-ready skills to our full transition to an e-governance platform that enhances efficiency and transparency, we are driving innovation across sectors.
Through our Command and Control Centre, we have deployed round-the-clock surveillance to strengthen security across Enugu. We are also finalising the integration of this system with the NCC Emergency Communication Centre to operationalise the Distress Response Squad, ensuring real-time emergency coordination via the national 112 emergency number.
We welcome the Federal Government’s support through Project 774 Connectivity, which will provide internet access to all 17 local government secretariats in Enugu. The planned Digital Innovation Complex, powered by Galaxy Backbone, will further accelerate our progress by hosting a Tier Three Data Centre, a co-working space for entrepreneurs, an incubation hub, and a digital skills training centre.
Additionally, over 200 state-owned institutions, including our Smart Green Schools, Primary Healthcare Centres, and the State Secretariat, will benefit from internet connectivity. The Federal Government’s commitment to establishing an Artificial Intelligence Regional Centre at the University of Nigeria Nsukka, launching the South East Zonal Office of NITDA in Enugu, and training 100 individuals in cybersecurity and infrastructure defence will strengthen our digital ecosystem.
We are also excited about NITDA’s Digital Literacy for All programme, which aims to train 1,555,000 Enugu residents in essential digital skills before 2027. This aligns with our vision to equip our people with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in the modern economy.
Enugu is open for partnerships, and we will continue to collaborate with the Federal Government and private sector to consolidate our digital gains.
Tomorrow is here!