The fourth edition of Ogun State Investors’ Forum began in Abeokuta, the state capital, yesterday with Governor Ibikunle Amosun saying its outcome will help his administration to consolidate the gains of the last seven years.
In his welcome address, the governor said this year’s edition would be the last convened by his administration.
He added that it would leverage on past gains to chart a new path for further development of the state’s socio-economic status.
Explaining the theme of this year’s edition, titled: Consolidating the Gains: Accelerating Growth, Amosun said his administration had attracted quantum of investments to the state.
The governor said was why it was rated first by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) in terms of the value of investment.
He added: “It is also imperative to remind ourselves that this particular edition is significant: it is the last edition in the tenure of our administration.
“We want to build on the successes of the past, and it gives us another opportunity to map out new and improved strategies that will not only deepen the benefits of the previous editions but will also create new opportunities for us.
“Since the last edition in 2016, this government was rated first by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), in terms of the value of investment, with N515 billion; that is (26.9 per cent) of total manufacturing investment in Nigeria in 2016.”
Former Mexican President Felipe Calderon, Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun and other notable resource persons attended the opening ceremony of the forum.
It is expected to attract over 500 local foreign prospective investors.