PRESS RELEASE

The South South and South East of Nigeria Investment forum (SSENIF), took place in London United Kingdom on 5th June 2018 at the Central Hall West Minster, Storey’s Gate, London SW1H 9NH.

The event was organised by the European Igbo Community led by Chief Oliver Nwankwor in collaboration with the Council of Igbo Communities United Kingdom (the chief hosts) led by Chief Mike Ndukwe, South South Organisations (co-hosts) led by Captain Ibinabo Solomon and Ohanaeze UK and Ireland led by Dr Nnanna Igwe, (co-hosts).

The event was very well attended with an estimated 160 delegates, notable amongst whom were Professor Charles Soludo Former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and Chairman of Ohaneze Committee for National Planning and Strategy, the Representative of Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Mr Dikko Bala Chairman of the IMSO Assembly and Nigeria’s Alternative Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organisation, Professor Dewanand Mahadew Managing Director Dutch Council for International Business, the Mayor of Brent, Cllr Arshad Mahmood, Ms Nikky Ibraheem, CEO Neasden College and Official Sponsor of SSENIF, Prof Dick Van Gelder and Alain Souloumiac both of World Creative Institute Paris, Mr David Smith CEO British Africa Business Alliance, Mr Mobin Rafiq CEO Micro Small and Medium Enterprises Ltd, Ranjiv Goonawardena of International Consultants, Neil Menzies CEO Fortis Wood & Francisco Da-Silva Director of Fortis Wood, Dr Kate Anolue Deputy Mayor of the London Borough of Enfield, Cllr Ernest Ezeajughi Deputy Mayor of the London Borough of Brent, Cllr Caroline Kalu, Mr Emeka Ofomata, Hon Charles Nwufo Chief of Staff of the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr Alistair Soyode CEO Ben Television, Dr Boma Douglas Chair Central Association of Nigerians in the United Kingdom, Country Representatives of the European Igbo Community, delegates from Europe, Leaders of various South East and South South Organisations, amongst other distinguished guests.

The event marked the realisation of a diaspora led initiative to kick start the movement for the urgent development and industrialisation of the South South and South East regions of Nigeria. The objective of the summit was to present/showcase the huge investment and business opportunities/ potential that are in the South Southern and South Eastern sections of Nigeria and to create a platform for partnership between foreign/ local investors/businesses and their Nigerian counterparts, to harness the opportunities for their mutual benefits, while bringing economic improvements and developments to the South Southern and South Eastern regions of Nigeria and Nigeria as a whole.

The event which was chaired by Professor Charles Soludo was highly successful. According to Professor Soludo, ‘’ this first one was kicked off with a bang; fine execution and success are the key words’’.  The highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Co-operation between SSENIF and the Dutch Council for International Business, which will see the inflow of investment funds from Dutch companies to joint venture partners in the South South and South East regions of Nigeria. The agreement was signed on behalf of SSENIF by the Chairman of the occasion, Professor Charles Soludo.

Other successes recorded at the event, included a proposed establishment of an educational institution in the region by Neasden College London and the setting up of textile and motorcycle factories in the region by Micro Small Medium Enterprises Ltd UK.

The event witnessed several presentations including a presentation by a South East inventor Engr Michael Oparaugo, who showcased his car parts invention. The President of the World Creative Institute informed the audience that Enugu has been chosen as the Global Head Quarters of World Creators Society for Music and Dance and invited investors to take advantage of the opportunity to partner with the institute. Several investment pipeline projects and opportunities were presented.

The organisers would like to thank all our distinguished guests and participants for contributing to the success of the event.

The next SSENIF event will take place in Holland in 2019. Details to follow.

SIGNED

Ms Efuru Nwapa Obua

Secretary/ Legal Adviser

Council of Igbo Communities UK

ON BEHALF OF SSENIF