… says that each nation needs others for economic growth
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has emphasized the importance of global integration, highlighting that no nation can live isolated without compromising significantly to the rest of the world.
He said this during the First International Business and Investment Summit of the State of Bauchi, which opened on Wednesday, inaugurating the newly built International Conference Center (ICC) Ahmadu Bello in Bauchi.
Obasanjo described the building as a “symbol of progress under the visionary and effective administration of Governor Balance Mohammed”.
He praised Governor Bala Mohammed for his development initiatives, particularly infrastructure, which, he said, would improve Bauchi’s ability to house international events and attract investors.
The former president also pointed out that such facilities promote unity and economic growth and added that Nigeria must continue to position himself as an active participant in global affairs.
Obasanjo said that Nigeria’s tourism sector can develop to attract foreign investments: “We can develop and become one of Nigeria’s tourist attractions. And those who come can stay in a hotel.
“They may interact and have discussion conferences at this international conference center and make Bauchi the Center for Attraction, the Tourism Center for Nigeria.
“I congratulate you once again. And we are not only ordering this, but we are starting with a conference to talk about investments and what we need today in Nigeria.
“We need to mobilize local and international investments.
“Governor, let me tell you this. I will go anywhere with you to get investments for the state of Bauchi.”
The former president also praised Mohammed for the level of State development and said: “In terms of the development of the state of Bauchi, I was happy with what I saw and listened. I did not know that it would not spend much time before they invited me here.
“And this is particularly unique, an international conference center that bears the name of one of the greatest Nigerians in our history, particularly in our history of achieving independence and leading our country, serves Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna de Sokoto.”
Previously in his welcome speech, the governor of the state of Bauchi, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, expressed his gratitude for the support of Obasanjo in all his ramifications.
He assured that his administration remains committed to projects that promote education, tourism and socioeconomic development throughout the State.
Bala Mohammed also said that the International Center for Conferences Ahmadu Bello is a testimony of the vision of its administration to transform the state of Bauchi into a center for dialogue, innovation and investment in northern Nigeria.
The governor also revealed that the center would serve as a multipurpose installation for local and international commitments, including academic conferences, business summits and cultural exhibitions.
Bala Mohammed said that any investor reaches to the State will have all the support and complement of the state government.
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