● Chijioke Ogbodo
With the South East Business and Investment Summit (SEBIS) scheduled for December 11-13, 2024, in Enugu, attention has turned to the region’s economic revival. Set to be held at the prestigious Amadeo Centre, the summit aims to reignite the South East’s economy by fostering public-private partnerships and collaboration across various sectors. The summit’s planning group has carefully curated an agenda to reflect on the region’s once vibrant economic trajectory while looking to build a sustainable future. At the heart of these efforts is Chief Ben Etiaba, a passionate advocate for Ndigbo’s economic and cultural resurgence. His endorsement of SEBIS has injected fresh energy into the initiative, with his call for Ndigbo to “think home” resonating widely.
Etiaba, a respected figure in both business and politics, has consistently emphasized the importance of investing in the South East. His love for the Igbo homeland is evident, as he continuously promotes initiatives aimed at the region’s development. During a recent meeting with the SEBIS planning committee, which included Dr. Ifedi Okwenna, Chief Lambert Okpara, and Chief Ben Oranusi, Etiaba voiced his excitement for the summit’s potential. He pledged his full support and expertise to ensure the summit is not just another event but a watershed moment for the region. “I’ll be speaking at the Summit and will further humbly advise the conveners to achieve, prayerfully, a most successful outcome,” he said.
For Etiaba, the summit is not just an opportunity for economic discourse but a personal mission to see his people thrive. His vision aligns with the broader goals of SEBIS, which aim to unlock the region’s vast economic potential. “We have the human and material resources,” Etiaba remarked. “What we need is a coordinated effort to harness these resources for the benefit of our people.” His perspective is shared by Dr. Ifedi Okwenna, Executive Secretary of SEBIS, who noted that the South East was once one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa. “Before the Nigerian Civil War, the South East was growing at over 9% annually, surpassing even Singapore and Taiwan,” Okwenna recalled. “We need to recreate that environment for growth.”
Dr Ifedi Okwenna (left) handing over the detailed plans for the Summit to Etiaba.
This summit is set to attract over 1,000 business leaders and 10,000 virtual participants, underscoring its broad appeal. High-profile speakers, including President Bola Tinubu and former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, will address critical issues such as investment opportunities, economic strategies, and the role of the South East in Africa’s emerging market landscape. As Chief Ben Oranusi, another organizer of the summit, stated, “The South East has always been a hub of entrepreneurship. We just need the right policies and investments to bring it back to life.”
Regional cooperation is another focal point of the summit. Chief Lambert Okpara, an influential voice in the planning committee, emphasized that the event is about more than just business. “This summit is about rekindling the entrepreneurial spirit that made the South East a commercial hub in the past,” he said. “We look forward to Chief Etiaba’s wealth of experience being employed to support this bold initiative.” Indeed, this sentiment reflects a growing consensus that the region’s economic rebirth requires collaboration not only within the South East but also among its diaspora.
The role of the South East’s diaspora cannot be overstated. Chief Chu Achebe, a notable participant in the summit, pointed out that many Igbo people living abroad have accumulated wealth and expertise that could greatly benefit the region. “Our people are scattered across the globe, and they are doing well,” Achebe remarked. “If we can bring some of that wealth and knowledge back home, the impact would be transformative.” His words echo Etiaba’s long-standing call for Ndigbo to think home, to remember their roots, and to reinvest in the South East.
For Etiaba, this call to action is deeply personal. Having run for the governorship of Anambra State in 2021, his platform focused on economic reforms, security, and industrial development. These are the same priorities that SEBIS seeks to address. “We are not asking for favors; we are asking for our rightful place in Nigeria’s economic landscape,” Etiaba declared. His experience in navigating both the political and business arenas positions him as a vital player in the region’s development strategy.
Economic experts agree that revitalizing industrial powerhouses like Onitsha and Aba is critical for the South East’s economic rebirth. Dr. Ifediora Amobi, an economist and policy adviser who will be attending SEBIS, stressed the need for infrastructure development in these key cities. “A thriving industrial base is critical for the region,” Amobi said. “If we can restore Onitsha and Aba to their former glory, we will create jobs and generate wealth that will uplift the entire South East.”
Ben Etiaba (3rd from right) and members of the organising committee of the summit
However, the summit’s goals extend beyond industry. Empowering marginalized groups, particularly women and youth, is a key focus. Dr. Okwenna noted that these groups represent untapped potential. “We need to create opportunities for our youth and women,” he said. “Empowering them is essential for sustained economic growth.” This aligns with global trends that emphasize inclusivity in economic planning, ensuring that the benefits of development are widely shared.
The summit’s location, Enugu, is symbolic in many ways. Known as the Coal City, Enugu was once an industrial hub, and its selection as the venue for SEBIS underscores the organizers’ intention to connect the region’s past glory with its future aspirations. Architect Ahmed Musa, who has studied urban renewal projects, believes that revamping Enugu and other key cities is essential for attracting foreign investments. “Urban renewal and infrastructure development are necessary to attract investors,” Musa said. “Cities like Enugu can once again become magnets for trade and commerce.”
As the countdown to SEBIS begins, there is palpable excitement. Many believe that the summit represents a turning point for the South East, a region long marginalized but now on the cusp of a new economic dawn. “This summit is an opportunity for us to come together and chart a new course for the region,” Etiaba said. “The future of Ndigbo depends on our ability to work together, invest in our people, and rebuild our economy.”
The South East Business and Investment Summit is more than just a meeting of minds; it is a movement aimed at restoring the South East to its rightful place as an economic powerhouse. With leaders like Ben Etiaba at the forefront, Ndigbo everywhere are being called upon to think home, to contribute their expertise and resources to the region’s revival. The hopes and aspirations of millions rest on the outcomes of this summit, and there is a sense that, this time, the South East is ready for its economic rebirth. GMTNewsng
Great outing.