Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson has expressed the willingness of his administration to partner foreign investors to boost the economy of the state.
Dickson stated this when he received
a 16 man delegation from Houston, Texas led by, President, Houston International Trade and Development Council, Mr. Val Thompson.
Governor Dickson said Bayelsa has been rated one of the safest states in Nigeria, a rating that has made it possible for the State to consistently host major international events in the last eight months.
A statement by Dickson’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, said his boss listed the hosting of the Caribbean, African-American and Nigerian music festival and Awards, and the International Jazz Festival on 22nd November and the 7th December, 2013 respectively as testimonials to the security in the state.
The Governor restated his administration’s readiness for the big leap, and understands the role of the private sector as a veritable means of wealth creation.
“As a Government, we are passionate about promoting the growth and development of the private sector, and urge you delegates to disregard negative reports about the safety of Nigeria. Nigeria is generally safe and Bayelsa State is the safest place to do business”
“The irony of this whole issues that, while foreign embassies are sending out negative advisories, their nationals are in the creeks prospecting for oil without any harm, and yet for whatever reasons the missions are still sending out adverse signals to their nationals” Governor Dickson stated.
He implored well-meaning Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to work towards the promotion of a more direct people to people economic intercourse, the statement said.
The Governor, who expressed satisfaction with the positive disposition of the trade delegation, stated that, he was looking forward to receiving the delegation in the State.
Dickson, said the statement, highlighted some similarities between Houston and Bayelsa- oil and gas capitals of their respective countries. He said Bayelsa State was making efforts to aggressively expand the base of its economy beyond oil and gas by promoting industry, agriculture and tourism.
According to Iworiso-Markson, the delegation which was accompanied by the Consul General of Nigeria in Atlanta, Ambassador Geoffrey Teneilabe, is in Nigeria to explore trade and investment opportunities.
Ambassador Geoffrey, commended Governor Seriake Dickson for the practical steps taken to develop the Agricultural, Infrastructural as well as oil and gas sectors and pledged his commitment to fast-tracking investments in those sectors.
According to him, Bayelsa like other States in the country requires massive foreign investment in Agriculture, Healthcare, Education and Infrastructure to enable it compete favourably at the global arena.
Describing Bayelsa State as the biggest producer of oil and gas both in the upstream and downstream sectors in the country, he posited that several aspects of the state needs to be developed.
The Consular General, who was full of gratitude for Governor Dickson for the reception accorded the delegation, promised to lead a trade delegation to the state soon.