The Nigerian Envoy to the Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Ambassador Bulus Paul Zon Lolo on Wednesday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia lauded the economic policy of Governor Seriake Dickson-led administration in Bayelsa State, urging it to avail itself of the business opportunities that abound in the country, especially in the agricultural sector.
Receiving the State economic delegation led by the Governor’s representative, Ambassador Lawrence Ekpebu, Ambassador Lolo said Nigeria and by extension Bayelsa State has a lot to gain by entering into bilateral agreement with Ethiopia, in view of its agricultural potentials.
Ethiopia, as disclosed by the Ambassador is a leading producer of balley and rice in the continent of Africa and its market is begging for investment by willing nations.
However, with the economic blue print of Bayelsa State and the efforts of the present administration to diversify from the oil and gas sector of the economy, Ambassador Lolo called on its leadership to take a cue from the economic road maps of nations like Kuwait, Qatar and other emerging economic nations.
His words, ‘our appreciation of Ethiopia as Africa’s diplomatic and political capital must be deepened. Unless we do this, we will suffer in many ways. One of which is, we will be absent at the decision making table that will affect our investment drive in our individual countries.
“Secondly, when you read about Africa today online, newspapers and magazines, I am sure the quantum will be about conflict, poverty and corruption; very little will be said about our rich endowments in natural resources and our potentials to hold our own.
“It is really good to know that where we have the African Union which is a policy making organ and the Economic Communities of Africa, (ECA) sitting side by side, it means and says to us we should take advantage of our representation of this country because the policies then that come out will impact on our programmes and projects.
Expressing concern over what he described as the nation’s monolithic economy, he said the single commodity that the nation is relying on today may not be able to meet our future needs.
According to him,” for an oil producing country, each time there is fluctuation in the oil market, we are always afraid of how low the price will go. The track you are on in Bayelsa is like a safety cushion you are providing and if you get it right, it only means you will go to bed when others are sweating because you have taken a right decision under the right leadership.”
Earlier, the Chairman, Fiduciary Board of the Bayelsa Development and Investment Corporation, Ambassador Lawrence Ekpebu, said the Governor and his entourage were in the country to hold bilateral talks with the global business community, submitting that the Governor would be looking forward to a business invitation from the mission.
He said the economic policy of the State which is privately driven is aimed at showcasing the potentials of the State to the rest of the world as well lure investors into the State.
Highlighting the economic programmes of the State which include, the cargo airport, Agge deep sea port and massive investment in agriculture, Ambassador Ekpebu said when completed, it would boost the economic profile and make it one of the leading States in the Maritime, Tourism and Agricultural sectors.
Daniel Iworiso-Markson
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State
04/12/2013
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