… Regrets Dependence On Oil

Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State has blamed the
nation’s slow economy growth and development on her over dependence on oil
based revenue source.

Governor Chime stated this in an address read on his behalf
by the State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. John Egbo, on the occasion of
the opening ceremony of a two-day Non-Oil Sector International Trade Conference
held at Nike Lake Resort Hotel, Enugu.

He regretted that the country had “wallowed in the fantasy
of everlasting bliss” derivable from her abundant oil deposits and denied her
the opportunity to develop all other sources of revenue, describing the
situation as “unfortunate”.

The State Chief Executive also observed that the country’s
inability to develop her industrial, agricultural and other potentials has
forced her to rely on foreign imports to feed her teeming population and
service their daily activities.

He, therefore, urged participants in the conference to
dialogue and exchange ideas, initiatives and knowledge on how best to develop
the country’s non-oil sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing ,
transportation, pharmaceuticals and tourism, adding that this would enhance
Nigeria’s export of her goods and services.

In his words: “This conference should help facilitate the
consolidation, expansion and diversification of the country’s markets and
highlight the importance of technological advancement which is vital and
integral key to the growth of the nation’s manufacturing sector and
consequently, the economy”.

The Governor, however, expressed satisfaction with the
successes recorded by his administration in its efforts to enhance and promote
productivity and influx of local and foreign investments in areas of
agriculture, tourism and manufacturing.

Earlier in an address, the Conference Coordinator, Mr.
Gabriel Agunwa, observed that there is need to diversify the country’s economy.

According to him, the country should re-examine and
reactivate her economy, especially agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure,
education and human capital development, including science and technology,
aviation, attractive financial resources for development and macro -economic
stability.