Business
Group Pledges $4bn Investments To Resuscitate Economy
The Nigerian American Business Forum (NABF), a group of U.S-based accomplished Nigerian professionals, has announced plans to attract an estimated four billion dollars investment into the Nigerian economy in the next two years.
The President of the forum, Mr Kenneth Shobola, in a statement in Abuja, said the forum announced the plan at its 2020 Investment Conference in Florida.
The theme of the conference according to him is “Improving Nigeria’s Economy: opportunities and challenges”.
Shobola expressed the determination of the group to use its wealth of experience and connections to attract development to their fatherland in spite of obvious investment challenges.
“Our goal remains the same; we are attracting a four billion dollars investment over a two-year period. We have already identified some areas where there’s deficiencies such as healthcare, agriculture and education.
“We have been doing quite a lot. Privately a lot of our members are making inroads into those numbers and also corporately, we are already working and also looking at very good viable projects in Nigeria.
“Should things go the way we want, with the plans we have in place, exiting this conference, a huge chunk of that four billion dollars investment would definitely be hit before our next conference,” he said.
Shobola said Nigeria was one of the best and most fertile countries to invest in anywhere in the world, stressing that there were many opportunities in Nigeria that investors would probably not see in the US, adding that if properly harnessed, would provide the desired results.
According to him, there are opportunities to stem the scourge of medical tourism by looking at dilapidated hospitals or healthcare establishments that need restructuring and administrative services in addition to bringing experts in to run such facilities the way they were done in the U.S.
“NABF is looking at establishing and integrating the most current diagnostics techniques and treatments options based on the expertise we have here in the U.S.
“There are some experts such as cardiologists, neurologists, ophthalmologist, surgical interventionists in the areas of cancer, diabetes and a lot of the common diseases that tend to plague our people,” he added.
Shobola said that the undesirable level of youth unemployment in Nigeria was one of the issues that pushes NABF to invest in the country.
He added that NABF’s overall goal was to get to 100 per cent of youth employment.
According to him, just look at the Nigerians here, they sing our praises everywhere we go just because we have the opportunities and those opportunities showcase our talents.
“But Nigerians at home have the education but don’t have the opportunities. This is creating a very dangerous condition,” the NABF President said.
“Combating youth employment is a tall order but believed that the diasporas intervening along complementing the efforts of government and the private sector in Nigeria would make the desired difference.
“We just put ourselves in these kids condition. There is a huge problem, intellectual gaps between Nigerians abroad and those at the homeland.
“That is a big challenge for us because as Nigerians here, we can identify with them because we went through that same system.
“The conference was attended by accomplished investors from all over the world and high level Nigerian government officials in the United States,” he said.
Nkpemenyie Mcdominic
Reports say that the training is designed to equip youths with practical technical skills for employment in the oil and gas and construction sectors, with emphasis on employability, safety, competence and self reliance.
In attendance at the flag-off ceremony this week, at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Conference Hall, Effurun, were stakeholders, dignitaries, and political representatives, among others.
Dafinone, represented by his Chief of Staff, Adelabu Bodjor, said the initiative reflects a deliberate political investment in human capital development across Delta Central.
He explained that the training focuses on rigging and scaffolding, noting that “both are essential technical competencies required in industrial operations, construction projects, and oil and gas installations”.
Bodjor added, “The programme is intended to reduce dependency among youths by providing job-ready skills capable of supporting long-term economic opportunities and self-sufficiency. The initiative aligns with Senator Dafinone’s broader development agenda, which prioritises practical skill acquisition as a pathway to sustainable empowerment.”
Also addressing the participants, the NCDMB, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by Mr. Teddy Bai, commended Dafinone for sponsoring the programme, describing it as “a timely response to critical manpower gaps in the industry”.
Bai explained that rigging and scaffolding remain safety-sensitive skills required across fabrication yards, offshore platforms, and construction sites, stressing that the programme bridges the gap between certification and practical competence.
He also charged the training consultant, OROH Contractors Limited, to maintain strict standards of professionalism, safety, and discipline, while urging participants to remain committed, focused, and disciplined throughout the exercise.
The Senate Liaison Officer for Sapele Local Government Area, Chief Patrick Akamuvba, , described the programme as a major step in strengthening human capital development in Delta Central.
Akamuvba said scaffolding and rigging skills are in high demand across residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects, noting that the training offers real employment opportunities for beneficiaries
He urged participants to prioritise knowledge and certification over short-term material expectations, stressing that discipline and seriousness would determine their long-term success.
He also cautioned youths against social vices and distractions, advising them to remain focused to maximise the opportunities provided by the programme.