Enugu Govt, Lion Business Park seal landmark investment deal *As Mbah guarantees diasporas of their business in Enugu

---

---

By Iheanyi Chukwudi

Enugu State Government and the Lion Business Park Limited, have signed a Novation Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to develop a world-class industrial and commercial hub within the Enugu Industrial Park Free Trade Zone.

This was even as the state governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has urged diaspora investors to hurry and turn their capital into Enugu State to for a high return on investment.

Mbah reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to guaranteeing businesses through the provisions of infrastructure and enabling environment for ease of doing business.

Chairman of Lion Business Park Limited, Dr. Okechukwu Mbonu, who signed the MOU in Enugu on Tuesday alongside top management of the firm, commended Governor Mbah for his visionary leadership, developmental strides and achievements the administration had recorded within a short period in office.

Mbonu who highlighted the objective of the deal, stated that the company was poised to develop industrial and commercial hub that would catalyze trade, industry, economic growth and create jobs for the youth population.

He said, “This strategic collaboration aligns with Your Excellency’s visionary economic agenda to grow the GDP of Enugu State from $4.4 billion to $30 billion (US Dollars) for the overall benefit of the people of Enugu State and Nigeria as a whole.

“It is therefore, a watershed moment with this renewed partnership between Lion Business Park and Enugu State Government. It is indeed a case of a promise made and fulfilled and I have no doubt that you will continue to fulfill your promises to the people of Enugu State."

Expressing optimism about the investment, he disclosed that the project would leverage on the incentives associated with businesses in a Free Trade Zone to attract foreign direct investments, promote human capital, innovation and technology development to create jobs.

Mbonu called on the business community, private sector leaders and global investors to maximize the perfect opportunities the park presented to them to be part of the economic revolution, adding that the project had immense benefits that spurred beyond the state, the South East zone to Nigeria at large.

On his part, Governor Mbah reiterated his administration’s economic blueprint, which is to grow the economy and make the state the number one destination for investors in the country, saying the promise to inspire exponential growth could only be possible with investment deals such as the one executed with the Lion Business Park.

He said, “The Enugu State Government has committed to increase their stake in this going concern by providing all the necessary infrastructure that is required in order for this business park to be fully functional. We see the business park as food that is ready. Because if we are to start the process of building a business park, we know what it will take. Procuring your licenses; getting the free trade license, getting the dry port license because we have an inland port also at the Lion Business Park."

Noting that the location of the park was a product of strategy, innovation and due diligence conducted by a team of economic experts in the administration, the governor said, “The business park is strategically located. It is three hours from Onne Sea Port in Rivers State, less than two hours to Asaba in Delta State, and less than 25 minutes to Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu. We couldn't ask for a business park at a better location."

The Hovernor assured that his administration would continue to make the state attractive to investors to set up their industries by providing the right incentives such as electricity, paved roads, and other infrastructure.

Mbah appreciated the host communities in the state for their support, and enjoined them to continue to cooperate with investors.