Anambra diasporans say they will not come back and invest unless the right person is elected governor

ANAMBRA State indigenes in the US have said that they will not invest in the state unless the right calibre of person is elected as governor when gubernatorial elections are held in November next year.

One of Nigeria's entrepreueneral states that is home to Innoson Motors and also boats of the highest ratio of millionaires in Nigeria, Anambra is a potential industrial giant. However, the state has failed to attract significant investment, with even its own indigenes preferring to  invest their capital in the more business friendly Lagos State.

Of late, however, there have been calls for local businessmen to invest more in the state but many investors say that for this to happen, more business-friendly policies need to be introduced. Anambra Diaspora Forum USA (ADF-USA) has said they are ready to invest in the development of the state if the right governor emerges.

In addition, the group also said it is ready to get involved in politics to ensure that the right person emerges as governor of Anambra State. Professor Toochukwu Madubuko, the ADF-USA president, said his association will no longer turn a deaf ear to the politics of its home state because its members live comfortably in America.

Professor Madubuko added: “The reason we are doing this is because we all have loved ones back home. We take care of them, we visit them sometimes. Our hearts are there so why not play a little part reshaping the land we love.

"We are fortunate to experience life in a developed country, so our thoughts and opinion matters. It is our duty to help guide our loved ones and help to elect a true leader for our beloved Anambra State.

“As we sit in the comforts of our homes in the diaspora, we are enjoying the hard work from men and women whose visions for their communities, state, and country came to fruition. Those were leaders who yearned for a better world."

According to Professor Madubuko, there are various areas in which the next governor of the state must be adept to be able to lead and also make a meaningful impact. He added: “The areas include information and communication technology, vocational education, skills acquisition, sports development, metallurgy development and mechanised agriculture.

“Our members are willing to come home to invest and develop these areas for mutual advantage but we must first get the leadership right. The right leadership is in itself a huge boost and good security for investment."