The British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Mr. Jonny Baxter, joined stakeholders in Enugu State for the inaugural edition of the state’s Diaspora and Investment Roundtable at the weekend.
Hosted by His Excellency Peter Mbah, the Governor of Enugu State, the roundtable served as a platform for high-level discussions aimed at advancing viable investment, boosting trade, and creating economic opportunities in the region.
According to a statement by the British High Commission on Saturday, Mr. Baxter opened the proceedings with remarks underscoring the United Kingdom’s commitment to fostering economic growth, job creation, and strengthening trade and investment links between the UK and Nigeria.
He expressed his gratitude to the Enugu State Government for convening the event and emphasized the importance of creating a conducive business environment for investment.
In his address, Mr. Baxter highlighted the UK’s new Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), which aims to leverage trade to support Nigeria’s private sector-led economic transformation agenda.
He expressed the UK’s eagerness to collaborate with Enugu State and Nigerian businesses to explore trade opportunities under the DCTS. Notably, Mr. Baxter mentioned the potential export of products like cashew and plantain, which are predominantly farmed in Enugu and other southeastern states, to meet the demands of both Nigerian and UK markets.
The Enugu State Investment Roundtable attracted a diverse audience, including development partners, senior executives from the public and private sectors, and representatives from domestic financial institutions. The event served as a platform for productive discussions and networking opportunities that could drive investment and economic growth in the state.
In a related event, Chevening Programme Officer, Boma Amieyeofori, conducted a workshop at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, aimed at educating participants on how to apply for the UK’s fully-funded Chevening scholarship. Speaking during the workshop, Amieyeofori emphasized the scholarship’s goal of providing a fully funded Master’s Degree opportunity for Nigerians dedicated to effecting positive change in their country.
“The Chevening scholarship seeks to create an international community of change-makers who are committed to working together to build a better future for Nigeria,” stated Amieyeofori.
She encouraged individuals passionate about driving positive change, whether on a local or global scale, to apply when the application period opens on September 12th for an eight-week window.
The presence of the British Deputy High Commissioner and the opportunity to learn about the Chevening scholarship program added significant value to Enugu State’s efforts to attract investments and foster educational opportunities for its residents. These initiatives demonstrate the UK’s commitment to contributing to Nigeria’s economic development and human capital growth.
According to the State Governor, Peter Mbah, Enugu State will continue to position itself as an attractive destination for investors and scholars alike, and collaborations with international partners like the United Kingdom are poised to yield lasting benefits for the state and its residents.
