"Bayelsa is Nigeria's Best Kept Business and Investment Secret" Gov Dickson

The Bayelsa State Governor Hon Henry Seriake Dickson has described Bayelsa State as Nigeria’s best-kept secret and investment destination.

The Governor made this remark in London at the official opening ceremony of the Bayelsa Development and Investment Corporation, BDIC’s International office in London.

According to Governor Dickson, BDIC’s London office is principally intended to compliment the efforts of the Nigerian High Commission in the United Kingdom by promoting the trade and investment potentials of Bayelsa State and Nigeria.

The Governor remarked, “this office shall be the International headquarters of the corporation and shall deepen and strengthen our collective resolve as a government and as a people to promote wealth and prosperity in the state”.

The Bayelsa State Chief Executive stated that, his administration’s strategic vision is to attract the private sector, both within and outside the country to open businesses in the state in order to create job opportunities as well as create alternative sources of revenue for the State.

He noted that “government would provide the enabling environment for the private the sector, which has the capacity to grow the economy and create job opportunities in the state”.

Stressing the importance of the event, Hon. Dickson explained that, the opening of the BDIC International office as well as the upcoming Bayelsa Economic and Investment Forum scheduled to hold between 16th and 18th of July 2014 in Yenagoa, are to underscore the fact, that Bayelsa State is safe and secure for investment.

Governor Seriake Dickson noted with delight that, with the opening of the London office, the State was making a bold statement to the world at large and the investing public that, it is ready for business and eager to promote the excellent bilateral relationship relations with Britain and the commonwealth at large.

He used the occasion to disclose that, the BDIC office would also open an Education desk to assist the large number of Bayelsa students, who are presently on scholarship in various institutions of higher learning in the UK.

In his remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr Dalhatu Tafida commended the Bayelsa State Government for the bold initiative in opening an office in the UK, noting that, Bayelsa State is one of the youngest and smallest states in Nigeria, but one of the most enterprising in the Country.

He stated that, the event marked the first time a state in Nigeria has opened such an office in the UK and pledged the full support and assistance of the High Commission.

Also speaking, the special guest, Lord Marland of Odstock, who is also the Chairman of the Commonwealth Business Council lauded Governor Henry Seriake Dickson for his initiative and commitment to attract investors to the state and pledged the Commonwealth Business Council’s resolve to compliment the efforts of the state at stimulating Foreign Direct Investment and to diversify the economy from oil and gas.

The well-attended event had in attendance members of the diplomatic community, business leaders, including the Chairman of Westminster Business Group, Mr. Lawrence Robertson.

A high powered delegation from the state was also present including King Alfried Diete-Spiff, the first Military Governor of the old Rivers State and Amanayabo of Twon Brass, Chief Timi Alaibe, former MD of NDDC, Major Lancelot Ayanya, Chairman National Oil Spill and Response Agency, Bar Kamela Okara, Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Tam Alazigha Deputy Managing Director of BDIC, Barrister Funkazi Koroye –Crooks, Secretary, BDIC /London office, Cyril Akika Special Adviser to the Bayelsa State Governor on Investment, amongst others.