|
New Page 10
Obasanjo hails Okonkwor
•As Tourist Garden Hotel opens
FELIX UKA,
Awka
PRESIDENT
Olusegun Obasanjo last Saturday gave kudos to the chairman, Chief Executive
Officer of leading indigenous conglomerate, Pokobros group of companies, Chief
Paul Okonkwor, for his contributions to the economy.
The President, who spoke at the
commissioning of the N1.6 billion Tourist Garden Hotel, Awka, Anambra State,
owned by Chief Okonkwor, said government believes the nation’s economic fortunes
could be improved through tourism.
President Obasanjo was represented on the
occasion by Culture and Tourism Minister, Amb. Frank Ogbuewu who read out the
Presidential message.
The commissioning coincided with the 62nd
birthday of the Pokobros boss.
President Obasanjo said government would
encourage investors in the tourism sub-sector and urged others to emulate the
selfless commitment of Chief Okonkwor in the nation’s economic revival.
The President revealed that other tourist
attractions in Anambra State, including the Ogbunike Cave and Agulu Lake, would
be given due attention soon.
Governor Chris Ngige who opened the hotel
in his remarks said his administration would collaborate with Pokobros Group,
particularly in the area of agriculture.
"We are willing to partner with you and
your Chinese associates. Our doors are open for such erudite Anambra people
whose interests and concerns are in the same direction with our administration",
he stated.
Governor Orji Uzor Kalu of Abia State, who
was represented by his Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Chief Ezebunwa
Ubani on his part, said it was the creation of conducive business environment by
the Ngige administration that encouraged investors to plough their funds back in
Anambra State.
Governor Kalu said Okonkwor’s success
celebrated Saturday, should serve as a challenge to all investors in the nation
and internationally.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Chief
Okonkwor said the location of the hotel and most of his businesses in the state,
was informed by his adoption of the "think-home" philosophy introduced by
ex-Governor Chukwuemeka Ezeife and his personal commitment to the improvement of
Nigerian economy.
Even as he attributed his success so far
in life to God, Chief Okonkwor pledged to do more for the nation.
The ceremony became a carnival with many
masquarades, dance groups, traditional rulers, politicians and men and women
from all walks of life thronging the massive hotel.
Some of the dignitaries who graced the
occasion were Senator Ben Obi, the traditional ruler of Awka Capital Territory,
Igwe Gibson Nwosu who led 32 paramount rulers to the event, the State Police
Commissioner, Mr Felix Ogbaudu. among others.
|
