Cross River set for World Mayors Conference May 23

The Cross River Government says all is set for the hosting of the World Mayors-African Region Investment Conference and Exhibition from May 23 to 27, 2016 in Calabar.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Chairman, Local Organising Committee (LOC), Amb. Eyo Asquo.

According to the statement, the conference is hinged on exploring options for diversification of African economies, a strong policy for economic development by most countries on the continent particularly, Nigeria.

“The conference is to articulate a consolidated platform upon which the African rural economies can grow and promote their development through diversification.

“It will also promote the diversification of the African economy into the lucrative agricultural and solid minerals sectors, manufacturing and non-oil sectors of their economy.”

It added that opportunity for bilateral collaboration among African countries was one of the objectives of the conference.

It stated that “prominent American entrepreneur and investor, Mary Flowers, is among world class personalities to speak at the conference.

“Flowers will speak on the topic: “Attracting Foreign Investors and Achieving Investment into Africa.”

Batts Walter, International Relations Director of Omnisystems, an IT company based in the U.S., is also one of the speakers expected at the conference.

Also expected is Lord Mayor of Accra, Ghana, Mr Oko Vanderpuiye.

Vanderpuiye, who is the President of Global Alliance of Mayors, would also lead a five-man delegation from Ghana to the conference.
Prof. Peter Azikiwe Onwualu, the immediate past Director-General of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council, is among prominent speakers from Nigeria.

Onwualu would lead the research institutes as Chairman of the Technical Exhibitions Committee of the conference.

Speakers are also expected from Europe, African countries, international organisations and development partners worldwide.

According to the statement, the conference has received an explicit endorsement and full participation of President Muhammadu Buhari who is expected to declare it open.

The conference, to be hosted by the Cross River Government, is being organised by the Global Alliance of Mayors, an association that is made up of 800 Cities’ Mayors.