The Bonny Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, has reassured its readiness to coast over $15b investments with 70 per cent indigenous business conversion that would create massive jobs through its Bite Scheme.
The President of the Chamber, Constance Nwokejiobi, said the target would be achieved through its Bonny and Tourism Export scheme (Bite), where over 10,000 tourists are expected.
Speaking while addressing newsmen recently in Port Harcourt, she said, “The anticipated impacts of the first BITE of Bonny are monumental – from unlocking over $15b in investments to achieving a 70 per cent indigenous business conversion, , and creating numerous direct and indirect jobs.”
The first female President of the Chamber, disclosed that the key incentives include, uninterrupted power supply, a world-class security network, and strategic infrastructure projects that would position Bonny Island as a compelling destination for development.
She lauded the commitment of the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, towards his commitment on the prosperity of the state. She disclosed that a webinar on the first BITE of Bonny will hold in February 2024, which will be followed by a Strategic Stakeholders Session in Abuja.
“In February 2024, there will be a Webinar on the 1st BITE of Bonny, followed by a Strategic Stakeholders Session in Abuja, bringing together key stakeholders from the Senate, House of Representatives, connected Ministries, and Embassies.”
The King of Bonny, King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III, said, Bonny is not just an economic hub for investors but a captivating tourism destination. He said, Bonny with its history and culture, is ready to take its place on the global stage through renewable energy, tourism and agriculture.
The Chairman of Bonny Local Council, Dame Anengi Claude-Wilcox, stated that the security architecture around Bonny Island was being firmed up with a view to sustaining its status of an investment and tourism destination.
She said, “so far, crime rates, piracy and other misdemeanors have been drastically scaled down since her assumption of office, noting that the synergy between the government, traditional institution and security agencies remain consolidated in the light of the drive to attract investors and tourists.
The Director General of the Rivers State Tourism Development Agency (RSTDA), Yibo Koko, affirmed that Bonny has to be intentional about conversations around its development paradigm, urging stakeholders to focus on ensuring that Bonny is not just a political conversation but a truly investment and tourism destination.
