Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has said the country’s economic future depends on attracting robust investment from both domestic and international sources.
He made the call on Wednesday in Bauchi at the commissioning of the International Conference Centre (ICC), a landmark project initiated by Governor Bala Mohammed. The facility, named after Northern Nigeria’s first Premier, Sir Ahmadu Bello, is intended to position Bauchi as a hub for business, tourism and cultural events.
Obasanjo described the ICC as a model of infrastructure that can stimulate growth beyond the state. “We have the resources to make Nigeria a global attraction. What others boast about is not more than what we already have,” he said.
He argued that such facilities could catalyse economic activity, drawing visitors to hotels, conferences and tourism opportunities. “What we need in Nigeria today is to mobilise investment—from home and abroad,” he added.
Governor Mohammed said the centre was part of efforts to open Bauchi to new opportunities, while project developer Reuben Okoya noted that the venue can host 3,000 participants and accommodate multiple events at once.
The event drew high-profile figures including Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Governor Babagana Zulum, the Sultan of Sokoto, and several deputy governors.
