By Francis Igata

ENUGU—The maiden Enugu State Investment Summit commenced yesterday, with a charge from the Chairman, Heir Holdings, Mr. Tony Elumelu, on governments of the South-East geopolitical zone to forge a partnership that will drive the regional economy.

The two-day summit, christened Oganiru Enugu State(Progress of Enugu State), holding at Michael Okpara Square, with the theme Beyond Oil: Fostering Inclusive Economic Growth and Sustainable Develop-ment, is aimed at attracting prospective investors to take over the operations of  identified state-owned companies and corporations through Privatisation and Commercialisation Council inaugurated by the governor, to serve as catalyst to reposition the economy and uplift the living standard of the people.

While delivering his keynote speech, Elumelu, who is equally on the board of United Bank of Africa, UBA, Plc and Transcorp Hotel, said: ”Enugu State is on the path of economic repositioning with the hosting of this summit.

“There should be a collaboration from other sister states in the south-east to establish a framework for regional partnership, which will position the region to undertake capital intensive projects that will affect the economy.”