Ex-Lawmaker, Peller Woos Turkish Investors to Nigeria
Adedayo Akinwale
A former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Shina Peller, has urged Turkish entrepreneurs and investors to engage in Nigeria’s growing market for a remarkable Return on Investment (RoI).
Peller stated this while delivering his speech as a keynote speaker at the 2023 Mindshift Empowerment and Employment Initiative (MEEI)’s Turkey-Africa Entrepreneurship Conference held in Istanbul, Turkey.
Speaking on the topic, “The Power of Entrepreneurship, the Opportunities it holds and the remarkable potential that lies in the heart of Africa”, Peller noted that Africa is a continent of boundless potential and home to some of the world’s most creative minds both within the continent and in the diaspora.
He explained that Nigeria, with over 250 ethnic groups and local languages, represents the economic and cultural potential that exist across the African continent.
Peller added that Nigeria is the gateway to Africa’s world of creativity, describing Nigerian entrepreneurs as vibrant, innovative and problem-solvers.
He noted, “Now, let us delve into a topic that embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship, but also transcends borders and cultures. Turkey and Africa share a rich and complex history that dates back centuries, highlighting the enduring value of cultural exchange.
“Nigeria, often referred to as the “Giant of Africa,” stands as a beacon of diversity, with over 250 ethnic groups and languages spoken. This diversity is not just cultural; it is economic and entrepreneurial.
“Nigeria’s entrepreneurs have demonstrated incredible resilience and innovation, contributing to its status as one of Africa’s largest economies. It is this vibrancy and creativity that we must harness and celebrate as we explore the power of entrepreneurship in taking responsibility for problem-solving.”
Peller stressed that it was important that Turkish and Nigerian entrepreneurs come together to harness and explore the vibrancy and creativity, potential of the power of entrepreneurship in taking responsibility for problem-solving.
He explained that Oke Ogun region in Oyo State is blessed with diverse landscape, natural resources and fertile land, which offer immense opportunities to investors particularly in agriculture and mineral resources.
He said, “Oke Ogun, a vast area within Oyo State, offers distinctive advantages for entrepreneurs. Its strategic location, vast land and resources and untapped agricultural potential make it fertile ground for agribusiness ventures.”
Some of the prominent personalities at the conference were: Ambassador Ismail Abba, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Türkiye, Mr. Summy Smart Francis, Bülent Akarcall Economist and Former Minister of Health Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye, Gökhan Kurtar, Ministry of Agriculture, Republic of Türkiye, Mr. Ismail Aktas, General Coordinator, Europe-Asia Businessmen International Association, Dr. Daniel Deji Ayodele, founder, MEEI Programme, Mr. Martin Arebun, President, MEEI Programe, among others.
