Solid Minerals Minister expresses satisfaction over SV-NED investor’s visit to Nigeria

By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Honourable Dele Alake, has expressed satisfaction with the visit of investors from Vietnam and Canada to Nigeria. Alake made this known to journalists after a high-level private engagement meeting with the investors on Monday. Also present at the meeting was the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Suleiman.

Gold production in Nigeria began in 1913. Between 1913 and 1934, approximately 1.4 tons of gold were produced. Nigeria’s gold endowments remain largely unexplored. These natural resources in Africa should be harnessed for African prosperity. In line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Nigeria First” agenda, efforts are being made to make Africa’s resources work for Africa’s benefit.

Mr. Le Hoai Nam, Chairman/President of Allen Le & Partners JSC, Vietnam, is currently in Nigeria with the aim of contributing to Africa’s development.

While speaking to journalists at the arrival wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, Mr. Le Hoai Nam, arriving from Vietnam and Canada for a four-day visit to Nigeria from May 26 to 29, 2025, stated that Allen Le & Partners would invest billions of dollars in Nigeria’s economy, along with his investors, partners, and associates.

Mr. Le Hoai Nam commended the warm reception he received in Nigeria, from the immigration service to Transcorp Hilton and the Honourable Ministers. He described Africa’s hospitality as homely, good-natured, and welcoming.

Mr. Le Hoai Nam noted the strong relationship between Vietnam and Africa. He expressed hope that his partnership with SV-NED Nigeria Ltd would bring new technologies from Vietnam that would revolutionize Nigeria’s economy.

“We are bringing technologies that will change the narrative in Nigeria, technologies like clean agriculture, nano-agriculture, and more,” Mr. Le Hoai Nam stated.

Reflecting on Vietnam’s journey from poverty 50 years ago to becoming a food production powerhouse, he said:
“Fifty years ago, Vietnam was a hungry country. Today, we are one of the largest exporters of rice. That is the future we hope for Nigeria.”

Mr. Bede Kingsley Onyeocha, CEO of Allen Le & Partners, expressed delight at the positive developments in Nigeria.

“From the last time I was here, I’ve seen many positive changes. For instance, I noticed a rail shuttle to town, I had never seen that before. Everything else is going well. We’ve met amazing people. I’m here with my partner, Mr. Allen, and Mama Diaspora. She’s been surveying the land for us. We’re here to explore how we can be part of Nigeria’s development,” he said.

Onyeocha also emphasized Nigeria’s potential:
“Nigeria is a good place with hospitable and hardworking people. We want Nigeria and Nigerians to grow. We’re proud to be part of the development across different sectors. We’ve made many inquiries and contacted several sectors. This is our first point of arrival, and we’ll take it from here.”

Chairman/CEO of Silicon Valley Nigeria Energy Development (SV-NED) Energy Nig. Inc USA, HRH Queen Mother Amb. Amina Temitope Ajayi Labinjo popularly known as “Mama Diaspora” could not contain her joy as the projects she championed began to materialize.

“This is the future. It’s never too late for God’s favor. We must credit Mr. President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his Renewed Hope Agenda. It has attracted many investors to Nigeria,” Mama Diaspora stated.

She continued:
“As a mother, I must say this: God may not always show up when we want, but He’s always on time. My journey will one day serve as a case study for mothers and Nigerian youths. It’s never too late for God’s favor.”

Speaking about the Renewed Hope Agenda, she said:
“Right now, investors are coming under the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. My brother is doing everything he can, focusing on the private sector. I belong to that sector. We can’t rely solely on the government. The private sector must rise. It takes a village to raise a child, and that’s where we mothers come in. Today is the happiest day of my life. Let history remember us.”

“Lee Partners is working with SV-NED Nigeria Ltd from Canada and Vietnam. My hope is to see Nigeria become like Canada or Vietnam someday,” she added.

“The private sector should be viewed as warriors of peace in this country. They sacrifice their families, time, and resources to build the nation. I hope the government begins to see businesspeople and entrepreneurs as key players in peacebuilding and national development. Let’s build Nigeria together.”

Mr. Le Hoai Nam further emphasized that his interest in Nigeria is to support the private sector and make it easier for foreign investors.

“We want to mobilize funds into Nigeria to build skyscrapers, support the mining and green energy sectors, introduce electric cars, and most importantly launch affordable airlines for easier travel across the country. We also aim to provide quality homes for everyone,” he concluded.