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ABUJA, NIGERIA – Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has lauded former Delaware Lieutenant Governor and immediate past Governor of Delaware, Dr. Bethany Hall-Long, for selecting Nigeria as her first international destination after leaving office, describing the decision as a strong vote of confidence in the country’s growing economic and investment potential.
Kalu made the remark while receiving a high-powered delegation of investors, business leaders and development partners led by renowned Nigerian real estate developer and philanthropist, Dr. Susan Nnena Njoku, at his office in the National Assembly, Abuja.
Addressing the delegation, the Deputy Speaker expressed appreciation to Dr. Hall-Long for choosing Nigeria for her maiden overseas engagement, emphasizing the importance of strengthening bilateral relationships and fostering international partnerships capable of driving economic growth and sustainable development. 
The meeting focused on several strategic areas, including women’s political participation, investment opportunities, solid minerals development, energy exploration, information and communication technology (ICT), healthcare, education, and security cooperation.
Kalu, who has consistently advocated greater inclusion of women in governance and leadership, highlighted ongoing efforts to advance gender equity and support legislative initiatives aimed at increasing women’s representation in elective and appointive positions.
Leading the delegation, Dr. Susan Nnena Njoku commended the Deputy Speaker’s commitment to gender empowerment, youth development, and skills acquisition programmes across the country. She noted that the visit was designed to explore investment opportunities and deepen cooperation between Nigeria and partners from the United States, particularly the State of Delaware.
Dr. Njoku, a prominent real estate developer, financial secretary of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), and stakeholder in Nigeria’s mining sector, disclosed that discussions during the meeting centred significantly on rare earth minerals, mining, and the development of the country’s solid minerals industry.
According to her, the engagement represents a significant step toward strengthening economic ties between Nigeria and the United States while unlocking opportunities for foreign direct investment in key sectors of the economy.
Speaking after the meeting, Dr. Hall-Long underscored the need for enhanced collaboration between Nigeria and international partners in critical sectors such as energy, education, healthcare, ICT, and security.
She expressed admiration for Nigeria’s hospitality and economic prospects, revealing that the trip marked her first international visit outside the United States since leaving office.
“This is my first international visit outside the United States, and I chose Nigeria,” she said. “I am being hosted by Dr. Nnena Njoku and her partners, and I am delighted to see that the perception many people have about insecurity in Nigeria does not reflect the reality on the ground.”
The former Delaware leader further encouraged global investors and development partners to explore business opportunities across Africa, describing the continent as a destination with enormous untapped potential.
Members of the delegation included investors, business executives, political leaders and development stakeholders seeking to establish strategic partnerships that could accelerate economic growth and investment inflows into Nigeria.
Observers say the visit signals growing international interest in Nigeria’s emerging sectors, particularly mining, real estate, technology, and energy, as the country seeks to attract greater foreign investment and strengthen its position as a leading economic hub in Africa.
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