Tag: Sanwo-Olu

  • Your behaviour is disturbing — Sanwo-Olu blasts Peter Obi for ‘demarketing’ Nigeria in US

    Your behaviour is disturbing — Sanwo-Olu blasts Peter Obi for ‘demarketing’ Nigeria in US

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has tackled Peter Obi over the perceived disparaging comment he made about Nigeria at Johns Hopkins University in the United States.

    The Lagos Governor said Obi lacks the moral right to talk about poverty in Nigeria.

    During his recent engagement at Johns Hopkins University, the 2023 Labour Party Presidential candidate painted a picture of how Nigeria fell off economically within 25 years, leading to an astronomic increase in the poverty rate.

    Using the poverty index, Obi compared Nigeria, China, Indonesia and Vietnam to analyse Nigeria’s rising poverty rate.

    He explained that, in 1990, when the Human Development Index (HDI) measurement started, Nigeria, China, Vietnam and Indonesia were all classified under the medium category of the HDI measurement.

    According to him, Nigeria had the fewest people in poverty in 1990, and 35 years later, it has more poor people than China, Indonesia and Vietnam combined.

    “In the area of poverty, Nigeria with about 50 million poor people, had the least number of people in poverty in 1990 than any of the three countries. While China had about 750 million people living in poverty, Indonesia and Vietnam had 85 million and 60 million poor people, respectively. China alone had about 15 times the number of poor people than Nigeria. Today, however, Nigeria has more poor people than these 3 countries combined,” Obi argued.

    Reacting, Governor Sanwo-Olu in a statement titled, “Factually Addressing Mr. Peter Obi’s Criticism of Nigeria at Johns Hopkins University,” accused Obi of making disparaging comments about Nigeria.

    He said he finds Obi’s pattern of behaviour disturbing, indicating that his comments about Nigeria on the global stage don’t project the country positively.

    “He made unflattering remarks not just about the incumbent Nigerian government but also about Nigeria. I also find Mr Obi’s pattern of behaviour disturbing. When prominent Nigerians go overseas, they ought to project Nigeria positively.

    “They do not have to do that for the government. But we all owe a duty to market Nigeria on the global stage rather than demarket her. That is what true patriotism is about.”

    Sanwo-Olu, who predicated his reaction on poverty, which Obi focused on in his analysis, said any leader could fight poverty generationally by promoting education, improving healthcare, providing credit, and granting access to land.

    According to him, it is ironic that the former Governor of Anambra, who did not build a single school or a stand-alone hospital throughout his tenure, is criticising the Federal Government.

    Sanwo-Olu said, “I find it somewhat ironic that a man like Mr Obi, who did not build a single school or a stand-alone hospital throughout his eight-year tenure as governor of Anambra or sustainably provide credit facilities, would criticise the government of Nigeria, which is actively doing that.

    “I say this because the president of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is my predecessor, and as governor of Lagos and now President of Nigeria, has built over 200 schools and provided student loans to more than 200,000 undergraduates of Nigerian tertiary institutions.

    “In less than two years, he has provided over half a billion dollars in credit facilities to small and medium-scale enterprises.”

    Explaining how Obi contributed to the poverty problem he criticised, the Lagos State Governor highlighted how poverty increased during Obi’s administration from 41.4 per cent to 53.7 per cent in two years.

    He said, “Under Peter Obi, a two-term Anambra Governor, poverty in Anambra increased. It did not reduce. Before Peter Obi became Anambra Governor on Thursday, June 14, 2007, the poverty rate in Anambra was 41.4 per cent.

    “But after only two years in office, the poverty rate in Anambra jumped to 53.7 per cent. But the interesting thing is that five years after Peter Obi left office, his successor, Willie Obiano, reduced the poverty rate in Anambra from almost 60 per cent to 14.8 per cent.

    “As such, I am not sure that Mr. Obi is morally well placed to make the alarming claims he made about Nigeria at Johns Hopkins. Mr Obi contributed to the increase in poverty in Nigeria.

  • ‘Jandor, not Sanwo-Olu won 2023 governorship election in Lagos’  —  Galadima

    ‘Jandor, not Sanwo-Olu won 2023 governorship election in Lagos’  —  Galadima

    Alhaji Buba Galadima, a chieftain of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), has stated that Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos, won the 2023 governorship election in the state.

    Galadima while appearing on Arise Television’s ‘The Morning Show’ on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, said Adediran, also known as Jandor, won the election but “it was taken away from him.”

    Recall that Jandor, who recently dumped the PDP and returned to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), came in distant third with 62,449 votes, coming behind Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, who polled  762,134, and  312,329 votes respectively.

    According to Galadima, Jandor’s return to the APC is part of the ruling party’s ploy to decimate opposition parties. Such defections make it hard for opposition parties to play their roles ahead of the 2027 election.

    “You have just seen what Jandor has done. Look at the support the people of Lagos have given Jandor. In fact, I will say that he won the election. It was taken away from him.

    “But today, look at him; he just back-pedalled and went back to the APC.

    How are we going to do opposition? We should do opposition of principles even if you are alone, stand based on your principles, not based on chop-chop.”

    Meanwhile, Jandor has explained that his decision to return to the APC was based on the party’s viability and capacity to win elections, emphasizing that the interest of Lagos State was paramount.

    He cited indiscipline and anti-party activities as reasons he left the PDP for the APC.

  • I would have defeated Sanwo-Olu but for Peter Obi’s tsunami – Jandor

    I would have defeated Sanwo-Olu but for Peter Obi’s tsunami – Jandor

    Olajide Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has claimed that if not for the “Peter Obi effect,” he would have emerged victorious over Babajide Sanwo-Olu in the 2023 Lagos State governorship election.

    Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Tuesday, the former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate argued that the unexpected surge of support for the Labour Party (LP) in Lagos shifted the political landscape, making it difficult for the PDP to compete effectively.

    “The 2023 election came with this tsunami that nobody ever expected, and it was there for everybody to see,” Jandor said.

    He explained that after Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) won the February 2023 presidential election in Lagos, the dynamics of the governorship poll, held weeks later, drastically changed against the PDP.

    Recall the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the governorship election with 762,134 votes. Labour Party’s Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour finished second with 312,329 votes, while Jandor came third with 62,449 votes.

    Jandor insisted that, before the presidential election, PDP was in a strong position and actively challenging the ruling APC.

    “Before the general election, we were on the streets of Lagos, and the ruling party was nowhere to be found. We had several debates, and he (Sanwo-Olu) didn’t show up; he even said he didn’t want to share a stage with me,” Jandor recalled.

    “The 2023 election had its own dynamics. It was a two-horse race until the presidential election. If you look at what happened, Peter Obi came first in Lagos, Asiwaju came second, and Atiku came third.

    “The moment that happened, there was this belief that if we do this, we can get this state off XYZ. So, we were victims of that political wave.

    “Each time I address my people, I tell them: look, we did everything, but that wave came and swallowed the whole thing; nobody saw that coming.”

    Despite his disappointment, Jandor expressed confidence that, without the “Obi effect,” he might have won the governorship election. However, he acknowledged that “it wasn’t God’s time yet” for him to become governor.

    His political career began in the APC, where he led the Lagos4Lagos Movement before defecting to the PDP in 2022. He emerged as the party’s governorship candidate but recently left the PDP, citing internal sabotage.

    “We were waiting to see if the party at the national level, governed by its constitution, would take action against those engaged in anti-party activities. We waited patiently for two years, but instead of enforcing sanctions, the same person was appointed Vice Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee,” he said.

    Looking ahead, Jandor revealed that he is open to joining another political party to pursue his 2027 governorship ambition.

  • Imposters parading as our leaders, traders tell Sanwo-Olu

    Imposters parading as our leaders, traders tell Sanwo-Olu

    LAGOS — LEADERS of the Balogun Business Association, BBA, in Lagos State, yesterday, urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to disregard the activities of some traders parading themselves as leaders in the market who recently paid a courtesy call to his office.

    The leaders stated that those who paid the visit to the Governor were imposters.

    The association, in a petition by Chairman, Board of Trustees, Chief Anthony Obih; Secretary, Board of Trustees, Chief Jones Okpala; Chairman, Caretaker Committee, Anselm Dunu and Secretary, Caretaker Committee, Chief Leonard Ogbonnia, said: “We respectfully and humbly write with the utmost sense of responsibility to expose and bring to the attention of the Lagos State Government that the group of individuals led by Chief Paul Oscar Ikechukwu Odogwu (who has been parading himself as the President of Balogun Business Association) that paid a visit to your Excellency as purported members of BBA Executive are not lawfully members of the executive management and administration of the Association.

    According to the traders, these impostors conducted themselves contrary to and in brazen and egregious defiance and contempt of pending judicial proceedings and subsisting decisions of the Federal High Court in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/451/2021 (Incorporated Trustees of Balogun Business Association & 6 Ors). Vs Corporate Affairs Commission & 4 Ors.) and Suit No FHC/ABJ/CS/579/2021 (Incorporated Trustees of Balogun Business Association & 6 Ors. Vs Inspector General of Police &9 Ors).”

    “In the above-mentioned judicial proceedings, the Caretaker Committee of the Association led by Chief AnseIem Dunu, as the Chairman, is the executive body lawfully responsible for the management, administration and control of the association and the association’s affairs. Also in the aforesaid judicial proceedings, the Board of Trustees of the Association is led by Chief Anthony Obih, as the Chairman.

    “They also defied and showed contempt for the pending and ongoing proceedings of the Federal High Court in Suit No: FHC/L/CS/2665/2023 (Incorporated Trustees of Balogun Business Association & 6 Ors. Vs Mrs Chinyere Nwabunike & 8 Ors.) and Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/459/2024 (Incorporated Trustees of Balogun Business Association & 6 Ors. Vs Sterling Bank Ltd & Ors).

    “Chief Odogwu did not bring to your attention the facts and circumstances in the foregoing paragraphs: rather they hid and suppressed them and thereby dishonestly practised deception on the Government of Lagos State to gain audience with Your Excellency”, the petition added.

  • 70m gallons Adiyan water per day project hits 80% completion – Sanwo-Olu

    70m gallons Adiyan water per day project hits 80% completion – Sanwo-Olu

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has expressed satisfaction at the level of work on phase II of the Adiyan Water Works project, saying it has reached 80 percent completion.

    Sanwo-Olu, who made the remark after inspecting the ongoing water project, said, “It is expected to supply Lagos residents with 70 million gallons of water per day after completion.”

    The governor spoke during a working visit to Adiyan Water Works, Phase II, on Wednesday, inspecting the ongoing civil works that lasted for over two hours.

    The governor further revealed that the project, which is currently at the 80 percent completion stage, will be completed within the current administration’s lifetime.

    Sanwo-Olu, who was accompanied by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab; members of the State Executive Council; and other government officials, restated his administration’s commitment to providing 70 million gallons of water daily for Lagos residents.

    He said, “ Our main pride is what we have seen in the Adiyan, the possibility of a timely completion of what we started. Adiyan II is meant to produce 70 million gallons per day, and you can see from the working trip we had today that it is about 80 percent completed.

    “The electromechanical work, which has to do with the pump, all the containers are there, so they will start fixing. About 70 to 75 percent of all the equipment is on site. They are laying these pipes all the way to Akute into the Ogun River.

    “We believe that the contractor is working on the three components. They have assured us that in another 10 to 12 months, this whole place will be a completely different story.

    “It will be a project Lagosians will be proud of and will improve their economy and lifestyle. You know how important portable water is as part of the living standards of a big city; it is one critical component that the government has to meet, and we are happy that Adiyan II will be living up to that responsibility.”

    Sanwo-Olu applauded the community’s residents for their cooperation and expressed satisfaction with the contractor’s spate of works on the water project, which would enhance the socio-economic, lifestyle, and living standards of Lagosians.

    “These pipes (pointing to some of the pipes being laid underground) are going all the way to Akute, where the water will be taken from the Ogun River, and it is from there that it gets transported to Adiyan. We notice that this is an impressive civil work that has been painstakingly done, and you can see the depth of the excavation. You can see that the neighbors are happy.

    “The locals are as happy as we are, as you can see from the reception we received. We and the Ogun Government have paid compensation. The job is not finished yet; we still have a lot of work to do regarding transmitting. We still need to build more capacity,” he said.

    Speaking earlier, Wahab said the Lagos State Government has continued to rededicate itself to providing residents with adequate pipe-borne water.

    While reaffirming the state government’s commitment to improving the water supply infrastructure in Lagos, the commissioner said providing residents with access to adequate pipe-borne water remains one of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration’s key priorities.

    He noted that the Adiyan Water Works project aligns with the state’s long-term vision to provide sustainable water sources for residents.

    The General Manager of the Lagos State Water Corporation, Engr. Mukhtaar Tijani also expressed his gratitude to the governor’s administration for its continuous support and for prioritizing the project.

    He assured the contractor would complete the remaining works on schedule and within the stipulated timeline.

  • Sanwo-Olu hails Fene Osakwe’s historic nomination for UK Cyber Award

    Sanwo-Olu hails Fene Osakwe’s historic nomination for UK Cyber Award

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has applauded Dr. Fene Osakwe, Chairman of the Lagos State Cybersecurity Advisory Board, for becoming the First African to be nominated for the Cyber Personality of the Year award in the United Kingdom.

    The Cyber Security Awards, established in 2014, recognises outstanding individuals, teams, and organisations within the global cybersecurity sector. This independent event operates without affiliations to magazines, organisations, or products, thus allowing judges to base their decisions solely on merit.

    The Cyber Personality of the Year Award acknowledges an individual who has exhibited exemplary leadership, advocacy, and expertise in cybersecurity. It celebrates those who have established themselves as thought leaders and made substantial contributions to the industry, enhancing its visibility and fostering the development of others.

    Sanwo-Olu said: “I congratulate Dr. Fene Osakwe, whose exploits have shown the great potential of our youths in the tech space. We in Lagos are proud of him and will continue to encourage our youths to become the best so that Lagos will be known as the home of experts in the tech and innovation space.”

    Osakwe is the sole African nominee in this category, competing alongside distinguished leaders from 11 other countries. Over the past decade, his leadership, ambition, and innovative strategies in cybersecurity have earned him international acclaim.

    He has authored several influential articles on platforms such as Forbes and has been a leading figure in cybersecurity research and publications.

    Earlier in 2024, Osakwe was invited to join the Global Advisory Board for Penetration Testing by EC-Council, recognized as the world’s largest certification body for information security professionals. He also became a member of the Forbes Technology Council in 2021.

    In 2024, he was a keynote speaker at major cybersecurity conferences in Europe and Africa, and his presentations received commendations for their insight and educational value.

    Osakwe mentors graduate, master’s, and doctoral students at four universities in the United Kingdom, Nigeria, the United States, and Canada.

    His accolades include being recognised by the New York City Journal as one of the top 20 coaches to watch in 2023 and by CIOLOOK in March 2023 as one of the top global cyber leaders under 40.

    In 2022, he was honoured as the Cyber Youth Mentor of the Year in Dubai, received the Exceptional Leadership Award at Internet 2.0 in Dubai, and won a global book award for his Amazon best-selling publication in August 2023.

    Furthermore, he was named one of the top 100 inspiring personalities of 2022, among numerous other distinctions.

    Under his leadership, Lagos State conducted its inaugural cybersecurity awareness month for citizens in October 2024 to educate the public on protective measures against cybercrime.

    Osakwe is also leading other innovative initiatives in collaboration with the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology to enhance cybersecurity within the state.

    This nomination highlights the exceptional talent emerging from Lagos State and Nigeria and serves as a testament to Osakwe’s dedication and intellectual prowess.

    Reacting to his nomination, Osakwe remarked that the honour illustrates that excellence transcends colour, emphasising that the global audience continually observes Africa’s achievements.

    “I find it inspiring to receive recognition on an international scale, and being the sole African candidate in this category which represents a significant honour,” he stated.

    Osakwe has consistently believed that Nigeria possesses the potential to address the global tech talent shortage effectively.

  • Lagos commissioner assures Lagosians of Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to grassroots development

    Lagos commissioner assures Lagosians of Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to grassroots development

    Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy Gbenga Omotoso has assured residents of dividends of democracy to the grassroots as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration continues to unveil new projects across local governments and local council development areas.

    Omotoso, made the remark at a media stakeholders’ forum in Ikeja, noted that the New Massey Street Children’s Hospital project has reached an advanced stage and would be the biggest pediatric facility in West Africa, saying that the facility will be set for commissioning later this year.

    The commissioner mentioned that other projects in the health sector, such as the 280-bed General Hospital in Ojo, the Psychiatric Hospital in Ketu Ejinrin, and infrastructure upgrades at Ibeju-Lekki and Lagos General Hospitals, would also expand the resources available to residents for top-notch medical services.

    “This year, the present administration’s vision is to build on the gains of Y2024 through the commissioning of projects that would impact communities, especially at the grassroots,” Omotoso said.

    Therefore, he called on young entrepreneurs to take advantage of the funding support provided by the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, LSETF, and other initiatives of the Lagos State Government by applying for loans and grants to boost their trade.

    Omotoso noted that many startups have become stable and profitable through support from the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, LSETF, and other agencies of the Lagos State Government that provide financial support to growing business entities.

    Speaking on the benefits derived from tourism, Omotoso stated that Lagos would continue to explore initiatives in the sector to boost revenues, attract foreign exchange, and position Lagos as a genuinely competitive global destination.

    “This year, we are focused on making significant progress in revitalizing cultural, religious, and recreational infrastructure across the State. Therefore, we will sustain efforts to restore the historic Elemoro Palace in Ibeju-Lekki and the Princess Erelu Kuti Tomb, commemorating one of Lagos’ most prominent historical figures,” he said.

    While maintaining that more initiatives propelled by the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda would be unveiled in Y2025, Omotoso assured that the Sanwo-Olu administration would not abandon any ongoing project in the State.

    The commissioner expressed gratitude to media men for the publicity given to the Sanwo-Olu administration’s giant strides, and he called for more support from community newspapers because they have gained prominence in creating awareness at the grassroots.

    “There will be more of such media engagements this year. We appreciate feedback from the media because you stay among the people who rely on you to bring the government’s attention to their needs,” Omotoso said.

  • Sanwo-Olu to Police recruits: Uphold ethics, professionalism

    Sanwo-Olu to Police recruits: Uphold ethics, professionalism

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, yesterday, charged the newly recruited Constables to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism, as well as treat all citizens with respect and fairness, irrespective of their background.

    In his goodwill message at the Passing-OutParade ceremony of 10,000 Police Constables of 2022, held at the Police College Ikeja, the Governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Abimbola Hudenyin, emphasized that the recruits should never compromise their values, even in challenging situations but should rather, strive to do what was right and embrace continuous learning and professional development.

    While noting that 266 out of the 10,000 Constables who just completed the mandatory six-month course in four premier colleges and 12 Police Training Schools nationwide,

    were Lagosians, he reminded them that they would face difficult situations that would test their resolve and character when they would be deplored by their various units.

    According to the governor: “ . The challenges ahead will be daunting, as they are numerous and demanding. You will face difficult situations that will test your resolve and character.

    “Uphold the highest ethical standards, demonstrate professionalism in all your actions, and treat every citizen with respect and fairness, regardless of their background. Remember, the training you have received and the values you have learned.

    “I urge you to remember the oath you have taken today. It is a solemn commitment to uphold the law, protect lives and property, and serve the public with integrity, courage, and compassion. As you embark on this noble career, remember that you are now ambassadors of the Nigeria Police Force”.

    In his remark, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, said the event marked the culmination of six-months rigorous training program that had pushed the recruits to their physical and intellectual limits.

    Represented by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police ,Zone 2 Command, AIG Adegoke Fayoade , he disclosed that a significant majority of the newly graduated Police Constables, were posted to their states of origin, in pursuant to the Community Policing principle of the current police administration.

    This strategic deployment he explained, “ aims to augment ongoing law enforcement efforts and reinforce the fight against crime at the grassroots level. I am confident that these new officers will demonstrate exceptional professionalism, integrity, and dedication to service, thereby upholding the honour and prestige of the Police Force”.

    In the course of their training, the IGP said “ we instilled in these recruits the necessary orientation to effectively address the complex security challenges facing our nation, while adhering to the principles of the law. Our comprehensive and research based curriculum has equipped them with fundamentals to policing ethics, norms, and practices, as well as modern law enforcement principles. We have high expectations for this graduating class of Constables, and we are confident that they will uphold the values imparted to them during their training, thereby contributing to the enhancement of law enforcement in our country”.

    Earlier in her welcome address, the Commandant, Police College, Ikeja, CP Omolara Oloruntola, congratulated the Police Constables for their resilience and commitment to the rigorous training process. She admonished them to eschew corruption and uphold the principles of fundamental human rights as entrenched in the Nigerian Constitution.

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, yesterday, charged the newly recruited Constables to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism, as well as treat all citizens with respect and fairness, irrespective of their background.

    In his goodwill message at the Passing-OutParade ceremony of 10,000 Police Constables of 2022, held at the Police College Ikeja, the Governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Abimbola Hudenyin, emphasized that the recruits should never compromise their values, even in challenging situations but should rather, strive to do what was right and embrace continuous learning and professional development.

    While noting that 266 out of the 10,000 Constables who just completed the mandatory six-month course in four premier colleges and 12 Police Training Schools nationwide,

    were Lagosians, he reminded them that they would face difficult situations that would test their resolve and character when they would be deplored by their various units.

    According to the governor: “ . The challenges ahead will be daunting, as they are numerous and demanding. You will face difficult situations that will test your resolve and character.

    “Uphold the highest ethical standards, demonstrate professionalism in all your actions, and treat every citizen with respect and fairness, regardless of their background. Remember, the training you have received and the values you have learned.

    “I urge you to remember the oath you have taken today. It is a solemn commitment to uphold the law, protect lives and property, and serve the public with integrity, courage, and compassion. As you embark on this noble career, remember that you are now ambassadors of the Nigeria Police Force”.

    In his remark, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, said the event marked the culmination of six-months rigorous training program that had pushed the recruits to their physical and intellectual limits.

    Represented by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police ,Zone 2 Command, AIG Adegoke Fayoade , he disclosed that a significant majority of the newly graduated Police Constables, were posted to their states of origin, in pursuant to the Community Policing principle of the current police administration.

    This strategic deployment he explained, “ aims to augment ongoing law enforcement efforts and reinforce the fight against crime at the grassroots level. I am confident that these new officers will demonstrate exceptional professionalism, integrity, and dedication to service, thereby upholding the honour and prestige of the Police Force”.

    In the course of their training, the IGP said “ we instilled in these recruits the necessary orientation to effectively address the complex security challenges facing our nation, while adhering to the principles of the law. Our comprehensive and research based curriculum has equipped them with fundamentals to policing ethics, norms, and practices, as well as modern law enforcement principles. We have high expectations for this graduating class of Constables, and we are confident that they will uphold the values imparted to them during their training, thereby contributing to the enhancement of law enforcement in our country”.

    Earlier in her welcome address, the Commandant, Police College, Ikeja, CP Omolara Oloruntola, congratulated the Police Constables for their resilience and commitment to the rigorous training process. She admonished them to eschew corruption and uphold the principles of fundamental human rights as entrenched in the Nigerian Constitution.

  • Lagos trade fair testament to power of partnerships – Sanwo-Olu

    Lagos trade fair testament to power of partnerships – Sanwo-Olu

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has said that the Lagos International Trade Fair (LITF) is a testament to the power of partnerships in advancing economic prospects of large corporations and small businesses.

    The governor, represented by his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, said this at the opening of the 38th LITF by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) on Friday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the yearly event with the theme: “Connecting Businesses, Creating Value” is a 10-day event.

    It is taking place at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.

    According to Sanwo-Olu, in today’s world where connectivity is the backbone of growth, the fair is an opportunity for collaborations that will fuel innovations.

    He added that such innovations would have value for businesses.

    He said that Lagos, as the economic nerve centre of Nigeria and West Africa, was committed to playing a unique role in fostering connections among businesses of all sizes.

    According to him, all businesses whether homegrown startups, established multinationals or local artisans working to scale their enterprises, are welcome to the state.

    “Our mission is to position Lagos as a regional hub and a thriving global marketplace – one that harnesses the energy, resilience and ingenuity of its people to drive forward economic prosperity and sustainable development.

    “Our vision is to elevate Lagos as a global economic hub, where businesses from every corner of the world feel welcome and empowered as we believe that an interconnected Lagos is a prosperous Lagos.

    “This goal is why we are committed to enhancing our infrastructure, improving our business environment and ensuring that Lagos remains a safe, welcoming and efficient place to do business,” he said.

    The governor noted that the state in recent years embarked on projects aimed at improving infrastructure, transport systems and digital connectivity.

    Sanwo-Olu said that Lagos had made significant strides through digital transformation, simplification of regulatory processes, and various incentives for entrepreneurs in improving ease of doing business.

    He said that Lagos was also determined to fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and tech-driven growth by supporting incubators, accelerators and tech hubs to equip the state’s youths.

    “As we work toward building a sustainable future, Lagos is even more committed to promoting green business practices and renewable energy.

    “Lagos is open for businesses, and we invite our partners from across the world to seize the tremendous opportunities available in Nigeria’s largest market,” he said.

    The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, said that the trade fair showed the nation’s vibrant economic landscape and its unwavering commitment to fostering global trade partnerships.

    Oduwole, represented by Mrs Lucia Shittu, Chief Executive Officer, TBS Management Board, said that the fair was a reminder of immense potential in connecting businesses from around the world.

    She said that LITF offered a unique platform for entrepreneurs, investors and industry leaders to network, collaborate and explore new avenues for growth.

    The minister said that the President Bola Tinubu-led administration was dedicated to creating an enabling environment which would support businesses and drive economic development.

    She said that the administration had achieved significant milestones in promoting trade and investment, including trade policy reforms and investment promotion.

    “We understand the challenges that our nation has faced in recent times, and we are working tirelessly to implement policies that promote investment, enhance competitiveness and create jobs.

    “By connecting businesses, we are building bridges that foster understanding and cooperation.

    “By creating value, we are contributing to the overall prosperity of our nation and the well-being of our citizens,” she said.

    The President of LCCI, Mr Gabriel Idahosa, said that the trade fair was a means to foster economic cooperation, strengthen industry networks and enhance business connectivity within Nigeria and beyond.

    Idahosa said that governments’ participation in the fair demonstrated commitment to empowering the private sector to produce for local consumption and export.

    He added that the fair had become a veritable platform where state governments and federal parastatals showcased investment opportunities in states and programmes of impact.

    “This year’s fair holds special significance as Nigeria navigates an era of economic adjustment marked by challenges and opportunities.

    “We urge Nigerian businesses and entrepreneurs to seize the opportunity to network with international exhibitors, initiate distributorship deals, and foster trade agreements that will enhance their business value chains and diversify their product offerings.

    “I see this year’s trade fair igniting new ideas, creating lasting partnerships, and being a testament to the power of unity in pursuing economic transformation,” he said