Ambode vows to retain Lagos as investors’ haven
Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has said his administration would work hard to ensure that the state retains its status as an investors’ haven.
The governor, who spoke at the 2016 International Forum on African Leadership, where he received an award for Best Performing Governor in Nigeria from the African Leadership Magazine in New York, USA, said since he assumed office on May 29, 2015, efforts had been geared towards creating a friendly environment for investors and businesses.
Represented by the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Mr. Babatunde Durosinmi-Etti, Ambode apologised for his absence, however, acknowledging the importance of the event hence his decision to send a powerful delegation. Others who represented him includes the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde; his Special Adviser on Overseas Affairs and Investment, Prof Ademola Abass; and his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna.
The governor said after receiving the award that the security and judicial reforms, which he initiated at the commencement of his administration and the creation of the Office of Overseas Affairs and Investment, were part of efforts to reduce the burden of bureaucracy and security concerns for would-be investors.
He said that Lagos is also playing a leading role in the Nigeria economy, and as such must not shy away from ensuring that it takes the lead as Nigeria restrategises to restructure its economy for greater prosperity.
“Lagos as the fifth largest economy in Africa is like a country and with the momentum with which the state is moving, it might soon emerge as the biggest economy in Africa. It is home to almost every religion, tribe and colour and accommodates the largest pool of black people all over the world, including Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who is from Nigeria and has a home in Lagos,” the governor said.
In his remarks, Publisher and Chief Executive Officer of the magazine, Mr. Ken Giami expressed appreciation to the participants for finding time to honour the occasion.
Giami said the focus of the forum was to encourage good governance and how it could impact on the African continent.
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1 Comments
Lagos -12million by day,8 million at night has a soul of its own. It is a city that gives liberty to a hard working immigrant to rise from grass to grace.
We will review and take appropriate action.