Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, on Tuesday, said that the activities of both local and foreign investors in the state are key indicators that would trigger economic growth and enhance the emerging opportunities in the socio-economic landscape of the state.
The governor, who spoke at the City Hall, Lagos, venue of the 2016 Stakeholders Forum organised by the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Central Business District (CBD), also commended the enthusiasm of investors and entrepreneurs alike to put their money in worthwhile investments in the state.
He added that the present administration is also providing more opportunities to investors and entrepreneurs in the emerging economic profile of the Lagos Mega City in the various sectors of real estate development, marine transportation, commercial and business activities.
“Our administration is focused on providing more opportunities to investors and entrepreneurs in the emerging economic profile of Lagos Mega City in the various sectors of real estate development, marine transportation, commercial and business activities to create job opportunities and generate wealth for investors in a conducive and secure environment,” he said.
Ambode, who was represented at the Forum by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr Tunji Bello, said the focus of his administration since inception has been to put in place necessary structures that would sustain a 24/7 economy in the “New Lagos”, adding that despite the global economic challenges, “we have ensured that the business districts functioned effectively to move the wheel of economic growth in the Lagos Mega City”.
He assured that in the months to come, the district will witness tremendous transformation with the completion of the Blue Line rail system and the ongoing reconstruction of the Marina axis.
The Governor said the gathering was about ways to identify the gaps in the operation of the district and what can be done individually and collectively to uplift the status of the CBD to global standards.
“It is also about maximizing the investment opportunities in this axis through government policies, incentives and direct intervention in terms of infrastructure provision and upgrade towards actualizing the vision of the present administration of making “Lagos safer, cleaner and more prosperous”, he said.
He urged the stakeholders to share experiences, ideas and evolve new strategies that will enhance the effectiveness of the Central Business District administration and management for the benefit of all.
Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on CBD, Mr Agboola Dabiri, reiterated the readiness of the Government to return the lost glory of Lagos Island by bringing back corporate organizations and private companies to the District just as it was in the eighties.
He added that the State Government has committed enormous resources in rebranding, painting, beautification and general upliftment of the axis to ensure it is conducive for businesses to thrive.
The event which also featured panel discussions was graced by many important personalities including members of the State Executive Council, members of the State House of Assembly, Body of Permanent Secretaries and members of the Organised Private Sector.
