The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Leadway warns against cyber attacks

    Leadway warns against cyber attacks

    By Omobola Tolu-Kusimo

    Corporate entities, institutions, religious organisations and individuals have been urged to provide measures to protect their database and computer networks from attacks by hackers.

    Speaking on “Understanding cyber insurance”, at a virtual workshop organised by Leadway Assurance, Mr. Uzodinma Ibe of the Casualty & Liability Underwriting, General Insurance, said with increased online and internet connectivity becoming part of our business, as a result of COVID-19 pandemic, there was the need for protection against cyber attacks.

    He said a report by a United Kingdom (UK) cybersecurity company, identified that there was high traffic when it came to information, transactions and data emanating from Nigeria into digital space, adding that the survey noted that 36 per cent of  organisations suffered cyber attacks in the last 12 months.

    Uzodinma also said 64 per cent of cyberattacks in Nigeria exploited misconfigurations on the organisation servers, pointing out that Nigeria has the highest data Leakage in the world.

    On business activities, social networking and governmental activities, he said the report has also identified where Nigeria as a digital hub is and to what extent are their cyber exposures.

    In order to avoid cyber-attacks on our computer networks, which sometimes resulted into data and financial losses, there is a need for enterprises, individuals, corporate organizations, to see it as a serious business and take up some form of cyber mitigating effort in this regard, he noted.

  • ‘NICON not owing PTAD’

    ‘NICON not owing PTAD’

    By Omobola Tolu-Kusimo

    The management of NICON Insurance Limited has faulted a report on its invitation to the Senate over failure to remit pension funds to the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD).

    In a statement, the firm said the report stated that the Senate had summoned the firm over “failure to remit N17.4 billion pension fund to the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD)”.

    The firm said: “The management of NICON Insurance said that they have not received any summons from the Senate Committee on Public Accounts and are, therefore, unaware of the existence of such summons as reported by the media. It is of great concern to management that NICON has been subjected to the court of public opinion on a matter in which we have discharged our duty as a responsible corporate citizen.

    “To set the records straight, NICON transferred assets to PTAD under the leadership of Sharon Ikeazor in lieu of the legacy pension funds for over 50 agencies and parastatals of the Federal Government in June 2017. PTAD has all the title documents of the properties in its possession and has been collecting rent on them in the last four years. NICON is, therefore, not liable to PTAD for any pension funds.

    “Management also notes that other issues reportedly raised by the Executive Secretary of PTAD, Dr. Chioma Ejikeme, are before a court and are, therefore, sub-judice for discussion except before the court of law. The company would, therefore, not join issues with anyone and will make no further comment on these issues till they are resolved by the court.”

  • Digitise agric insurance, experts advise

    Digitise agric insurance, experts advise

    By Omobola Tolu-Kusimo

    Allianz experts with key partners and Africa Re have proferred solutions to the protection problem in Africa.

    Allianz held a second webinar after acquisition in East Africa, to introduce Allianz as a global leader in insurance markets.

    The event entitled,“The digitisation of agriculture Insurance through parametric solutions”, Allianz Africa brought together agriculture and insurance experts such as Reto Schneider, Regional Head of Agriculture at Allianz Re, Lovemore Forichi, Senior Underwriter of Agriculture at Allianz Re, Gregoire Tombez, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of WARM Consulting Group Limited and co-founder of Green Triangle, Erastus Ndege Ochieng, Asset Manager, Agriculture Underwriting at Africa Re, Omondi Kasidhi, Head, Sustainable Agriculture Sourcing of Diageo PLC and Delphine Traore, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Allianz Africa, to discuss the topic.

    According to the experts, parametrics insurance product is an innovative, efficient and fully digital solution to expedite payments to customers.

    Traoré said there was  the need to invest in agriculture, given its importance as a food source, especially in view of the increase in population, to explain the interest of Allianz Africa for sustainability in the agricultural sector.

    She said: “Indeed, agriculture production makes up a substantial portion of the continent’s GDP in Africa, yet only a small portion of the producers are insured.

    “Raising awareness of the vital role that agriculture insurance plays in sustaining agricultural production is a key step to increasing insurancepenetration in the sector.

    Delphine added: “Allianz Africa aims to contribute towards closing the protection gap and position itself as a leading agriculture (re)insurance provider on the continent.

    “In addition, climate risks increase the need for investments to make agriculture more resilient, following the panel’s experts. They agreed that the development and commercialisation of agriculture requires financial services that can support. To this end, agricultural insurance is strategically important for eradicating extreme poverty, boosting prosperity and protecting livelihoods.”

    Last year, Reto Schneider stated that the industry recorded a cumulative premium of $300million from agricultural insurance.

    “The Southern and Eastern regions of Africa contributed more than 80 per cent of the recorded premium. Eastern Africa recently recorded an improvement in its trajectory.

    “The agricultural sector could reach the potential of $1billion within 10 years, provided that penetration can be substantially increased.”

    During the webinar, parametrics solutions were presented as the direction for the future. They bring many advantages such as high accuracy with state-of-the art satellite information, hybrid products to address additional perils, increased efficiency through fully paperless processes, fast and automated payouts possible, high level of traceability, combination with loans and integration of the value chain.

    CEO of WARM Consulting Group Limited and co-founder of  GreenTriangle Gregoire Tombez, added: “Technology is closing the gap between indemnity and parametric crop insurance and allows to get the best of both worlds in a single product.”

    In Africa, Allianz is in 12 countries, including Nigeria and clients in 49 markets. Its 1,300 employees achieved regional revenue of 663 million euros in 2019.

    Allianz also provides micro-insurance for 1.7million low-income families and individuals in Africa.

  • Brokers urge Fed Govt to declare state of emergency on security

    Brokers urge Fed Govt to declare state of emergency on security

    By Omobola Tolu-Kusimo

    The Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB) has bemoaned the spate of killings, kidnappings and banditry in the country.

    It stated that the development is not only tarnishing the country’s image, but also scaring investors away from the country. It, therefore, urged the the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on terrorism.

    The President of the Council, Dr. Bola Onigbogi, stated this at a  conference in Lagos.

    Onigbogi noted that if nothing  was done quickly to address the menace, it would deter foreign investors from  the country.

    “To say that the rate of killings and kidnapping in Nigeria is endemic is to state the obvious. The recent rate of attacks on people in most part of the nation is so disheartening.

    “It is worrisome seeing how Nigerians are being massacred in their own fatherland unabated. It is difficult to read the mindset of these dare devil hoodlums, who have decided to unleash terror on unsuspecting and innocent Nigerians.

    “Our heartfelt sympathy goes to the government and the people of affected states, especially the immediate families of the victims. However, I like to join several other Nigerians to appeal to the Federal Government, as a matter of urgency, declare a state of emergency on terrorism and killings, especially in the Northern part of Nigeria.

    “We appeal to Mr. President to instruct all the service chiefs to take responsibilities for the killings and kidnappings that has continued to tarnish the image of the country. It is important to note that with the spate of killings and kidnapping in Nigeria, if nothing is done as soon as possible, it will deter investors from investing in the Nigerian economy,” she said.

     

  • NAICOM seals deal with Federal Fire Service on building law

    NAICOM seals deal with Federal Fire Service on building law

    By Omobola Tolu-Kusimo

    The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) and the Federal Fire Service are to commence the enforcement of compulsory public building liability insurance in earnest across the country.

    This was part of the resolution at the end of a meeting between the agencies at the NAICOM head office in Abuja.

    Public building liability insurance is among the five compulsory insurances expected to be complied with by people in public interest.

    Others are third party motor insurance, builders liability; Occupiers liability; group life insurance; and professional indemnity.

    In the case of builders liability insurance or insurance of buildings under construction is an insurance policy for contractors and owners of buildings higher than two-storey.

    Section 64 of the Insurance Act. 2003 requires that every owner or contractor of any building under construction, with more than two floors, must take an insurance policy to cover liability against risks caused by the negligence of the contractor, owner, servants, agents, and consultants which may result in death, bodily injury, or property damage to workers or the public.

    The insurance must be undertaken from the construction stage. It should also cover collapse of the building. The penalty for default is N250,000 or three years’ imprisonment or both.

    On Occupiers Liability Insurance or Insurance of Public Buildings, the law provides that every public building must be insured against liability in the case of loss, damage to property, death or bodily injury that may be caused by collapse, fire, earthquake, storm or flood. A public building refers to any building accessible to people for educational, medical, recreational or commercial purposes.

    By virtue of Section 65 of Insurance Act 2003, public buildings include schools, hotels, hospitals, recreation centres, offices and are to be insured by their owners or occupiers against the hazards of collapse, fire, earthquake, storm and flood.

    The penalty for default is a fine of N100,000 or one-year imprisonment or both.

    Commissioner for Insurance, Mr. Sunday Olorundare Thomas stated that relevant federal laws have made insurances mandatory.

    He said buildings under construction that are more than two floors are to secure builders liability; public buildings including schools, offices, hotels, hospitals, markets are to secure occupiers liability; employees of both public and private sectors are to get group life insurance; medical practitioners are to get professional indemnity; while  vehicle owners are to get third party motor vehicle Insurance on death, injury or damage to the property of third parties.

    He believes this move will further deepen insurance penetration in Nigeria.

    He explained that the objectives identified under the NAICOM’s Corporate Strategic Plan 2016-2020 goals were to enhance compliance with compulsory insurance; eradicate fake insurance agents and forged policies from the market; facilitate the development of other financial inclusion insurance products and channels for their distribution; and implement strategic market growth initiatives such as government assets insurance.

    He said: “The envisioned activities were substantially achieved during the plan period.

    “Growth in insurance premium was achieved through enforcement activities driven on group life, compulsory motor insurance, application of local content policy, raids carried out on fake insurance agents, among others.”

  • Nairametrics gets blog award

    Nairametrics gets blog award

    Nairametrics has emerged winner of the Blog of the Year, at the just-concluded Gage Awards.

    This category featured other blogs such as BellaNaija, Naijaloaded, Nairaland, and LindaIkeji. After polling votes from Nigerians on the Gage awards website, Nairametrics emerged winner.

    Presenting the award at the virtual event,  Head of Marketing Multichoice Nigeria, Tope Osikeye, said blogging had become “a major channel through which we get information, and also continues to put other news medium on their toes. Indeed, they are worthy to be celebrated”.

    Its founder, Ugochukwu‘Ugodre’ Obichukwu received the award with much thanks, appreciating the Gage Awards for their encouragement to brands and individuals who deliver value to Nigerians.

    Ugodre said: “Our mission has always been to create wealth through information. Our job basically is to give you all the information that you need to be better financially strapped and to make better investment decisions.

    “We are happy that the world and Nigerians are finally realising why financial information is very important. We are not going to stop.

    “This is just the beginning of a lot of good things to come for all of you. Thank you all so much.”

    He also thanked Nairametrics readers, partners, and the team behind the blog over the years. “We are going global. We are going pan African this is just the beginning. Thank you to the Gage awards for encouraging people like us to continue to innovate and to create more for you,” he said.

    Announcing the category, by ex – BBNaija star Bisola Aiyeola who hosted the show noted that Nairametrics had been “consistent in adding immense value with accurate, relevant and up-to-date information and podcasts across its platforms in the year 2020/2021”.

    This year’s virtual edition of the Gage Awards was held on Saturday April 24, 2021, with a beach-theme targeted at helping viewers watch it in a relaxed mode.

    The GAGE Awards seeks to celebrate and spotlight the best individuals, brands or groups who have enriched lives year after year, since it started. Winners of the Gage 2021 awards were determined by Public Voting and the Gage Academy based on pre-defined measuring indicators. The voting lasted from 23 February 2021 till 15 March 2021

  • ‘OPPO committed to youths market’

    ‘OPPO committed to youths market’

    Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) OPPO has restated its commitment to keep connecting with the aspirations of its youthful customers in the country.

    The Marketing Manager of OPPO Nigeria, Nengi Akinola, gave the commitment when the brand emerged the winner of the GAGE Awards for Excellence in the Digital Space.

    She said: “As a youth-oriented brand operating in a country made up of over 65 per cent of its population below 35 years old, we understand the need to connect with our young aspirational users within their interest points. We also see #shotonOPPO as an opportunity to showcase the unique capabilities of OPPO products. We don’t just want to talk Megapixels and focal lengths, we want to show you what it means to have superior photography and videography technology on-the-go. We are excited to be the first in this market to take the bold step of doing things differently and most importantly, to get recognised for our hardwork.”

    OPPO Nigeria was recognised for executing the ‘Online Campaign of the Year in 2020’ with the #shotonOPPO content series during the A93 smartphone campaign. #shotonOPPO is a digitally led content creation campaign that encourages OPPO users and lovers all over the world to capture the beauty of the world using OPPO’s superior camera technology.With #shotonOPPO, the brand is at the forefront of encouraging the art of photography and videography among ordinary smartphone users who are passionate about telling visual stories from different perspectives.

    The OEM is the first smartphone brand in Africa to win the prestigious GAGE awards within the first five years of its penetration into a new market. Interestingly, OPPO Nigeria achieved this feat in its third year and also ranked the most viral brand in Nigeria on social media in 2020 by number of social conversations and trends.

    Building on the successes of the previous year, OPPO has continued to break barriers in Nigeria across photography, videography, fashion/lifestyle and most recently, music.

    With the launch of the Reno5 Series, OPPO achieved yet another key peak with the recent viral song and creative Music Video/TVC done in collaboration with top entertainment sensations; Mayorkun, L.A.X, Dunnie & Dammy Twitch. The OPPO ‘Dance’ song furthers OPPO’s mission i.e. letting extraordinary OPPO users enjoy the beauty of technology.

     

  • Many faces of technology in crime

    Many faces of technology in crime

    The war on terrorism has moved from land to the cyberspace. The rise of the internet has provided a veritable breeding ground for radicalising misguided elements that deploy crude tools to achieve maximum fatalities when they strike. Lucas Ajanaku reports on state of preparedness to prevent and mitigate effects of attacks in the country.

    According to the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), over the course of the 16-year war on terror, experts have identified political and socio-economic conditions as root causes of terrorism.

    However, the technological enablers that make terrorism possible are less studied.

    Innovations in computing and telecommunications—such as widespread internet access, end-to-end encryption, and virtual private network (VPN) usage—have made new types of operations possible for a higher number of radicalised individuals.

    In an article entitled: Evolving Tech, Evolving Terror, CSIS, said the Islamic State capitalised on new technologically driven landscape by remotely inspiring and directing attacks.

    Terrorism, banditry and other criminal activities have assumed a rather frightening dimension in the country. Technology has become a double-edged sword enabling, disabling and providing succour in case there is an attack.

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) said technology infrastructure such as the Emergency Communications Centres (ECCs) it is building across the country have been having far-reaching greater impacts in enhancing the Federal Government’s drive to improve security of lives and property in the country.

    Its Chief Executive Officer/Executive Vice Chairman, Prof Garba Danbatta said combating the evils of insurgency, banditry, kidnappings, armed robberies and more life-threatening issues such as the pandemic, has been challenging, adding, however, that the ECCs has proved useful.

    Last week, the Federal Government virtually inaugurated two ECCs, one in Ogun and another in Enugu states bringing the total to 19 states and Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    Danbatta said the infrastructure have served as an information hub for emergency responders such as the Nigerian Police Force, the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Fire and Ambulance Services, and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) by dialing 112 from any network, adding that five more states will go live soon.

    “The ECC has transformed lives and helped many in handling emergencies and today, it is having positive impacts on lives, improving security and providing jobs for the youths,” he said.

    He said it was in recognition of the important role ECC is playing in states where they have been activated that others are asking the NCC to come and activate theirs.

    “Serious work is ongoing in this regard, as we know that this important life-saving facility supports security architecture in the country for improving security in our nation,” he assured.

    ECC infrastructure

    Each of the ECC has 11 workstations, 10 for call taking and one for the supervision); a server that receives and processes 112-calls from  the public before the calls are dispatched to the appropriate response agency to attend to the specific emergency.

    Others are power supply mix consisting of the national grid, two units of 100 KVA generators, two units of 20KVA UPS and a 10KVa UPS; and six dispatch workstations for the response agencies.

     

    Constraint

    Lack of awareness among the populace, however, stands out as one major challenge confronting the initiative.

    But the NCC said members of the public do not have to memorise several 11-digit numbers from different response agencies, as was the case before.

    It said the 112 Emergency Number is totally toll-free – even when the caller has zero credit on the phone.

    Meanwhile, a resident of Ningi in Bauchi State has commended the (NCC for the responsiveness of its National Emergency Number 112 in tackling fire incident from ravaging a pharmaceutical shop in the states.

    Adogu Ibrahim, in a post on social media, narrated how the emergency number averted what would have been a colossal disaster.

    “Today, I really feel proud of my country. A neighbor of mine pharmacy shop was up in flame. I made a call through 112 to the emergency fire service and got immediate response. They called back immediately that they were already on ground and the fire put out with little or no damage even before I got to the premise.

    “This is the Nigeria I crave for in all sectors where efficiency defines our approach to public services,” Ibrahim said.

    Responding, Special Adviser (Media) to Prof Danbatta, Yakubu Musa, said the 112 emergency number has redefined response to emergency situations in the country.

    “I am proud of NCC. The Commission received two major international awards last year because of it the activation of numerous emergency centers across the country. The 112-emergency-number has been playing role in the nation’s emergency response,” he wrote

    The ECCs were activated as a one-stop shop for receiving distress calls from the public and dispatching same to appropriate Emergency Response Agencies (ERAs) for timely response and resolution of the distress.

    The ECC project had been in limbo until a new management under the leadership of Danbatta, embarked on the construction and operationalisation of the ECCs across the states and the FCT in a bid to enhance President Muhammadu Buhari’s ongoing efforts at improving insecurity.

    During the lockdown occasioned by the pandemic, the ECCs played a key role by providing a platform for the public to seek information or report COVID-19 related cases by dialling ‘112’ from any of the networks. Over 1,500 COVID-19-related calls were received and processed in the peak of COVID-19 pandemic.

    Aside Abuja, Ogun and Enugu, ECCs have been activated in Katsina, Kaduna, Kano, Kwara, Plateau, Enugu, Benue, Akwa-Ibom, Cross-River, Oyo, Edo, Ondo, Ekiti, Adamawa, Kogi, Anambra and Imo states.

     

     

  • Green Africa Airways set for demonstration flight

    Green Africa Airways set for demonstration flight

    Green Africa Airways, a new entrant in the air  transport sector, is poised for its demonstration flight.

    The carrier last week took delivery of its first ATR 72 -600 aircraft as part preparations for the issuance of its Air Operators’ Certificate (AOC) by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

    In an interview, Senior Manager, Marketing and Communications of the Lagos-based value carrier, Oyinade Osobajo, said the airplane was the first of three leased from ACIA Aero Leasing.

    She said the airline recently unveiled the livery of two aircraft (5N-GAE and 5N-GAA) while the third (5N-GAD) was also now wrapped in the Green Africa livery in preparation for final lap of the AOC process.

    The first aircraft was received by the  Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the carrier:  Babawande Afolabi, president and chief operating officer – Neil Mills and anchor institutional investor – KuramoCapital.

    Afolabi said: “This is a great day for all of us at Green Africa and the beginning of what we all hope is a new era in Nigerian aviation. ACIA Aero Leasing has been a very supportive partner and we are proud of this new relationship.

    “The arrival of our first aircraft is a precursor to the completion of our AOC process and very soon, customers from across Nigeria will be able to make bookings on our website and take their first flight with Green Africa.”

    Chief Executive Officer of ACIA Aero Leasing, Mick Mooney, said: “Whilst the industry is going through a period of significant disruption, there are a few carriers with a strategic roadmap, such as  Green Africa, that are looking to provide effective solutions that the current market opportunity brings. We at ACIA are pleased to provide Green Africa with the first set of aircraft to launch its commercial operations, starting with Nigeria and eventually, the broader African continent.”

     

     

  • Ota-­Agbara axis: Finally, the goose that lays the golden egg gets attention

    Ota-­Agbara axis: Finally, the goose that lays the golden egg gets attention

    Last Thursday, the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, kicked off the reconstruction of Atan-­Lusada-­Agbara road abandoned by previous administrations and inaugurated the 10.25km Lusada-Igbesa road, reports OKWY IROEGBU-­CHIKEZIE.

    There is a link between infrastructure development and economic prosperity because it attracts businesses and lifts the public out of poverty.

    Commuting from Ota to Agbara is an ordeal as a result of the dilapidated condition of the road. It becomes tortuous from Atan to Lusada. Don’t forget that the stretch is home to three private universities – Bells University of Technology, Covenant University and Crawford University – that should attract development but it didn’t happen until recently with the administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun.

    A tour of the axis showed manufacturing firms that closed their operations with gates and warehouses padlocked, filling stations that are out of use as a result of low traffic on the route.

    It is a common sight to see tankers and trailers upturn at will, few commercial vehicles that ply the road carry excess passengers and charge exorbitant fees to make up for delays and longer travel time, wear and tear on their vehicles and the resultant high mortality of their vehicles. The road is lonely and the commonest means of transportation are the motor bikes popularly known as Okada. Before this reporter undertook the journey, she was advised by a colleague that to avoid delays as a result of the bad state of the road, she should board a bike but with a proviso that she must have a spare dress and a scarf because of the dusty nature of the road.

    Now, thankfully in 15 months that would be history. Noteworthy, and regrettably, so that several estates that were at various levels of completion were abandoned and several of those real estate companies folded.

    Little wonder the flag­off and inauguration were like a carnival as people trooped out and greatful that the administration in Ogun State has given reasons  to have a new lease of life. A guide and a resident in Lusada said  land speculators had returned. He confided in this reporter that he bought his plot of land for N120,000 several years ago, but was surprised that the same plot is sold now for N600,000 because people saw construction ongoing. He lamented the deprivation they had suffered for years and pleaded with the governor to ensure the completion of the all important road.

    Prince Abiodun said the dual event was a symbolic demonstration of his administration’s  commitment to the infrastructural development of all parts of the state.

    Commending   the establishment of the Free Trade Zones (FTZs) in Ogun State by former governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, he said the establishment of FTZs  was a veritable platform to help boost development, adding that  its benefits are not limited to only reducing the fiscal intervention and leveling borders between nations. But also in his words, increases commercial flow; deferral, reduction or duty exemption; improved compliance; development of commerce and industrialisation; inventory tracking; quality control and indefinite storage.

    He stated that his administration is not unaware of the resultant effect of the Free Trade Zones in terms of employment generation; poverty alleviation, job creation, local patronage, capacity building and perhaps, product varieties, which in the long run, put the state on the global map of trade and investment.

    He said: “It is noteworthy to mention that this facility has grown beyond a Free Trade Zone to a community in its own class. And as such, a comprehensive development of commerce, processing of goods and manufacturing of varieties of products with the use of local raw materials and inputs have really boosted the economy of our dear State at large.”

    He, however, lamented the misfortune of the state which though has a Free Trade Zone with great potential, but could not be accessed because of the dearth of infrastructure.

    According to him, the inauguration of this road is another milestone in the administration’s march towards industrialisation and economic development of the state.

    He said: “This Lusada-Igbesa Free Trade Zone, on its own, is a practical demonstration of our administration’s wholesome infrastructural development plan towards improving on our Ease of Doing Business.  In addition, we have other ancillary approaches to corroborate our commitment. These are in forms of policy formulation and programmes. For example, in accordance with the vision of our administration, creation of an enabling environment for business through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) is of utmost importance. These have necessitated implementation of key fiscal and institutional reforms aimed at driving efficiency and promoting transparency and accountability.

    “All these are directed towards ensuring that existing businesses continue to thrive and new ones are attracted. Today, we pride ourselves for garnering the third largest Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into Nigeria the records are there to see.”

    Furthermore, the governor said the road is a symbolic representation of the positive dividends of his administration’s Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agenda. He commended the management of the Ogun Guandong Free Trade Zone, Igbega, as well as the entire team of the China Africa Investment for its commitment to the partnership towards creating what he called corporate and individual prosperity for all our citizens.

    He continued: “No doubt, the construction of 10.25kilo metre Lusada-Igbesa road in partnership with the Ogun Guandong Free Trade Zone, Igbesa, is a commendable project. And, we are happy to have the road commissioned today in view of its benefits for improved investments and individual prosperity of all the people in Igbesa, Lusada and adjoining towns in this area. But, as an adjoining road, it is important to note that the full benefits of this newly constructed road can be realised only when the Atan-Lusada-Agbara road is rehabilitated and reconstructed. That import is not lost on us. We have just performed the ceremony of the turn of sod of the Atan-Lusada-Agbara road. All things being equal, the road will be completed soonest and both the Atan-Lusada-Agbara road and the Lusada-Igbesa Free Trade Zone road will complement each other for the full benefits of our people.”

    The governor pledged to continue to improve on the several public-private sector partnership programmes to identify funding options for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of major roads in the state.

    He canvassed the need for the people at this axis to take ownership of the Lusada-Igbesa road. “You are to ensure good maintenance of the road at all times. I also want to assure all our people that no parts of the state will be neglected in our infrastructural development agenda. In Ogun West, there are various road construction and rehabilitation that are on-going and some are nearing completion. These include, but not limited to Imeko-Afon-Agbede-Iwoye Road; Koro Otun–Itele Road, Ado-Odo/Ota; Empire Ground Road, Ilaro and  Ota Owode Idiroko Road.

    Others are Igbesa-Ejira Road; Papalanto-Ilaro Yewa Frontier Hotel Road and Sango-Joju Lagos/Abeokuta Expressway.

    He called on investors and other players in the private sector to emulate the Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone, by identifying critical areas of investment that will really touch the socio-economic well-being of our people. He stressed that opportunities still abound in the state for investments in power, technology, industrial components, and exploitation of mineral products, among others.

    Both events were attended by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Niyi Adebayo; Chairman, Senate Committee on Works and former governor of Kebbi State, Senator Adamu Aliero; Senator representing Lagos West and Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Olamilekan Adeola; Senator Ayo Akinyelure, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele and Senator Micheal Nnachi, among  dignitaries.

    While saying the road will be completed in 15 months, the governor said though the road, which is part of the Sokoto-Badagry  Expressway, belonged to the Federal Government, his administration decided to embark on the reconstruction of the road to give succour to the residents and industries along the axis.

    Abiodun, who reiterated that his government would not develop any part of the state at the expense of another, disclosed that over 172 kilometres of road had been constructed, while 120 kilometres had also been rehabilitated across the length and breadth of Ogun State within two years of his administration.

    The governor assured that all roads leading to industrial areas and farm settlements in the state will be prioritised to boost economic growth and development.

    He commended the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government for the prompt approval of the request for the transfer of the rehabilitation, reconstruction and maintenance of Atan-Lusada-Agbara road to the state.

    He, however, urged the residents along the axis to take charge of the project, disclosing that the youth in the area would be gainfully engaged during the construction of the road.

    “No doubt, today’s twin event of turning of sod of Atan-Lusada-Agbara road and commissioning of the Lusada-Igbesa road is part of our administration’s commitment to provide infrastructure in order to continue to open up our border communities along the axis.

    “It is, in fact, an assertion of our strategic and deliberate approach to reposition our industrial hubs in our dear state. And, no doubt, Ogun West, especially the Agbara Industrial Estate, which is one of the biggest industrial estates in Nigeria remains key to the development of Ogun State.

    “In this direction, the completion of Atan-Lusada-Agbara, expected in the next 15 months, will go a long way towards improving the quality of life and advancement of commerce in Ogun West and other industrial hubs in Ogun state.

    “And, I am very optimistic that, at completion, this Atan-Lusada-Agbara Road will not only improve Ease of Doing Business in this area, but bring a wholesome development to the entire Ogun West District,”Abiodun stated.

    Senator Aliero assured the state government that the committee would ensure that the reconstruction of Atan-Lusada-Agbara road is included in the 2022 Appropriation Bill.

    The Senator noted that the Abiodun-led government had thought it wise to reconstruct the Federal Government road because of concern for the people.

    He described the initiative as a symbol of good governance which must be appreciated, urging the governor to ask for reimbursement from the Federal Government upon completion of the project.

    “This road is a Federal Government road, because of concern you have for your people you decided to embark on the reconstruction of the road because of its economic value, not only to the state, but to the country. This is what good governance is all about.

    “I want to urge you to ask for reimbursement from the Federal Government upon the completion of this project. This project is much more important to Ogun State and by extension Nigeria. I appreciate you for this initiative; it is a right step in the right for the benefit of the country.

    “We’ll give the necessary support to ensure that this project is included in the 2022 budget”, Aliero stated.

    Adebayo lauded the governor for taking the bold step to rehabilitate the industrial road, assuring that his ministry would continue to collaborate with the state in the areas of trade and investment.

    Senator Olamilekan Adeola and former senator who represented Ogun West, Akin Odunsi, expressed their delight at the decision to reconstruct the road after years of abandonment.