Akwa Ibom State investment in the real estate sector in Lagos is a step in right direction, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said.
He commended Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno for being visionary.
Sanwo-Olu spoke during the foundation laying of 18-floor Akwa Ibom Towers on Victoria Island on Tuesday.
He maintained that it was good business sense to invest in areas of comparative advantage, adding that the Lagos State government will equally look at possible areas to invest in the rich resources of Akwa Ibom State.
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Describing Governor Eno as a fantastic corporate investor, he assured that the State’s investment in Lagos is very safe and secure, and that his administration will continue to provide security for investments made in the state.
Former Akwa Ibom State Governor Obong Victor Attah, described the project as visionary, adding that the future belongs to those who have the audacity to see possibilities before it becomes reality.
Attah, a former President of the Nigeria Institute of Architecture, recalled that during his leadership of the state, efforts were made to have similar investment at the property though it turned out unsuccessful. He congratulated Governor Eno for having a supportive House of Assembly to help actualize his development vision for the State.
President- General of Akwa Ibom Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, the Oku Ibom Ibibio, Ntenyin Dr Solomon Etuk, commended the Governor for the initiative, saying apart from the immediate benefits, it has long term benefits for even future generations, and assured of continuous support from the traditional institution.
Other speakers including the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Udeme Otong, Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, Chairman of Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation, Imoabasi Jacob , HRM Oba Omogbolahan Lawal, Oniru of Iruland and Lagos State Commissioner for Physical planning and Development all noted that the project was timely and well thought out.
Governor Eno said: “No nation or a subnational relies on one source of income – they must diversify the sources of their income, they must expand their portfolios. The Ibom Towers will help increase our IGR. It will raise our profile and a sense of identity; it will stand as an iconic reminder of the power of creative application of resources to yield the most benefits for the people.”
Governor Eno commended President Bola Tinubu for his visionary leadership which transformed Lagos to an investment hub in Africa.
He also appreciated Sanwo-Olu for his corroborative disposition which has made the project possible, and assured that the State will comply with all extant rules and regulations guiding such development