Press Releases

Lagos, A Vibrant Mega City – President Koehler

Nov 11, 2008 - The President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Mr. Horst Koehler on Tuesday night described Lagos as a vibrant megacity in business and cultural terms whose fortunes have been complimented by the brilliance of the Governor of the state.

The President spoke at a joint press briefing held at the Presidential lounge of the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Ikeja with Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) as part of activities to round off the one day state visit of President Koehler to Lagos State.

THE German leader added that he is delighted that the visit has enabled him know the city of Lagos and have a deep understanding of the challenges facing such a city just like anywhere else the world over adding that he understands that such challenges are solvable and presents opportunities for investments in infrastructure with all its positive spin off effects.

On what business potentials the visit would promote, President Koehler said when he gets back home he would relate to the people that limitless business opportunities exist in Lagos while he expects the interested businessmen to further explore specifics.

President Koehler advocated the possibility of Lagos adopting the German experience of job creation which involves dual education of theory in school and practicals with entrepreneurship.

He explained that the experience has helped in Germany because through its entrepreneurship and vocational training has been strengthened.

The German President added that he discovered that the average Lagosian has faith in the city and its future stressing that when the people have implicit faith, it is not up to foreigners to be pessimistic about the city.

He commended the success story of the Nollywood industry which has been boosted by the confidence of film makers, cameramen, directors and producers, adding that the success story illustrates the creativity of Nigerians.

He expressed the readiness to forge a partnership with Lagos State, adding that both have a lot of joint interests.

Governor Fashola on his part, expressed appreciation to President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua for encouraging the German leader to visit Lagos and explore areas of mutual cooperation and interaction with the state.

He agreed with the contention of the German President that the economy of Europe stands to benefit by investing in the African economy, insisting that infrastructure development is all about people.

Governor Fashola added that the visit has enabled both sides to compare notes and share experience and accepted the offer of partnership from the German President promising that Lagos would be a worthy partner on an equal footing.

President Horst Koehler and Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) also jointly called for greater attention to be paid to the problem of global warming and climate change because it has real impact on people the world over.

President Koehler added that all European countries must realize the challenges being faced by Africa on the issue of climate change and must take serious steps to tackle the problem.

Governor Fashola on his part said Lagos State has already taken positive steps like planting of trees, greening of the environment and inculcating environmental issues in the children right from the youthful age.

The German President, Mr. Horst Koehler and his wife were also hosted to a cocktail party by the German Embassy in Lagos. Among those in attendance were Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) his wife, Abimbola and German nationals in attendance.