Press Releases

Lagos Poised For The Forefront Of Africa’s Future - Fashola

Feb 5, 2010 - Lagos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN) on Friday reaffirmed that as Africa moves forward embracing new opportunities for growth and development, Lagos as a city where trade and commerce are the lifeblood of economic prosperity and with so much potential would be at the forefront of that future.

Governor Fashola who spoke at The Eko Hotel Grand Ballroom, Victoria Island venue of the Governor’s Ball organized for contestants of the Face of Africa Competition billed held in Lagos on Saturday, he said projects like the M-Net Face of Africa provide a platform from which the vibrant and dynamic nature of Lagos can be profiled to the business community both on the African Continent and beyond.

He added that it allows Lagos State the opportunity to showcase this state to global investors and captains of industry as a destination which is relevant in the African context, and which offers real insight into the enterprising and entrepreneurial spirit of Nigeria and Nigerians.

The Governor emphasized that the hosting of the competition in Lagos demonstrates once again the appeal and ability of Lagos to provide leading African and international organizations and companies with the right environment in which to host its landmark events, gather key stakeholders and do business.

Said he: “Partnership is without a doubt the cornerstone on which we build tomorrow’s successes and so to those diplomats, those leaders, those businesspeople who have taken this opportunity to be here in Lagos this weekend, your representation speaks to the power of a wider, more connected African community”.

He commended M-Net and MultiChoice for recognizing the value of combining private enterprise with public administration and working hand in hand with state and local government, for not just financial gain but for social development and for creating a lasting, tangible legacy through the M-Net Face of Africa initiative.

The Governor said just like the Face of Africa project, the Lagos State Government also believes in investing in people and what they can achieve; to looking beyond themselves to a space they can occupy on a larger stage; to pioneering new paths, building confidence and to innovating to remain at the forefront.

THE Lagos helmsman added that as Lagos is striding into a new chapter, so does the Lagos State Government seek to combine the history, cultural heritage and tradition of the city with the new landscapes of its future and the new infrastructure that development must bring.

“As a successful model puts her best foot forward, so too do many many Lagosians daily as they step relentlessly into a new era driven by their ambitions, their dreams and their hopes”, he explained.

While wishing the top 10 models the very best of luck as they head out on stage, he added that their hardwork, focus and determination in getting to the pinnacle of the competition are a good example to other young people across Africa and must be applauded.

Also speaking, the Chairman of M-Net Africa, Mr Biola Alabi said the M-Net Face of Africa project represents a remarkable event aimed at promoting empowerment of young women.

While commending the warm welcome provided by the State Government, Mrs Alabi added that the open and engaging attitude of the administration has assured MNet and rekindled its confidence that it is investing right and planning well.

She promised that the organization will always try to nurture such relationship.

Prominent among those who witnessed the colourful event were some members of the State Executive Council, the South African High Commissioner in Nigeria, Mr Kingsley Mamabolo, the Chancellor of the Lagos State University, Chief (Dr) Molade Okoya Thomas and Managing Director of Zenith Bank Plc, Mr Jim Ovia among other dignitaries.