Business
Come To Lagos, Ambode Tells Investors
Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday urged investors to take advantage of the various opportunities that abound in the state.
Ambode spoke at the launch of the Office of Overseas Affairs and Investment, otherwise known as Lagos Global.
The governor, represented by Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tunji Bello, promised to provide environment conducive for businesses to thrive in the state.
He said in anticipation of the increased socio-economic activities, his government had resolved to prioritise the achievement of the four pillars of the Lagos State Development Plan.
The governor said this would be achieved through the attraction of investment in eight major sectors.
Ambode identified areas of investment to include agriculture, transportation, tourism, health, ICT development and manufacturing.
He said that the government had demonstrated the commitment to strengthen this position through deliberate policies aimed at improving business climate in the state.
Ambode said effective legal and regulatory framework, such as the Land Reform Act, double taxation treaties, limited liability reviews and the development of Free Trade Zones had been put in place.
“With the array of prospects in different sectors, we are confident that you will take advantage of these opportunities by taking the decision to make the next investment here,’’ he said.
Earlier, Special Adviser to the Governor on Overseas Affairs and Investments, Prof. Ademola Abass, said Lagos would be the most desirable investment destination in the world with the ease of doing business.
Abass said with 22 million people, fifth largest economy in Africa and seventh fastest growing economy in the world, there was need to make Lagos state a one-stop shop for investors.
Also speaking, an economist, Prof. Pat Utomi,, urged Nigerians and Africans to change their pessimistic views about foreign investment in the country and continent.
Utomi, in a paper presentation tagged “Lagos Global: Stimulating the Flying Geese’’, called for positive views and reception of investors.
He said the Lagos economy was critical to the future of West African sub-region.
Kenya made it a clean sweep at the Berlin Marathon with Sabastian Sawe winning the men’s race and Rosemary Wanjiru triumphing in the women’s.
Sawe finished in two hours, two minutes and 16 seconds to make it three wins in his first three marathons.
The 30-year-old, who was victorious at this year’s London Marathon, set a sizzling pace as he left the field behind and ran much of the race surrounded only by his pacesetters.
Japan’s Akasaki Akira came second after a powerful latter half of the race, finishing almost four minutes behind Sawe, while Ethiopia’s Chimdessa Debele followed in third.
“I did my best and I am happy for this performance,” said Sawe.
“I am so happy for this year. I felt well but you cannot change the weather. Next year will be better.”
Sawe had Kelvin Kiptum’s 2023 world record of 2:00:35 in his sights when he reached halfway in 1:00:12, but faded towards the end.
In the women’s race, Wanjiru sped away from the lead pack after 25 kilometers before finishing in 2:21:05.
Ethiopia’s Dera Dida followed three seconds behind Wanjiru, with Azmera Gebru, also of Ethiopia, coming third in 2:21:29.
Wanjiru’s time was 12 minutes slower than compatriot Ruth Chepng’etich’s world record of 2:09:56, which she set in Chicago in 2024.