news
PPP: France to support Ogun in transportation, ICT, culture, women empowerment
PPP: France to support Ogun in transportation, ICT, culture, women empowerment
By Olorunfemi Adejuyigbe
The French Ambassador to Nigeria Mrs Emmanuelle Blatmann, has expressed her country’s readiness to partner with the Ogun State Government in developing the transportation, information technology, culture and women empowerment.
Blatmann who made this known while on a courtesy call to the state governor, Dapo Abiodun, in his office at Oke-Mosan Abeokuta, noted that Ogun has potentials to be the leading state in the country.
According to the Ambassador, “a lot of innovative programmes are ongoing in the state and the state is one of the safest places in the country. We are here to discuss opportunities through Public Private Partnership and we believe we can collaborate with you in the areas women empowerment, information technology, transportation as well as cultural programmes including French Language and technical support for the new Airport”.
She added that France would encourage agriculture in the state as it is one of the sectors that could fight hunger and create employment that would bring an end to violence, extremism and terrorism affecting the country presently.
While expressing delight with the numbers of French businesses operating in the Ogun, Ambassador Blatmannn noted that the French International Development Agency was working in the state’s rural water sector project, aimed at making life meaningful to the people at the grassroots, adding that her country would like to know the impact of the programme on the people.
“The French Development Agency, the French Institute for Development is also present here in your state with two main development projects – the Rural Access and Agriculture Marketing Project(RAMP), and the Urban Water Sector Reform Project”, she noted.
She said France was committed and working towards developing more mutual relationship with Nigeria, disclosing that her country has invested more than 10 billion euros in the country, an amount which she said was more than what her country invested in the whole of other West African countries, including French West Africa.
“In the last five to ten years, we have been increasing our activities at all levels with nearly one hundred million French companies.
“The stock of the Foreign Direct Investment from French Private Sectors is around 10billion euros which is quite a lot and the French Agency for Development on the public sector has over the last 12 years financed over 35 projects close to 3billion euros, this is a very important commitment”, Blatmann stated
Responding, Governor Abiodun, while intimating the French Ambassador on some of the efforts made to reposition the state, said all sectors including security, infrastructure, health, education, agriculture, had been touched.
He noted that his administration’s efforts in the agricultural sector and the encouragement given to small scale entrepreneurs has just earned the state an award which would be officially conferred on the state soon.
“The Presidency has just given us an award for the Best MSME State of the year in policy support and that award will be given on Monday, 27th of June at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
“We know what we are doing here, we are very serious-minded , we have been entrusted with a mandate by our people and we are doing everything to justify that mandate that has been entrusted to us”, he said.
The governor pointed out that Ogun has about 16,000 square kilometers of land out of which a greater part is arable for planting various cash and food crops, calling on French investors to key into the state agricultural sector.
He commended the French companies for investing in the state, noting that some of the projects embarked upon by the French government including the water project has been successful, calling for more collaboration for mutual benefit of the two nations.
The Lagos State Government, in its continued effort to promote cultural heritage and deepen tourism footprints, has concluded plans to host the Lagos Cultural Weekend.
A three-day cultural extravaganza, scheduled to take place across multiple strategic locations, including the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, Freedom Park, National Theatre, Badagry Heritage Museum, Lekki Arts and Crafts Market, and Tafawa Balewa Square, from November 14th to November 16th, 2025.
This weekend-long celebration will spotlight the richness of Nigeria’s traditions through curated events that blend history, culture, and local artistry.
Speaking on the initiative, Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe, noted that the event is a key part of a broader framework of the Lagos Cultural Mission.
“We aim to use the Lagos Cultural Weekend as a true reflection of Lagos culture, a herescope for tourists and visitors from across the globe to witness just how rich our culture is.
“The three days will be a cultural baptism, a deep, meaningful introduction to who we are. As a government, we now understand prioritising cultural representation as a driver for economic growth.
”On the initiative’s impact, the Special Adviser explained that it goes beyond showcasing culture, but investing in cultural artisans, talented enthusiasts, and key stakeholders to foster real engagement and growth.“Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration values collaboration and inclusiveness, which is why we want to work closely with Lagosians who truly understand our culture to help us achieve these goals.
“From the historians, to creatives, curators, artisans, culinary experts, performers, fashion designers, community leaders, and traditional institutions, we need them to join us in making a lasting impact.“So that, in the end, our guests and friends from many nations will carry home an authentic story of Lagos and enriched cultural literacy,” Mr. Aregbe said.
Attendees will enjoy array of activities, including live music performances, DIY sessions, contemporary art exhibitions, traditional dance showcases, fashion shows, culinary tastings, and craft demonstrations.
Also lined up are symposiums and cultural lectures designed for tourists and enthusiasts who wish to dive deeper into the Lagos cultural identity.
The weekend will be animated by diverse local performance groups representing the rich ethnic landscape of Lagos, with a special emphasis on language, literature, and indigenous storytelling.
Lagos Cultural Weekend 2025 reaffirms the state’s commitment to building a thriving creative economy while celebrating the depth of Nigerian traditions.
Through strategic partnerships, corporate sponsorships, and community engagement, this initiative will set a new benchmark for inclusive cultural programming in Lagos and Africa at large.
Lagos Cultural Mission….Preserving Our Heritage, Advancing The Future
Aare Adetola Emmanuel King Congratulates Hon. Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji on Election Victory
The Chairman/CEO of Adron Group, Sir Aare Adetola Emmanuel King KOF, has congratulated Hon. Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji on her resounding victory in the just-concluded by-election for the Remo Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.
In a goodwill message issued by him, he described the victory as “a historic moment for the Remo people, coming at a time when the constituency yearns for a leader with vision, courage, and genuine commitment to service.”
He noted that the outcome of the election was an attestation to the trust and confidence reposed in Hon. Ayoola-Elegbeji by the people, adding that her sterling qualities, integrity, accessibility, and compassion for the grassroots had endeared her to the electorate.
“The overwhelming support you garnered at the polls is proof that you are the right voice at the right time to carry the aspirations of Remo to the national stage,” he stated.
While acknowledging that the by-election followed the painful demise of the late Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga (Ijaya), Aare Adetola Emmanuel King said Hon. Ayoola-Elegbeji’s emergence symbolizes the continuity of purposeful representation. He expressed confidence that she would not only sustain the legacy of her predecessor but also surpass it with new energy, innovative ideas, and progressive leadership.
The Adron Group Chairman further prayed for divine wisdom, strength, and compassion for the Member-Elect as she assumes office, expressing confidence that her tenure will usher in meaningful development, economic empowerment, and greater opportunities for the people of Remo Federal Constituency.
Olowu Celebrates Former Military President, Ibrahim Babangida, At 84
Olowu of Kuta, HRM Oba Dr Hammed Oyelude Makama, CON, Tegbosun III, has congratulated former military president, Gen Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, rtd, who is 84 today.
Olowu, in a statement he signed, eulogised the former military ruler for his modest achievements while he was in power.
According to Olowu, ” IBB is an enigma. He has carved a niche for himself as a former military president. His tenure witnessed the completion of many monumental legacy projects that are still visible today. His Hill Top Mansion in Minna has become a Mecca of sorts for those who aspired to lead Nigeria.”
Olowu, who described Gen Babangida as being grossly misunderstood, said history would be kind to him.
He said, “The launch of Gen Babangida’s Autobiography: ‘A Journey In Service’, and the testimonies from the likes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, Tony Elumelu, Jim Ovia, Abdusalam Rabiu, Oil Magnate, Arthur Eze, and many others, testified to his goodwill despite leaving public office three decades ago.
” On behalf of myself, my Oloris and Olowu-In-Council.
All members of the defunct IBB Vision 2003 and Vision 2007, I wish President Ibrahim Babangida, rtd, a happy birthday. I also wish him all the best as he aged gracefully,” Olowu added.
Born on August 17, 1941, Gen Ibrahim Babangida, rtd, ruled Nigeria from 1985 to 1993.
His presidency was marked by significant political and economic reforms.
-
society5 months agoRamadan Relief: Matawalle Distributes Over ₦1 Billion to Support 2.5 Million Zamfara Residents
-
Politics2 months agoNigeria Is Not His Estate: Wike’s 2,000‑Hectare Scandal Must Shake Us Awake
-
society4 months agoBroken Promises and Broken Backs: The ₦70,000 Minimum Wage Law and the Betrayal of Nigerian Workers
-
society3 months agoOGUN INVESTS OVER ₦2.25 BILLION TO BOOST AQUACULTURE