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WE’RE BUILDING ENDURING INFRASTRUCTURE TO DRIVE TOURISM -AMBODE …Says Sector Contributed N800bn To Lagos GDP In 2017 …Lagos Can Truly Become Hub For Tourism In Africa- Mahama

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Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday said his administration was consciously investing huge resources to develop an enduring infrastructural architecture that would ensure that the State’s tourism potentials are fully harnessed for all round economic growth and development.  

The Governor, who spoke at the Lagos Tourism Summit, held at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, with the theme- ‘Destination Lagos: Towards A Sustainable Tourism-Driven Economy’, said the plans, concepts and executions of his administration are deliberate and well thought-out to make the highly populated mega city-state culturally attractive and artistically functional.

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“As a government, we are conscious of the fact that infrastructure, security, stability and partnership with all stakeholders are fundamental ingredients for tourism development. We have channeled a lot of resources into creating an enduring infrastructural architecture for the business of tourism to thrive,” he said.

He said his administration was not unmindful of the fact that for the State to match up with other leading world tourism destinations like Miami; São Paulo; Dubai, Singapore and Tokyo as well as African cities such as Cape Town, Cairo, Marrakech and Accra, the right infrastructure has to be put in place.

“In order to do this successfully, we must first build a solid infrastructural architecture that will endure. It must be safe and secure; it must provide functional and diverse venues for the arts, culture, festivals, creative industry, recreation and wildlife; and it must constantly and productively engage with its critical stakeholders.

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“So when you see us reclaim 50 hectares of land at the Oworonshoki end of our lagoon; when you see us clear a whole stretch at the Badagry and Epe Marina; when we insist that our prime waterfront must not be taken over by shanties and slums; when you see us embark on some ambitious road, fly-over and modern bus terminal constructions; we are preparing the grounds for a major source of employment and prosperity.

“When you see us continue to plead for the control of wasting federal assets like the National Arts Theatre, National Museum and National Stadium and possibly declare our intention to have the Muritala Mohammed International Airport concessioned to us; we are focused on our tourism sector.

“When you see our unwavering commitment in changing the face of public transportation, committing more funds to providing jetties and expanding access to waterways, please know that we are driven only by the need to build and sustain the needed infrastructure upon which an enduring tourism landscape can stand and outlive our administration and those coming after us,” the Governor said.

Alluding to the massive opportunities available in the sector, Governor Ambode said that the activities within the tourism sector contributed about N800billion to the State’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2017.

“The tourism sector contributed about $2.2billion (N800billion) to the Lagos GDP in 2017 and with the infrastructure and resources we are deploying in this sector, we expect this figure to double or treble in the next 5 years.

“The enormous resources we have deployed in physical and social infrastructure across the State will begin to crystallize by December into mega structures that will support tourism and market our state as a smart destination,” the Governor said.

Noting that Nigeria boasts of very rich culture and heritage, Governor Ambode said it was not in doubt that the country has the largest concentration of the black race, adding that Lagos sits in a better position to tell the story of the black race.

He said the Lagos Tourism Master plan, which would emerge at the end of the summit was premised in the context of the fact that the State can become an iconic brand of the black race.

“The Tourism Master Plan is focused on Six (6) key sectors; Culture and Heritage, Film, Art and Entertainment, Business Tourism, Nature and Adventure, Medical and Wellness, Beach and Leisure,” Governor Ambode said.

Besides, he said the Tourism Summit, coming a week after a Security Summit was held at the same venue was a demonstration of the government’s commitment to find alternative platforms that can enrich and propel the State to prosperity continuously.

In his keynote address, former President of Ghana, Mr. John Dramani Mahama said that Lagos has the potentials to emerge as a foremost destination for tourism development in Africa.

While commending Governor Ambode for his efforts towards growing tourism through investment in infrastructure, he said with the billions of dollars revolving in the sector across the world and over 1.8billion tourists, the State was heading in the right direction in its bid to become Africa’s tourism hub.

“I’ve been following the progress Lagos has made on various fronts and I join those who have celebrated Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for the contributions he has made within this short period to enhance the efforts and contributions of his predecessors.

“There are potential billions of naira in revenue that Lagos State could earn in the next several years with the successful implementation of the plan that you intend could come out of this summit. 

“If you look at the nearly $7trillion that is supposed to be earned from tourism, then definitely Lagos State positioning itself as a favourite destination for tourism in order to get a share of this huge cake is a very wise decision by Governor Ambode and his team.

“Thankfully, Lagos in preparation for the launch of the State’s tourism master plan has began upgrading and expanding critical infrastructure including transportation, roads and of course the recent reclamation that is ongoing,” Mahama said. 

Several paper presentations by speakers at the Summit including Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Professor Pat Utomi, Mr. Desmond Majekodunmi, Mrs Omotayo Omotosho, Mr. Philip Hughes, while commending the State Government for putting together the summit, made recommendations on what Lagos must do to harness the massive potentials in the tourism sector.

 

 

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Boxing Competition: Unboxx Sports Partners Elite Solar And Inverter

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Boxing Competition: Unboxx Sports Partners Elite Solar And Inverter

Boxing Competition: Unboxx Sports Partners Elite Solar And Inverter

 

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Lagos, Nigeria (8th May 2024) – UNBOXX SPORTS and ELITE SOLAR AND INVERTER, one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing green energy company, are delighted to announce a new major partnership.

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Boxing Competition: Unboxx Sports Partners Elite Solar And Inverter

 

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UNBOXX SPORTS exists to bring a new experience to the sports arena – for brands, athletes and sports fans alike.

UNBOXX SPORTS unique level of service emulates our clients’ discipline, passion, and determination–a formidable synergy. Our hands-on approach provides each client with strategic, analytical and honest advice. We aim to develop life-long relationships, whereby our clients can always count on UNBOXX SPORTS to be their partner, confidant and friend.

Elite Solar & Inverter Limited, is a Nigerian company dedicated to providing renewable energy solutions. Although the company was officially incorporated in 2023, Elite Solar & Inverter Limited has been operating since 2019, indicating several years of experience and presence in the renewable energy sector.

From humble beginnings in a small garage, ELITE SOLAR AND INVERTER LTD., dedication to providing accessible, reliable solar energy solutions soon propelled us to become a leading force in the renewable energy industry, empowering homes and businesses nationwide to embrace the power of the sun.

The partnership will see ELITE SOLAR AND INVERTER LTD. branding positioned across all UNBOXX SPORTS pre-promotional activity in the lead-up to its forthcoming events, including press conferences, open workouts and weigh-ins. Extensive in-arena exposure on fight night will include ELITE SOLAR AND INVERTER LTD. branding on the ring canvas, toblerones, ropes, and branding on Event Led Screen; and mentions by the ring announcer during each live event.

ELITE SOLAR AND INVERTER LTD. banners will be positioned across press conferences and in fighter changing rooms at the event venue – with exciting experiential brand activations to be announced soon, along with a host of unique social and digital content campaigns featuring key UNBOXX SPORTS talent. UNBOXX SPORTS event CHAOS IN LAGOS will be streamed LIVE on youtube. The partnership will commence with UNBOXX SPORTS next event at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

UNBOXX SPORTS founder and CEO Ben Otunola said: “We’re delighted to welcome ELITE SOLAR AND INVERTER LTD. as UNBOXX SPORTS GOLD PARTNER. They are an indigenous national brand and their exciting growth trajectory since 2013 speaks to our own aggressive growth in recent years, and our ambitions in the sport. ELITE SOLAR AND INVERTER LTD. existing footprint in renewable energy, innovative marketing strategy and emphasis on sustainability, made the alignment clear for all to see from our very first conversations, and we’re looking forward to kicking things off with a huge night in Surulere.”

Commenting on the partnership, Ms. Adetola Afonja D. One of the Marketing Executives at ELITE SOLAR AND INVERTER LTD., said: “The partnership between UNBOXX SPORTS and ourselves comes at a fantastic time for ELITE SOLAR AND INVERTER LTD., as we begin to broaden our horizons further and expand our customer base through the pay small small package. UNBOXX SPORTS mission and values align so perfectly with our own, so this partnership feels like a really natural fit, and we’re excited to work closely with them as we expand the reach of our products much further afield.”

To find out more about ELITE SOLAR AND INVERTER LTD. and their full range of products, and services visit https://www.goelite.com.ng/ you can also visit ELITE SOLAR AND INVERTER LTD’s office at
3, Sola Omole Street, Langbasa, Ajah, Lagos.

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Primate Ayodele Becomes The Most-Sought After Prophet In Togo* By Serge Ayao, Lome

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Primate Ayodele Becomes The Most-Sought After Prophet In Togo* By Serge Ayao, Lome

*Primate Ayodele Becomes The Most-Sought After Prophet In Togo*

By Serge Ayao, Lome

 

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The leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Pastor Elijah Ayodele has touched several nations with his dynamic and unique prophetic ministry and it appears Togo is the latest country to experience the heavy wave of the prophet’s ministry.

 

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Primate Ayodele Becomes The Most-Sought After Prophet In Togo*
By Serge Ayao, Lome

The Nigerian-born cleric has suddenly become a household name in Togo due to his remarkable prophecy regarding the country’s parliamentary election which took place last week. There are reports that Primate Ayodele’s prophecy videos and statements concerning the election have become ‘ringing tone’ for people who are yet to recover from the accuracy of his prophecy.

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Primate Ayodele, known for always prophesying ahead of time, had revealed the outcome of the parliamentary election months before it was held. The election was presumed by many to be tough due to the presence of opposition but Primate Ayodele in his prophecy categorically stated that the ruling party will still get more parliamentary seats.

At the release of his 2024 prophecies in December 2023, Primate Ayodele revealed that every plan to remove the president of the country will be aborted. He made it known that the incumbent president will still return to his position after the election.

These were his words

‘’TOGO: I foresee there will be an election in Togo even as people will not be satisfied with the performances of the government. The country will be troubleshooting on how to revamp the economy. There will be total confusion in Togo before, during and after the election. The country will not find things so easy. I foresee that all the plans designed to remove the president will be aborted.’’

In another prophecy he shared a few hours to the election, Primate Ayodele asserted that the ruling party will get more seats in the election because the opposition parties failed to form a coalition as he earlier advised.

These were his words

‘’The union of forces and other parties should have come together for this election but as it stands, Union for the Republic party’’

@primateayodele

#primateayodele #iescworldwide #togo #togolais228🇹🇬 #gnassimgbefaure #fulfillment #election #prophecyfulfilled #capcut

♬ original sound – Primate Ayodele

In fulfillment of this prophecy, the ruling party, Union for the Republic party (UNIR) won 108 of 113 seats in the new assembly, according to provisional results from Monday’s vote.

Under the new constitution approved by lawmakers in April, Gnassingbé will now be able to take a new post as “president of the council of ministers” – a role similar to prime minister that is automatically assumed by the leader of the majority party in parliament.

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Mende Estate: Lagos homeowners decry demolition, seek compensation

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Mende Estate: Lagos homeowners decry demolition, seek compensation

Mende Estate: Lagos homeowners decry demolition, seek compensation

 

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Sadly, the residents of Mende Estate Villa in the Maryland area of Lagos State have decried the recent demolition of their multimillion naira houses in the area by the Lagos State Government while seeking compensation for a new shelter.

 

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Our correspondent, who visited the area on Sunday, observed how the estate’s homes were destroyed and how the occupants hastily packed their possessions to leave.

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Speaking with PUNCH Metro, some residents bemoaned how terrible it was to exit their houses without having a backup plan and a comfortable place to sleep.

 

 

 

 

PUNCH Metro had reported that the state Commissioner of Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, had said the demolition was needed to reclaim the Odo Iya Laro drainage channel.

 

Also, a popular Nigerian singer, Yemi Alade, had decried the demolition carried out at the estate while stating that such action would discourage those interested in investing in real estate in the state.

A member of the resident association who pleaded anonymity claimed that the residents tried to negotiate with the Lagos State Government but were ignored and that they were not given any prior notice before the demolition began on Saturday.

“The Lagos State Government came and said they wanted to demolish the place. They did not serve us any letter of demolition. We were negotiating with the government yesterday (on Saturday), and before we knew it, they just moved in with their bulldozer.”

 

He added that although there were miscreants in the estate, the security guards were making every effort to stop them from stealing their possessions.

“They have not told us what they want the estate for. All they said was that we were too close to the canal. Miscreants are everywhere, and the security officers are trying to prevent them from stealing anything because residents’ properties are scattered everywhere,” he lamented.

Another resident in the area, simply identified as Kayode, said the government asserted that the houses were too close to the canal and that they had yet to discuss with the residents.

Kayode added, “Nothing has been said so far. We are hoping that they will come and have a discussion with us. For now, all we know is that we have to move out. They do not care where we will move. They have started demolishing areas around a bridge in the area, and we never thought it would get to our area.”

 

He stated that the issue might potentially end in court, and he was hoping that the appropriate party would win.

“They said the houses are too close to the canal, but they should have known before now because before we all built all the houses, we got approval from the government. I am sure the issue will end up in court, and the court can decide who they think is right,“ he said.

Another resident, simply identified as Tega, claimed that the residents’ biggest nightmare came true when the government gave them two hours to leave their houses.

 

 

 

She said, “We did not get any prior notification. They gave us two hours to exit the estate. They told us yesterday (on Saturday). Most people have moved out since then, and we are just trying to get the pieces today. It is the worst nightmare for some of the families here.”

When contacted, the Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotoso, stated that before the demolition, several meetings were held with the residents.

Omotoso said, “The government cannot be so heartless as to tell people to leave their homes in two hours. The Commissioner for Environment was on Arise News Television this morning (Sunday), and he explained everything.

“He explained how many years they had been at it, even before he came to office. On his social media page, he released a series of videos of meetings he had with them.

He added that the state Commissioner of Environment and Water Resources paid a visit to the estate two weeks ago and engaged in negotiations with the residents, adding that the community at large needed to be prevented from flooding.

“He was there last week and two weeks ago. It is not true that they were given two hours. They have been negotiating with them, but the thing is, we do not look at the larger picture.

“If we say one house must stay and the whole community will have to suffer when there is flooding, then that is not right. No one can exit them without prior notice in a country that is governed by law. Should they be compensated for building on drainage channels? I have never heard of that, and the law does not say so.”

 

@PUNCHNG

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