“We want to sell Lagos to the World,” says Dr. Ademola Abass of Lagos Global – Toni Kan

The invitation was without frills: The Lagos State Government, Office of Overseas Affairs & Investment invites you to the launch of Lagos to the World an Initiative of the Lagos State Government. Friday July 6, 2018, 6pm prompt, Eko Hotel & Suites.

The event turned out to be a business pitch to a room full of the business and diplomatic elite as well as the media. Convened by Dr. Ademola Abass, the evening featured presentations from Lagos state officials as well as business testimonials from sundry entrepreneurs with Lagos as their business base.

In his speech, Abass was emphatic about his mission. “We want to sell Lagos to the world,” he declared before spelling out their over-arching objective which he said is to “ensure that investors who desire to invest in Lagos state enjoy a seamless and hurdle free experience.

At Lagos Global we aim to provide a first class service delivery to investors, right from the point of initial enquiry down to the setting up and running of the business in Lagos state. Our goal is to eliminate difficulties with multi-agency handling of investments.”

And as if to demonstrate the inter-agency synergy already in place, his colleagues from the state cabinet provided their perspectives on the renewed investment drive. Those who spoke included Mrs. Olayinka Oladundoye, Commissioner of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Mr. Okanlawon of the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Seye Oladejo, Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations and Akin Oyebode, Executive Secretary/CEO of The Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF).

Speaking before the testimonials, Nkiru Balonwu, Managing Partner, RDF Consulting the company responsible for the concept note, boldly declared that Lagos is open for business. “The message of L2W is simple. Lagos is open for business. Lagos is a city where everything is possible, within the law.”

Testimonials came from Bolanle Austen Peters of Terra Kulture, Fisayo Bakare of theyellowoflagos amongst others.

The highpoint of the evening was the launch of deal books on Affordable Housing, Power, Oil and Gas, Transportation and Agriculture.

The deal books provide a ready guide to investors desirous of investing in a particular sector.