Southwest development: Oodua group seeks stronger ties with Lagos

Chairman, Board of Directors Oodua Investment Group, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru during a courtesy visit to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu at Lagos House, Ikeja, on Monday, September 30, 2024.

The Board of Directors of the Oodua Investment Group is seeking stronger support from Lagos State to foster development in the Southwest region.

The Group, while commending the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration for its development efforts, called for greater collaboration with the state.

The board, through its Chairman, Bimbo Ashiru, made this commendation during a courtesy visit to the governor on Monday at Lagos House, Ikeja.

Ashiru stated that the visit was to introduce the new Group Managing Director and new directors of the group to the governor, as one of the governors of the Southwest states that co-own the group.

He highlighted that since Lagos State joined the Oodua Group six years ago, it has significantly contributed to the progress of the conglomerate, and announced the opening of a Lagos Liaison office.

He said, “When Lagos State joined Oodua Group, we knew we were engaging with the fifth-largest economy in Africa. We decided we must have a Lagos Liaison office. We are happy that you are part of us.”

Ashiru further noted that the new directors, selected by all the Southwest governors, are ‘people with excellent track records.’

Among the group’s achievements, he mentioned the renovation of the Premier Hotel in Ibadan, which has expanded from 87 rooms to 154, and the construction of a 40-apartment estate in Ikeja GRA.

He praised Governor Sanwo-Olu for his infrastructural development in transportation and other sectors and expressed the desire for more partnership with the state.

“You are excelling in infrastructure. Our focus is to become a world-class conglomerate. We are doing our best, and we will not let you down. We believe our partnership with Lagos State will bring more success to the group,” Ashiru said. Chairman, Board of Directors Oodua Investment Group, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru (C), other members of the board during a courtesy visit to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu at Lagos House, Ikeja.

In response, Governor Sanwo-Olu commended Ashiru for his leadership in repositioning the group.

“Oodua Group evokes fond memories for the Southwest. We are proud of your achievements. We know that each of you has excelled in your respective careers. We are confident that the Oodua Group will be able to compete with other international companies,” Sanwo-Olu said.

The governor expressed confidence that the board would elevate the group to ‘enviable heights.’

He assured that Lagos State would continue to support the group in achieving its vision.

“We trust you will make the right decisions. We are ready to help you realise the vision you have for the group. As a state, we are pleased we have made the right decisions. See us as a willing partner,” the governor added.

Sanwo-Olu also called on other Southwest governors to work together to strengthen the region.

“As Southwest governors, we should reinforce our collaborative efforts. There is nothing stopping us from learning from each other. Whatever you need to excel, we will make available,” he concluded.