Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday presented a Certificate of Approval to the First Bank Group for the construction of its iconic 43-storey eco-friendly headquarters in Eko Atlantic City, praising the financial institution’s courage and audacity to erect a skyscraper set to become Nigeria’s tallest building.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, accompanied by his Special Adviser on eGIS and Urban Development, Dr. Olajide Abiodun Babatunde, and General Manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LABSCA), Arc. Gbolahan Oki, presented the certificate to the Chairman, FirstHoldCo, Mr. Femi Otedola, and the CEO, First Bank Group, Mr. Olusegun Alebiosu, during the groundbreaking ceremony, which took place at Eko Atlantic City.
Speaking during the event, Governor Sanwo-Olu, who commended First Bank Group for its leadership and vision, acknowledged Eko Atlantic City as a model for Africa, praising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for taking a bold step during his tenure as governor to turn the Atlantic Ocean known as Bar Beach into what it is today.
Sanwo-Olu said he had seen several investments come to the Eko Atlantic City, expressing the belief that the First Bank headquarters is the investment that would change the future of the city.
“Just yesterday (Tuesday), we laid the foundation for Lagos Financial International Centre. We told ourselves that we want to set Lagos on a trajectory that it would be the envy not only in Africa but the entire world. We want Lagos to be the centrepiece of finance and commerce in Africa”.
“It would be Africa’s model mega city that is safe, secure, and willing to take the mantle of leadership also in the financial sector. And less than 24 hours after the meeting, Mr. Femi Otedola has brought us here (Eko Atlantic City) to begin the realisation of a Lagos International Financial Centre,” he said.
The governor, while commending the audacity of Femi Otedola, the Board and Management of First Bank Group for building the bank’s headquarter in Eko Atlantic City, charged other financial institutions to follow suit, assuring of his administration’s readiness to create enabling environments for investors in the state.
“This is a clarion call to other big financial institutions. First Bank, as usual, has been the first bank in our country to lead the road; it is now time for all of you to follow suit. I am ready to do the groundbreaking. I will create enabling environments for investors to bring their investments into Eko Atlantic City,” he assured.
