The Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun is not resting on his oars, despite having earlier this week got the commitments of a number of investors as he went on tours and meetings with the different companies, on the sidelines of the UK-Africa Investment Summit 2020. Governor Abiodun had earlier given his word that he would represent the people of Ogun State and drive home private investments under the State’s Public-Private Partnership (PPP).
After having signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Adam Smith International in November of last year, Ogun State is set to see a new phase in urbanisation and public transportation, which would ensure job creation and reduction in poverty. Mr Guy Harrison, Head of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s Prosperity Fund in Nigeria, had signed the MoU together with the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tokunbo Talabi towards ensuring that people can live and work in Ogun State peacefully. In furthering this, Governor Abiodun yesterday had a tour of one of the smart cities of the Future Cities Nigeria programme in London. At the meeting were Matt Uzell of Adam Smith International, Bob Allies of Allies and Morrison, and other investors and consultants.
The Governor also met with a delegation from the Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), led by Nisrin Abouelezz, Regional Group Head, Africa (International & Structured Finance). SMBC is a reputable Japanese bank with over 400 local branches and 19 overseas branches, excluding subbranches and agencies. The bank, with a balance sheet of $1.6trillion, is looking to fund projects in Ogun State because of the prospects that are laid bare to it.
The Mabey Group, a UK group of companies which specialise in steel, plant hire, engineering and construction products, is also looking to invest in the infrastructure of the State. The team from the Group, led by Michael Treacy, President and Founder, Treacy & Company met with Governor Abiodun in London to discuss and fine-tune details of the partnership that would bring to reality the interest and commitment of the Group to invest in the infrastructural development of Ogun State.
It is expected that as the investment drive gains momentum, Ogun State would begin to feel the impact of these collaborations. The State’s PPP is also expected to thrive further, as local and international private investors are continuously willing to bring their business to the State to enjoy its ease of doing business status.
