Broadcasting
Afriland Properties Pledges to Beautify Lagos Skyline
Mrs. Uzo Oshogwe, Chief Executive Officer, Afriland Properties, has pledged her firm’s commitment to change and beautify Lagos skyline with its iconic projects.
Mrs Oshogwe stated this at the Sod turning ceremony of Falomo Towers, which signifies official commencement of a landmark partnership between Afriland Properties and Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC), aimed at reconstruct former Falomo Shopping Complex to a premium sky-high real estate facility.
She noted that the redevelopment project was a revival of an important landmark, stressing that: “With the project, we tend to give Ikoyi back its lost landmark.
She stated that the iconic project would enhance and beautify Ikoyi skyline, adding that the partnership would be creating economic opportunities and social wealth that would transform the State and the country.
“With this project we intend to give Ikoyi back its lost landmark. This time bigger and better.
“This development will bring to the fore our promise to beautify and enhance the Lagos skyline, one iconic building at a time.
“We’re committed to Our Ideology which states that through our long-term investment in real estate, we’ll create employments, economic prosperity and social wealth that will transform Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria and the African continent”, she added.
In his remark, Mr. Tony Elumelu, foremost entrepreneur and banker, Chairman of Heir Holdings, owners of Afriland Properties, said the partnership was another testimony to the Lagos State Government’s belief in the private sector as a key development driver in the State, praising the Lagos political leadership for setting the pace of private sector inclusion in governance.
For surmounting obstacles that delayed the take-off of the partnership, Elumelu said Lagos remained the most hospitable environment to investors seeking profitable return on their investments.
He said: “I commend Gov. Sanwo-Olu and the political leaders of the State for believing in the private sector. What we are witnessing today attests to their beliefs in the private sector as driver of development in the State
“For private sector to do well, the political leadership must create the right environment. Lagos has set the pace in this direction. This partnership is a celebration of dialogue and this makes Lagos remain the most hospitable environment for investors.”
Speaking at the sod turning ceremony, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State, said the construction flag-off ended a decade-long discussion with the developer to revive the project and build iconic towers that would turn around the fallow land for the benefit of the public.
The Governor said the project was another milestone achieved by his administration to renew urban amenities, stressing that the strategic implementation of the Lagos Masterplan had been dependent on the Government’s ability to forge workable partnership between the public and private sectors.
He said: “This is a phenomenal project that will bring back the lost ambience of Ikoyi. When this partnership was initiated 10 years ago, I was the Managing Director of LSDPC. It is interesting to note that we’ve all gone through arbitration but we didn’t throw a wrong punch. We agreed this project must not be thrown away. Today we are making a transaction that is bigger and better than what was initially proposed 10 years ago.
“This testifies to the uniqueness of public and private sectors in ensuring things can be made a lot better when we sit and agree. This is a clear example of what Public Private Partnership (PPP) model is out to achieve when partnerships and collaborations are pursued and implemented with seriousness. When we put our minds of possibilities to ideas, great things happen. This aptly describes the story of today’s flag-off of construction of Falomo Towers.”
Sanwo-Olu described Afriland Properties as a tested, trusted and reliable developer, saying the Corporation had found the right partner for the redevelopment project.
The Governor reiterated that the State Government would remain committed to ensuring the investors get full value for their investments, while promising to continue to pursue business environment reforms, including automation of land and property records to scale up transparency and efficiency that catalyse sustainable investments.
Hon. Ayodeji Joseph, Chief Executive Officer of LSDPC, on his part, said the project site evoked memories of a glorious past for Island dwell in the 1970s, noting that the Corporation took an informed decision to turn around the site by building residential apartments to provide additional accommodation to the growing middle class, business professionals and the swelling rank of young citizens.
He said: “Over forty years down the line, the Corporation in its decision to renew some of its facilities has deemed it fit to redevelop the site of the shopping complex, taking into consideration the realities of today’s needs as well as the environmental impact implications, this in turn has informed the decision to build residential apartments to provide additional accommodation to the growing middle class, business professionals and the swelling ranks of the upwardly mobile citizens of the state.
“For the corporation the journey to this ceremony has not been easy, like most laudable ventures we have encountered challenges that had taken time to be resolved. We want to put on record our appreciation for the guidance and doggedness of Mr. Governor without whose resourcefulness we would not have come this far.”
Aero Contractors recently hosted its Long Service Award Ceremony, a momentous event dedicated to honoring distinguished retirees for their exceptional service and unwavering commitment to the organization.
The ceremony, which celebrated loyalty and excellence, featured the presentation of recognition plaques and the disbursement of retirement benefits to the honorees. Among those celebrated were:
•Capt. Gerald Nmoka
•Stephen Kukoyi
•Promise Amadi
•Victor Aitanun
•Nwankwo Stephen N.
The management of Aero Contractors expressed profound gratitude to these outstanding individuals, whose dedication and expertise have significantly contributed to the airline’s growth and success over the years.
Speaking at the event, Aero Contractors’ Managing Director, Capt. Ado Sanusi, underscored the importance of celebrating excellence and fostering a culture of recognition within the organization. “Our retirees have exemplified the highest standards of professionalism and commitment. Their legacy will continue to inspire our team as we build a brighter future for Aero Contractors,” he stated.
As a leading airline in Nigeria, Aero Contractors remains committed to supporting its employees and creating an environment that values their contributions. This commitment reflects the company’s ongoing efforts to uphold its reputation as a trusted, value driven airline”
National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has refuted claims that it approved a herbal product marketed as “lung-cleansing tea” for smokers.
Mojisola Adeyeye, director-general of NAFDAC, in a statement on Saturday, December 14, clarified that the product, identified as Lungitox (Smokers Pride), was never approved and had its registration application rejected due to its unsubstantiated health claims.
“The attention of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has been drawn to a misleading video circulating on social media, alleging that NAFDAC approved the registration of a herbal product claiming that ‘smoking is healthy’ when used with their product,” the statement read.
“NAFDAC wishes to categorically state that this claim is false and completely unfounded.
“The product in question—Lung Detox Tea or Lungitox (Smokers Pride) or any similar product—is NOT registered by NAFDAC.
The unscrupulous individual behind this product had applied for registration, but the application was outrightly rejected due to the unsubstantiated and dangerous claim that smoking could be made ‘healthy’ by consuming the product.”
NAFDAC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public health and ensuring that only safe and scientifically validated products are approved.
“NAFDAC remains steadfast in its mandate to protect public health and ensure that only safe, effective, and scientifically substantiated products are approved.
“We condemn any attempt to mislead or endanger the public with false claims.
“The public is advised to disregard this video and report any suspicious claims or products to the Agency through our official channels.”
Adeyeye provided contact information for reporting such claims, urging Nigerians to remain vigilant.
“For further inquiries or reports, please contact NAFDAC via 0800-162-3322, email [email protected], or visit our website at www.nafdac.gov.ng.
NAFDAC will continue to take decisive action against any individual or entity attempting to violate public health standards.”
The agency reiterated its dedication to ensuring that all products in the Nigerian market meet the required safety and efficacy standards.
A coalition of media organisations, comprising the League of Public Affairs Analysts and South East Media Professionals Network, has called for disciplinary action against Arise TV and Dr. Reuben Abati, show host, over alleged inciting remarks against the Igbos.
This was contained in a formal petition to the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), signed by Ambrose Igboke.
According to the group, Arise TV and Dr. Reuben Abati allegedly made a divisive comment against the South East and Igbos during a TV Breakfast Show on November 21, 2024.
Recall that during the November 21 Breakfast Show, Abati had said on Arise TV, “It is a shame that the same Igbos who are so industrious that they’re all over and they do well in other parts of Nigeria.
“You go there as a non-Igbo man to go and buy land, you’ll be told that you don’t belong, even as an in-law. These are the issues in my view.”
The journalist and former Presidential aid referred to an incident reportedly involving the former Minister of Information, T.O.S Benson, who sought to purchase land in Igbo land for his wife.
The anti-Igbo comment has resulted in criticism and outburst from different groups.
They argued in the petition that there are “concerns about remarks made by Dr. Abati, which perpetuated harmful stereotypes against the Igbo community.
“These statements have been further amplified by extremist groups like Lagospidia, exacerbating ethnic tensions in an already delicate socio political climate.”
The media professionals said, “Dr. Abati’s reference to the Igbo people in a broad, negative context risks inflaming ethnic tensions and promoting dangerous generalizations. This kind of action was what ignited the Rwandan genocide where the Hutu and Tutsi engaged in a fratricidal war of extermination. It all started with a radio
“His comments were quickly weaponized by groups known for anti-Igbo sentiments, fueling divisive narratives that undermine national unity.
“Dr. Abati’s hostile response to a colleague, Ms. Ojy Okpe, on the following day’s broadcast, demonstrated a troubling disregard for professional journalistic standards.
” The remarks and behavior constitute a breach of the Nigerian Broadcasting Code, which prohibits content that incites division or promotes hate speech.”
The petitioners called for a thorough review of Abati’s remarks and the editorial lapses that allowed such conduct to air.
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