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IBADAN EXPLOSION: Ex-Minister Dare Sympathizes With Victims Assures The Government Has Everything Under Control

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As the news of the deadly explosion that hit major areas of Ibadan, Oyo State continues to filter in, the Former Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Chief Sunday Dare has expressed his heartfelt sympathy with the Government and people of Ibadan, Oyo State over the explosion that occurred in the capital city on 16 January 2023, in which many people were victims, just as some lost their lives.

According to the Minister, the explosion was such a tragedy, and they expressed sadness at the loss of lives and the destruction of property.

Chief Dare commended the swift response of the Oyo State Government and the detailed information update provided by Governor Seyi Makinde on the incident.

“I share In the sadness and pain of this incident and I pray for the souls of the dead and speedy recovery for the injured. I urge all that must be done to avoid a similar occurrence.”

The Agbaakin of Ogbomoso land said he received the news with shock and prayed for God to comfort the victims. He further assured the people of Ibadan that the Government has everything under control as the Government is investigating the source and cause of the explosion.

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Ogunlesi backs Tinubu reforms as FIRS chairman Adedeji highlights export-led economy

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Joel Ajayi

After a high-level meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Abuja, Nigerian-born global investor Adebayo Ogunlesi expressed renewed confidence in the country’s economic reforms, indicating potential mega investments across energy, aviation, and port sectors. 


He was joined in that optimism by Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), who stressed that the reforms were laying the groundwork for an export-driven economy.


Speaking to journalists after the closed-door meeting, Ogunlesi praised the sweeping policy changes under Tinubu’s administration, including the removal of subsidies, tax reforms, and the revival of a refinery already exporting aviation fuel. 


“We had an excellent meeting where we discussed how to put Nigeria front and center for international investment. The President was very encouraging, and we shared useful suggestions on driving economic growth,” Ogunlesi said.
Although he declined to reveal specific details, Ogunlesi confirmed that his firm is actively investing in Nigeria and assessing new opportunities. 


“Watch this space. Nigeria is not yet the most exciting investment destination, but that’s what we are working on,” he teased.


Pressed on the sectors of interest, Ogunlesi highlighted energy, gas, aviation, ports, and renewables. Drawing on his firm’s experience with LNG projects in Texas and Australia, he noted Nigeria’s massive untapped gas reserves. 


On aviation, he acknowledged his reputation as “the guy who bought Gatwick Airport” and signaled interest in similar ventures locally.
He also admitted that one of his companies operates ports in Cotonou and Lomé but none in Nigeria, a point Tinubu reportedly challenged him on. 


“He forgave me but said, ‘you have to bring port investment to Nigeria,’” Ogunlesi recounted with a smile.


International investor Hakeem Bello-Osagie, who was also present, underscored the importance of diaspora participation in Nigeria’s growth story. 
“When Nigerians at home and abroad invest in Nigeria, it sends a strong signal to the world,” he said, lauding Tinubu’s policies for making the country “investable.”


Echoing the sentiment, FIRS chairman Adedeji described the reforms as the foundation for an export-led economy. 


“We’ve done the fundamentals, and now it is time to deliver growth,” he said.


With global players signaling confidence, the momentum for Nigeria’s economic repositioning is gaining ground, setting the stage for transformative investments in key industries.

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