News
Adebiyi Takes Over from Kofarmata asPermanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works
Joel Ajayi
Engr. Olufunsho Olusesan Adebiyi has taken over as Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works from Yakubu Adams Kofarmata, Ph.D, Tuesday, 17th December, 2024.
The handing over ceremony, which was brief, took place on Tuesday, 17th December, 2024.
While addressing Management and Staff, the outgoing Permanent Secretary commended them for working with him, harmoniously, also appealed to them to extend the same to his successor to enable him to succeed in his new assignment.
He pleaded, “I beg of you, extend the same hands of cooperation, support and comradeship to him and I am sure you will never regret it.”
In his acceptance speech, the incoming Permanent Secretary applauded the outgoing for his excellent track record, while is office, noting that many of the Ministry’s staff have learnt alot from working with him.
He added that Kofarmata has always been there for the Staff of the Ministry day in, day out towards ensuring that the proper things were done.
While soliciting for equal or more dedication and cooperation, Adebiyi disclosed that the challenges facing the Ministry and the country, at large, are enormous, insisting that only when all hands are joined together, would they be tackled.
According to him, “I want to assure you that I will do my best by the grace of God. The challenges are enormous before us and I am sure that we would overcome them, together.”
He emphasised that one of the challenges being faced by the Ministry is the allegation of lopsidedness in the geopolitical spread of projects, stressing that one region will accuse the Ministry of not having as much as the others and the others would, likewise, do the same. Adebiyi assured that with God, the issues would be resolved, amiably.
The Permanent Secretary pleaded that “I want to appeal to all of us to ensure that we strive toward delivering on the mandate of Mr. President to provide critical road infrastructure, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Engr. Adebiyi is being redeployed from the State House, while Kofarmata is reporting to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) for further posting.
News
Ogunlesi backs Tinubu reforms as FIRS chairman Adedeji highlights export-led economy
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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