By Ayomide Otitoju
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday, presented a Certificate of Approval to the FirstBank Group for the construction of its 43-storey eco-friendly headquarters in Eko Atlantic City.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, accompanied by his Special Adviser on eGIS and Urban Development, Dr. Olajide Abiodun Babatunde, and the General Manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LABSCA), Arc. Gbolahan Oki, handed over the approval certificate to the Chairman of FirstHoldCo, Femi Otedola, and the CEO of FirstBank Group, Olusegun Alebiosu, during the groundbreaking ceremony.
Speaking at the event, Governor Sanwo-Olu commended FirstBank Group for its leadership and vision, highlighting the bank’s audacity in embarking on a project set to become Nigeria’s tallest building. He described the development of Eko Atlantic City as a model for Africa and praised President Bola Tinubu for initiating the transformation of Bar Beach into a thriving financial hub.
“Just yesterday, we laid the foundation for the Lagos Financial International Centre. We are setting Lagos on a trajectory to be the envy of Africa and the world. We want Lagos to be the financial and commercial centerpiece of Africa,” Sanwo-Olu stated.
He further emphasized the significance of FirstBank’s headquarters in reshaping Eko Atlantic City, describing it as an investment that would define the city’s future.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also called on other financial institutions to invest in Eko Atlantic City, stating, “FirstBank, as usual, has taken the lead. Now, it is time for others to follow. I am ready to support investors and create an enabling environment for them.”
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Lagos State Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, former Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki, and prominent business figures, including Gilbert and Roland Chagoury, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Dr. Deji Adeleke, Alhaji Mohammed Indimi, and Senator Daisy Danjuma.
