RT. HON. MUDASHIRU AJAYI OBASA, Speaker Lagos State House of Assembly
An interim report heard on the floor of the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday detailed how dredging companies in the state have consistently defrauded the government to the tune of several hundreds of millions.
The report was read on the floor by Hon. Victor Akande, chairman of a seven-man committee set up to look into the activities of alleged illegal dredgers in the state.
The report named NIMCO dredging company among the ones that have carried on defrauding the state by failing to pay taxes and make returns.
The report shows that the state has 55 registered ‘Category A’ dredging companies out of which only three have operational permit. Out of these three, only one of the companies has been making returns to the government.
Akande said the report was the result of the committee’s finding through documents and evidence provided by officials of the state government and investigation.
In the course of the investigation, the committee had invited the Ministries of Waterfront and Infrastructure Development, Lands, The Environment, Physical Planning, the Surveyor-General, other government agencies and the commissioner of police in the state.
Some of the dredgers, it was learnt, engage in reclamation of land and these include NIMCO, linked to a top serving politician in the state, and another company that operate around the Eti-Osa area of Lagos State.
The Committee discovered that after reclaiming land, the companies then sell at very exorbitant prices. A member of the committee cited the case of reclaimed land sold for at least N120 million in places like Banana Island without paying government its due.
It was further learnt that another set of 74 Category A dredgers have been operating illegally in the state.
The report also showed that only 12 of the 69 recognised Category B dredgers and piling companies in the state had been making payments to the government.
It was also discovered that the state has another set of 109 illegal Category B dredgers.
The report shows that the state has 11 areas of reclamation of land with eight in Eti-Osa, one in Mainland, one in Ikorodu, and one in Kosofe.
Even though the companies have areas they are supposed to cover, many of them beat the state directive by dredging beyond the requirement, make money and defraud the government.
During deliberation on the floor of the House, Akande disclosed that all manner of people including foreigners, especially Chinese were also engaged in dredging activities enriching themselves at the expense of the state.
Many other lawmakers spoke against the activities of these dredgers.
On his part, Olowo said the dredgers were operating indiscriminately adding that some with Category C approvals operate in Category A without regard to the laws.
Akande also urged the House to give the committee additional two weeks to complete its work as it wants to embark on inspection tour of the sites.
Speaker Mudashiru Obasa directed the Clerk of the House, Azeez Sanni, to write the governor and intimate him of the preliminary findings of the committee.
Obasa also directed the Clerk to write to the state commissioner of police to provide security for the committee members when they embark on inspection of the dredging sites.
Oba Dr. Fredrick Obateru Akinruntan is the traditional ruler of Ugbo Kingdom, an ancient riverine town in Ilaje Local Government, Ondo State, South-West Nigeria.
Rated by financial magazine, Forbes, as the richest monarch in Nigeria and second richest on the African soil. With a net-worth and conglomerate spanning into billions of dollars, Olugbo has his hands litters across many pies of business littered across the the world with choice properties at highbrow areas across the world.
Oba Akinruntan is currently the Chairman of Ondo state Council of Obas, the Chairman of Yoruba Obas Conflicts Resolution Council. He also shoulders an academic title as the Chancellor, Olusegun Agagu University of Science & Technology, Okitipupa, Ondo State.
The reputable philanthropist blessed with a large heart of Gold is also a recipient of National Honours, Commander of the Order of Niger (CON).
In this interview, the Okoro Ajiga 1, Paramount Ruler and Prescribed Authority of Ugboland, revealed some mind blowing information affecting the Yoruba race. He addressed other salient issues by setting the records straight, correcting distorted history connecting Ile-Ife and Ugbo….
Excerpts….
What’s the position of Ugbo in Yoruba connectivity?
The position of Ugbo in Yoruba connectivity still remains what it is. It is an historical fact that cannot be affected by the passage of time or circumstances. Nobody can change it! I am the first, the oldest throne in Yoruba Land. The position of Ugbo in Yoruba history cannot be contradicted by anybody. Nobody can say no to that sacrosanct position of Ugbo in Yoruba oral or written history because it is there for all to see. A lot of people are grumbling and murmuring; I see them as cowards. They are very cowardly and are not even coherent in their stuttering cowardly counter claims that to all intent and purpose stand logic on its head because my father, Oranfe is the progenitor of Yoruba Land. Oranfe, a half man, half spirit being is the father of Obamakin who is my ancestral father and whose dynasty founded Ile Ife and he reigned as the aboriginal Paramount ruler of Ile Ife. Ife was known at that time as Ugbomokun; so I am claiming it as the owner of Ile Ife and that claim i lay claim to is not just narratively pure but historically correct! I am still claiming it up till tomorrow.
Who exactly is Obamakin Osangan gan?
Osangangan Obamakin is the son of Oranfe. They are the owner of Ile-Ife. His father, Oranfe is the owner of Ife; Obamakin is the owner of Ife, thus, myself, I am the owner of Ife. We are still claiming it up till tomorrow! That’s the fact! Let me tell you one thing: in Ife today, if they want to get anything from god, they will say,” haa baba mi Oranfe, Iwo loni Ile Ife, Joo je ki ohun ti mo n wa temi lowo…( My father Oranfe, you are our progenitor; let our heart desires be granted!) That’s how they pray up till today. They won’t mention the name of any particular Oba, but they always remember the name of their forefather, Oranfe. That’s it!
In your book,” A history of the oldest throne in Yoruba Land” which you published in 2016, you talked about pre dynastic struggles that existed in the time line of Yoruba history. Can you shed more light on that?
Now in Ife, we are the owners of that place. We have 16 communities in Ile Ife. A lot of scholars testified to the existence of these sixteen communities and acknowledged them in their scholarly work. A Professor of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Prof. Wande Abimbola acknowledged it that the Olugbo and his ancestors are the owners of Ife. He also said before we left Ife, nobody asked us to leave. We left on our own volition. He noted that Olugbo left Ife to his new place on his own free will. Part of the evidence we have to show the whole world is the fact that we are the husband of Moremi Ajasoro. She is our wife. You can see that we have it here to show the whole world. You see, the fact is there, nobody can contradict it. Look at my book since 2016, nobody has been able to fault or contradict it till date. So, what are we saying? Historical fact speaks for themselves. Not only that book, OAU, Ile Ife acknowledged this fact too in their ‘Odu: a journal of West African Studies – New series No 46’. If my book is not authentic they won’t acknowledge my historical view point; you know OAU for that. So anybody can say anything they like but they can’t confront me because I guard my loins with the truth, fact, incontrovertible fact of history of the significance of Ugbo in Yoruba historical relevance.
You are the Chairman of Peace and conflict resolution council among Yoruba royal fathers. What can you say about unity among Yoruba Obas?
Yes, we have been doing that, trying to reconcile Yoruba royal fathers in order to foster unity amongst us. Don’t forget Yoruba is a difficult race. Let me be sincere to you and to myself, Yoruba is really a very difficult race. There is one thing we call egoism; that’s the major problem affecting us. Some of the conflict issues we have among the royal fathers boil down to egoism and complex. To make the matter worse, a lot of people without the royal blue blood assume the royal stool. So we have challenges curbing and reining in egoistic proclivities and tendencies. In those days before you can become an Oba, you must not be a south paw, you must not be bald headed or hunch backed; if your father is still alive, you can’t assume the royal stool. It wasn’t possible in ancient Yoruba Land! You are getting me? If you are nine fingered or nine toed, meaning you are not complete, you can’t become an Oba. If you are a stammerer or you are a twin, you can’t be an Oba. If you are a female or child of a female kindred to the throne, you can’t be an Oba. The problem we face now is that our tradition has been bastardised, a lot of the things we held dear in our culture had been watered down and have become severely tinkered with and adulterated. My dear brother, those are the kind of challenges we are facing that we are taking our time to correct. The second one is if there is conflict between two royal fathers, we try to settle it amicably between them and we settle a lot of cases. One thing is I don’t do any of these things for anyone to praise me. I can call my colleague royal father who has an issue with another and try to settle the issue and no one else needs to know.
Let’s talk about Ode Ugbo, your kingdom. How far have you developed this great land of your great ancestors?
Beautiful question! You see, I am not trying to be boastful, but the truth be told, this palace is one of the best in the world. I have 25 bedrooms and 14 palatial living rooms in this sprawling palace. If the United States of America’s President visits, he will be conveniently hosted in this palace; I think that’s worthwhile enough! This monument wasn’t here until I ascended the throne of my fathers in 2009. I have changed a lot of things and given this kingdom a facelift. I have restructured the architecture of this terrain. The new things you can see around are the things I changed when I became the Olugbo. Of course, I have empowered my people who are fishermen with modern boats; I have offered innumerable scholarships to our young ones from secondary school to university level, among other notable things I have done to contribute to the well-being of my people. Opposite my palace here, we are planning to build one of the best hospitals in Nigeria. It’s in the pipeline and it’s coming up very soon. I am a private individual, but in my capacity, I have contributed a lot to this land. Before I ascended this throne, Ugbo was a no go area for so many people because of the fear of communal insecurity and threat to life. All that have stopped now! When I came, I told them anyone who tries nonsense, constitutes nuisance or dares to turn my kingdom to a canvas of blood where people are killed would be summarily dealt with and would wind up in jail. I told them all the wanton killing must stop; anyone who tries it is going to jail. And all the insecurity to life stopped! I am glad to say that peace, once alien to Ugbo, has returned to the land since I assumed the throne in 2009. I thank God for that. I have sent all the criminal elements bolting out of Ugbo and my people are enjoying peace and tranquility. I am a peacemaker in the mold of Henry Kissinger of the US White House way back whose name was synonymous to peace in the White House.
Kabiesi, do you think your tenants, the oil companies have done enough for the oil rich Ilaje nation?
No! They haven’t. They always promise to do this and that; I haven’t seen them do anything except for the promises. I am going to 11 years on the throne now, all they have been doing is promises, promises and promises.
How far have you been able to cope with life as a royal father?
Well, I am enjoying it. I am on the throne of my forefathers, so it’s for me a great pleasure. Before I became the Olugbo, I have been a successful business man by all standard. So, I have been a moderately excellent dresser all the way. Now that I am an imperial royal father, I am always in tune with royal fad and fashion , always very careful with what I wear because I always make statement with my outfit: my cloth, my shoe, my crown, my royal staff, even my car , they always rhyme. I am very stylish person with my royal Vogue and this has come a long way. I could remember vividly as a business man, I went to the US in 2007; I was invited by President Bill Clinton to the White House for an award. I could still recall my dapper blazers and all. I bought my outfit at Rosiny in London. The shoe I wore too, I bought the pair at Rosiny also in London. My tie alone was fifty thousand pounds! So, when they saw me, they marveled at my dress sense. After the whole event and the photo-op’ and we had shaken hands, Bill Clinton told me I am an admirable man, an outstanding Nigerian with an admirable sense of dressing. I asked him there and then, Mr. President, how did you single me out of so many business elite corps in Nigeria for the honor and award? Bill said they profiled me and my business concern and concluded I have made an impact in my business life deserving of mention and global recognition. He said, how many Nigerians can give account of their grass to grace rise in the business world in my country? Only a few! He said my background and integrity accounted for the honor the White House has bestowed on me. If you look at my profile, I put it there that I started my oil business from bottle to gallon, to Jerry can, to drum , to dispensing pump before I could have a fueling station. That is my grass to grace story. America wants to know how you started your business, so, my profile really impressed them. My background is transparent and my business is transparent as well, strong enough to pass the test of integrity and due process. So, all along I have been taken things in my stride and I have been enjoying every bit of it. I have coped well so far and I have no course to regret my decision to occupy the stool of Olugbo.
What is responsible for your daring courage?
(Smiles) You see my courage is the function of my mindset. A clear conscience doesn’t fear accusation. I am always daring because I have nothing to fear. It’s God who has given me a lion heart o! You don’t dare he whom God himself has specially made and not regret it! Yet, I don’t have or use anything; it’s God!
What do you have to tell people about Coronavirus pandemic ravaging the country?
Well thank you for that. Coronavirus is real! Coronavirus is real; coronavirus is real. Our people are encouraged to please note that this virus is a novel virus which cure has not been found and it kills within days. I want to appeal to my people in Ilaje, Ondo state and Nigeria to adhere to all the COVID-19 safety protocols as prescribed by the COVID-19 Presidential Task Force. Watch your hands regularly, use hand sanitizer, wear your face masks if you are going out and if it’s not essential, stay indoor! I want to thank our Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for his sustained campaign for safety across Ondo state concerning the deadly coronavirus. The Governor is concerned about our safety, so each person should please take responsibility for a healthy living so that we all can survive the pestilence.
How about palliatives. Have you thought of giving your people palliatives?
Most definitely, yes. I was the first in this country to give palliatives to my people. I gave them food items and money and it cut across the kingdom. I told you earlier that the well-being of my people is my concern. I have given them palliatives and I will still give them again and again until this COVID-19 challenge clears off. Ondo state government in the able leadership of our Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) had also presented Ondo state people with palliatives. I thank him for that too.
Finally your Imperial Majesty, your advice to your people?
Thank you very much. I preach peace among the people of Ode Ugbo. Without peace there can’t be development. I preach contentment because when people are not contented with what they have, their activities brew trouble and unrest. I preach love among my people. Let’s love ourselves so that together we can work for the growth of our kingdom.
I want to tell my people to be patient with the Ondo state government because Gov. Akeredolu meant well for us. He has promised us the Deep sea project; he has promised us Ugbo / Ilaje free trade zone. If we have these two alone, even me, I don’t have to go to Lagos again. That’s why we all need to support Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s second term bid because he is a man of his words.
I want to appeal to our youths to run away from crime. They should not do “Yahoo yahoo” because it doesn’t last. Our young ones who are ladies should not go into prostitution. It’s not a way of life.
And above all, let’s all us learn how to trust God because He knows what is best for us.
Ramadan fasting month was relatively made easy for many in Lagos because Seyi and Layal Tinubu founded Noella Foundation in partnership with Bolajoko Fadipe owned Food Clique and BUA group are doing a wonderful job. The team is helping in no small way the their collaboration which has gone a long way in reducing the impact of the hardship in town on those fasting by lessening the burden of looking for what to break with on faithfuls by providing free daily Iftar meals (the evening meal with which Muslims end daily Ramadan fast at sunset) at selected locations across the State.
The idea which was announced by Noella Foundation in partnership with Food Clique at the beginning of the fast was later supported by Abdul-Samad Rabiu owned BUA Group is currently at the last count feeding over 6,000 faithful who are likely to have been finding it difficult to conveniently provide both Sahur (the meal consumed daily early in the morning by Muslims before fasting, during the Islamic month of Ramadan. The meal is eaten before fajr prayer) and Iftar because of the effect of COVID-19 forced lockdown on individuals’ economy.
At the moment processed daily Iftar meals being distributed by the team is in excess of 6,000 in different locations across Lagos State. This is also not stopping the continuous distribution of the COVID-19 Emergency FoodBox Initiative support which is to give palliatives to those who are finding it difficult during the Corona Virus forced lockdown and are still not on the list of essential service providers the later partial lockdown opening order of the government granted right to go back to work. They have till date been able to give more than 700,000 meals to more than 23,000 persons across the State.
It is also important to know that Noella Foundation’s relationship with Food Clique has been dated back to late 2018 when the Bolajoko Fadipe owned NGO won Seyi Tinubu’s Christmas Cash Prize giveaway for their effort towards eradicating hunger and they has since then work together on several activities long before their recent one on the Covid-19 ordered lockdown which has increased the numbers of residents of Lagos State exposed to the pang of hunger. The team had worked and likely still working together on the monthly community kitchen project. The idea which will see their team visit various communities in Lagos State every last Saturday of the month to erect a their kitchen where they feeds the needy in the area good, sumptuous and nutritious food in hygiene and clean environments.
The daily Iftar meal project is however a month specialized project aimed to cushion the effect of the economic hardship caused by the outbreak of the pandemic on the fasting faithful during this Ramadan period and it is currently restricted to people in Èbúté Mẹtta, Oshodi, Surulere, Awoyokun community of Onipanu, Onikoyi Road Ikoyi, and Parkview, with the possibility of extending it to other areas before the fasting ends.
There are different types of givers, some only give when there is excess and in other to avoid wastage they will give it out to those in need, some gives once in a while out of what they have with the believe that God will repay them one way or the other, while some are compulsive givers, and these set gives almost every time not minding their own economy. It will be right to say Seyi Tinubu, the Executive Chairman of Loatsad Promomedia and his regular partner are in this category since their actions has distinguished them as ceaseless givers.
Ramadan is a special period for the Muslim faithful to fast, and this year’s process would have been bleak for many owning to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria that has led to government imposed lockdown to stop the spread of the disease, a situation that has led to the emergency shut-down of the country’s economy and this has exposed the needy in Lagos State to untold hardship in provision of food for families.
In other to reduce the burden and make sure the Ramadan is observed by families in the lower cadre of economy, Seyi and Layal Tinubu founded Noella Foundation decided to be providing free daily Iftar (Iftar is the evening meal with which Muslims end daily Ramadan fast at sunset) for Muslims at designated locations within the State. This is in addition to the COVID-19 Emergency FoodBox Initiative which is ongoing to give palliatives to those who are finding it difficult during the Corona Virus forced lockdown, where more than 600,000 meals has been given to more than 20,000 persons across the State.
The young, energetic and enterprising man who through the Noella Foundation has been working in partnership Bolajoko Fadipe owned Food Clique to feed and give food to poor people in the State during this trying times, is never short of the will power to give back to the society even when he’s not getting or expecting any physical benefit than the happiness of the people back in returns.
The Ogun State Police Task Force on Illegality, OSTI now has in custody, four hoodlums who terrorised the Mangoro Area of Oke-Ata in Abeokuta, the State Capital, Thursday afternoon.
The Task Force, led by CSP Toyin Afolaogun, received distress calls from residents and immediately moved into action.
On arrival at the scene, officers of the team together with residents of the community arrested the four hoodlums. The residents had earlier mobilised themselves to tackle the menace.
Those suspects arrested are now in the custody of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS.
Rest assured, the Ogun State Government will continue to ensure that there is adequate security of lives and property across the State.
The attention of Olugbo’s palace has been drawn to a false publication making the round on the media space fuelled by Adebanjo Mafimisebi; published by Sahara reporter against His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Obateru Akinruntan, the Olugbo of Ugbo, Ilaje, Ondo State.
HRM. Dr. FEO Akinruntan CON, the Olugbo of the Ugbo Kingdom
It is pertinent to note that; Kabiyesi Oba (Dr) FEO Akinruntan CON, the Olugbo of the Ugbo Kingdom, who is the chairman of Ondo State Council of Obas and chairman of the Yoruba Obas Conflict Resolution Council, is a promoter and lover of peace, it is very disheartening for anyone to link Kabiyesi to such absurdity. Every claim made in the said publication was targeted to rub the reputation Kabiyesi has built over the years in the mud.
Kabiyesi condemned in totality and entirety the attack on his people. He said; “I have urged all relevant security agencies to investigate deeply. Anyone found culpable during the process of investigation must be charged to court and be allowed face the wrath of the law. I was also briefed that the prime suspect, who shot the gun has been apprehended by security agency.”
For over eleven years on the throne as King, Kabiyesi has maintained peace and tranquility within the kingdom. As a father and guardian, ordering an attack on resident of his community as falsely reported should be discarded. Moreover, the said house was not occupied by any of the victims and not even a private residence or palace of the deposed Olugbo Adebanjo Mafimisebi, former Olugbo who was deposed on the order of Nigeria’s apex court; Supreme Court in 2007.
Setting the records stright; the said residence is an ancestral home/residence of any reigning and incumbent Olugbo of Ugboland, where necessary traditional rites are performed. Ever since Kabiyesi Oba (Dr.) Obateru Akinruntan ascended the throne in 2009, he has been performing his traditional rites in the said residence. Recently, Kabiyesi used the ancestral home/ residence as the venue for the distribution of food items and cash worth millions of naira as palliatives to the sons and daughters of Ugboland as a result of lockdown caused by COVID-19 pandemic.
Furthermore, the said residence has been in existence long before the short reign of the deposed monarch. How then can this same residence be claimed to have been owned and occupied by the deposed monarch?
It is worthy to note that Kabiyesi has been using his wide network and influence to further concentrate on the development of Ugboland for more development and modernization. “It is important to let you know that the people of Ugboland are at home with the monarch and cannot be painted as being at war with his subjects as falsely claimed. He is always at peace with his people. Kabiyesi has warned that nobody will be allowed to cause breakdown of law and order in the Ugbo Kingdom, most especially, during this critical time. Kabiyesi urges sons and daughters of Ugbo to continue supporting the Kingdom and the government to ensure peace and development in the land.” Olugbo-in-Council disclosed.
Strong indication has emerged to the effect that the running mate to Late Chief MKO Abiola in the annulled 1993 Presidential election, Alhaji Babagana Kingibe may replace the late Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, Mallam Abba Kyari whose death was announced by the Presidency late Friday night.
In a statement released by the Presidency yesterday, Mallam Abba Kyari, who had tested positive to the ravaging COVID-19, and had been receiving treatment. But he died on Friday, April 17, 2020.
ThePage reliably gathered that plans have started in earnest to fill the vacant office of the Chief of Staff to the President even as checks have revealed that Babagana Kingibe may be appointed the new Chief of Staff.
“Forget his ignoble role in the June 12 saga, Kingibe is a diplomat and a technocrat. He is close to the President. He is the unseen hand in charge of the National Intelligence Agency, NIA as it is today. He is one man who has been part of this government from behind the scene” a source privy to the plans towards the appointment of a new Chief of Staff revealed to The Page.
If Kingibe is eventually named the Chief of Staff, the appointment may be a good step towards his realising his Presidential ambition.
ThePage gathered that Kingibe may have before now, been one of the favourites, penciled down to succeed President Buhari, hence his involvement in the behind the scene day -to -day running of the Buhari administration.
Information just reaching us now is that President Buhari Chief of Staff Mr. Abba Kyari has lost the battle against the Covid-19.
Making this known few minutes ago through his twitter handle the SA Media to the President announced that the Chief of Staff is dead and that burial announcement will be announced by the family.
Mr Kyari was tested positive to the novel Corona Virus weeks back, he was thought to be coming out until the news was broken of his demise, we pray God grant his families and loved ones the power to bear the loss.
Mr. Festus Keyamo SAN, Minister of State for Labour and Employment
The honourable Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mr. Festus Keyamo SAN, FCIArb has warned the general public to be wary of fraudsters who’re on the prowl to swindle innocent citizens in this trying times.
Mr. Keyamo specifically hinted on a particular misleading recruitment information circulating on a fake website for the proposed federal government’s special public works program meant to run in all local government councils across the nation.
An official statement personally signed by the Minister categorically denied the said advertorial which is circulating on social media and titled, ‘Application Opens For 774,000 Employment By FG: See Requirements, Salary And How To Apply’ and which also stipulates stipends and commissions.
“As the Supervising Minister over the National Directorate of Employment in which the Special Public Works Programme of the Federal Government is domiciled, and having conferred with the Director-General, Dr. Nasiru Ladan Mohammed Argungu, we wish to alert members of the public that the said advertorial or anything of such presently circulating is fake and should be disregarded”, the Minister stated.
I have just finished consultation with the Hon. Minister of Finance and we are presently working out how the scope of the program would be expanded and executed with other relevant Ministries and stakeholders across the country.
The public would be duly informed by this office when all the modalities have been graciously approved by Mr. President.
We are also informed of instructions by certain persons going round in some States to the effect that names of those to be employed under the program should be compiled. We also urge these people not to embark on an exercise in futility as the guidelines for such recruitment and those to be involved have not been released by the agency.
Finally, we assure all that this well-intentioned program of the Federal Government would be carefully planned and executed in such a way as to meet its target of empowering the largely unskilled labour in rural areas, he said.
African governments have been admonished to see the urgent need to intensify efforts to build roads, railways and other cross-border infrastructure as
Investment in infrastructure is a long-term requirement for growth and a long-term factor that will make growth sustainable.
The Chief Executive of Officer of world class infrastructure building outfit, International Support Group (ISG), Mr Steven Tuinstra gave the advice in a statement issued by its Media Adviser, Moses Owopade, on how the Continent of Africa can move from poverty to surplus by creating employment building infrastructure, coordinate the associated laws, rules and regulations.
According to the ISG boss, the solution to the economic problem of Africa is to include the continent in the global economy, and not African charity, AIDS research, but African infrastructure development.
“”Africa can import and needs everything the whole world can manufacture. And they have got enough money to pay for it. It’s just that the money is in the ground.
“African countries have to improve transportation infrastructure; that creates economic development, employment and, most importantly, enhances safety and improvement of the local communities.” Tuinstra said, adding that smart businesses do not look at labor costs alone anymore, but rather do look at market access, transportation, telecommunications infrastructure and the education and skill level of the workforce, the development of capital and the regulatory market.
Further, he said Infrastructure is one of the core responsibilities of government and one that cannot be shortchanged by other controversial spending.
“We believe investment in infrastructure pays dividends for decades and is a wise investment of taxpayer.
“A successful society is characterized by a rising living standard for its population, increasing investment in factories and basic infrastructure, and the generation of additional surplus, which is invested in generating new discoveries in science and technology.” he opined.
Establishing the readiness of ISG to support the continent in building a virile economy that guarantee job opportunities for the growing African population, Tuinstra revealed that ISG is currently in advanced negotiations with various African governments to develop and execute on EPC+F basis some infrastructure project.
“Some of the governments currently in our portfolio are Ivory Coast, Namibia, Federal Government of Nigeria, Ghana, IMO State Nigeria, Gambia, Federal Government of DRC, Mai Ndombe Province DRC, Chad, Malawi, Botswana and Plateau State of Nigeria” he concluded.
