Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Wednesday presented a certificate of approval to FirstBank for the construction of its iconic 40-storey eco-friendly headquarters in Eko Atlantic City.
The governor, accompanied by his special adviser on eGIS and urban development Dr. Olajide Abiodun Babatunde and general manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LABSCA) Gbolahan Oki handed the certificate to the chairman of FirstHoldCo Femi Otedola and the CEO of FirstBank Olusegun Alebiosu during the groundbreaking ceremony for the new headquarters.
Speaking at the event, Governor Sanwo-Olu commended FirstBank for its visionary leadership, describing the project as a bold step that will reshape the future of Eko Atlantic City and Lagos State at large. He lauded the financial institution’s courage in planning the construction of what will become Nigeria’s tallest building.
The governor highlighted the significance of Eko Atlantic City as a model for Africa, attributing its development to the foresight of President Bola Tinubu, who transformed the former Bar Beach into a thriving urban space during his tenure as Lagos State governor.
“Just yesterday, we laid the foundation for the Lagos Financial International Centre. Today, we are here again, taking another bold step to establish Lagos as a financial and commercial hub not only for Africa but for the entire world,” Sanwo-Olu said.
The governor expressed his belief that FirstBank’s new headquarters would be a transformative investment for Eko Atlantic City, encouraging other financial institutions to follow suit.
“This is a clarion call to other big financial institutions. FirstBank, as usual, has been the first to lead. It is now time for others to join the movement. I am ready to provide the enabling environment needed for such groundbreaking investments,” Sanwo-Olu added.
The event was graced by personalities including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Governor Dapo Abiodun and Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ogun and Ondo states respectively, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat of Lagos State; former Senate President Bukola Saraki, businessmen Gilbert and Roland Chagoury, Aliko Dangote, Deji Adeleke, Mohammed Indimi and Senator Daisy Danjuma.
