History was made in London on Saturday 28th August 2004 at the Marriott Hotel in Kensington when the Nigerian Trade and Investment Centre (NTIC) hosted dignitaries at a dinner investment presentation, unveiling the Gateway City project by His Excellency Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Governor of Ogun State. The highly successful event was compered by internationally acclaimed public communication speaker Fela Durotoye of VIP Associates (Nigeria). Guests were treated to a night of first class hospitality and corporate presentation.
NTIC's Chief Executive Officer, Afolabi Andu in his opening remarks highlighted the unique role of NTIC in the promotion of foreign direct investment into Nigeria, the opening up of markets for Nigerian products globally and the transmission of the positives about Nigeria into the international business environment. He also saluted Governor Gbenga Daniel for his visionary leadership, which had led the state to become a major social and economic force in Nigeria, Andu said, "Ogun State presented herself as an acid test to be showcased at this important event in the UK, there is no doubt that they have succeeded in an excellent manner by unveiling the Gateway City and their other outstanding ongoing projects. We encourage other states to take on the opportunity of internationalising themselves through investment presentation as this is one of the most effective ways of attracting foreign investment. Our aim is to work with other states in Nigeria with a view of projecting their resources and potentials to the international community."
During the course of the evening Governor Daniel made a power point presentation highlighting the investment opportunities available in Ogun State and also gave clear insight into the Gateway City project. He indicated that Gateway City Development Corporation in conjunction with Grant Properties Limited have entered into an agreement to jointly develop an estate along the Isheri-Sagamu interchange axis of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway. He noted that the estate is a component of the overall Gateway City project. The residential development being handled by Grant Properties will cover land space measuring about 285 hectares, and will be developed in phases. The first phase will cover approximately 12.60 hectares. This development that commenced construction in August 2004 will take 12 months to complete and will involve the construction of bespoke residential houses for immediate sale to the public.
Rev. (Dr) Awosedo, the Executive Chairman of Grant Properties Limited and corporate sponsors of the event used the occasion to reiterate the importance of partnership between the private and public sectors in Nigeria. Whilst UK based professionals such as Barry Osilaja, a leading world player in real estate, Dr. Kunle Onabolu, President of the Engineering Forum of Nigeria in the UK, and Dele Ogun, a legal luminary all spoke highly and impressively of Governor Daniel's efforts. Overall, the Nigerians in the UK expressed full support for the Gateway City project.
The event was packed with dignitaries from Nigeria and the United Kingdom. In attendance were Royal Fathers such as His Royal Majesty Oba Sikiru Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebu land, His Royal Highness Oba Adeniyi Sonariwo, the Akarigbo of Remoland, His Royal Majesty Oba (Dr) Adedapo Tejuosho, the Osile of Okeona in Egba land and His Royal Highness Oba Gbadebo Oni, the Olu of Imashayi. The Royal Fathers spoke in full support of Governor Gbenga Daniel's initiative and encouraged guests to support the Governor's efforts. Also in attendance was His Excellency Ambassador Mohammed Ndanusa, the Deputy High Commissioner of the Nigerian High Commission UK, Otunba Subomi Balogun the doyen of banking in Nigeria, Chief O. Oshunkeye Chairman of GlaxoSmithKline Nigeria PLC, International businessman, Chief Olu Adebanjo, and foremost international lawyer Barrister Abiodun Adesanya.
The members of the Governor's entourage included Alhaji Lekan Bello, Commissioner for Finance Ogun State, Chief Okanlawon Shoboyede, Chairman Gateway City Development Company Limited, Architect Kayode Adebayo, Managing Director of Gateway City Development Company Limited, Architect Kayode Anibaba, Special Advisor to the Ogun State Governor on Environmental Matters, Mr. Gbenga Oguntoki, Director General Bureau of Lands and Survey, Mr. Tokunbo Odebunmi, CEO Ogun State Property and Investment Corporation and Ms. Yosola Akinbi, Economic Advisor to the Governor.
Culled from NTIC (Nigerian Trade & Investment Centre), August 28, 2004