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The Italian Minister of Tourism, Daniela Santanche, will stand trial for alleged falsification of financial statements at her former publishing company.
Santanche, who is a member of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s far-right Brothers of Italy party, denied committing fraud during her time as chair and CEO of Visibilia, a media publisher and advertising agency.
DAILY POST gathered that she is the second Meloni minister to stand trial after Transport Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, who was cleared in December over charges relating to his detention of a migrant boat as part of a different government.
“Prosecutors claim the forecasts in the (company’s) business plan were overly optimistic.
“It leaves us with a bitter taste in our mouths but we are convinced that we can prove Santanche’s lack of involvement,” Santanche’s lawyer, Nicolo Pelanda said.
Meanwhile, opposition parties on Friday asked Santanche to resign.
If she does, she would be the second Meloni minister to step down, after a sex scandal last year toppled the culture minister.
Meloni refused last month to confirm whether Santanche would remain in her post if ordered to stand trial.
Santanche is also caught up in two other investigations, including one for alleged benefit fraud.
Milan prosecutors alleged that Visibilia, which Santanche sold before joining Meloni’s administration in 2022, pocketed government redundancy funds during the coronavirus pandemic for staff members who instead continued to work.
Italy’s highest court will decide at the end of the month whether that case should be transferred from Milan to Rome, after which there will be a decision as to whether or not she should stand trial.
Meanwhile, prosecutors are also probing Santanche over the bankruptcy of organics food company Ki Group-Bioera, which she used to co-manage.
Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has expressed his administration’s readiness to unlock tourism potential that will further grow the state economy.
Sanwo-Olu said that his administration is desirous to explore its waterways towards developing a strong ecosystem for tourism and expand its transportation system.
Speaking at Victoria Island during the 2024 Lagos Boat Regatta, with the theme, “Our Water, Our Heritage, Our Life,” Sanwo-Olu said that the event is a demonstration of what Lagos stands for and a transformation and revival of culture.
The Governor, while declaring open the event, stressed that the Boat Regatta which was held across the five divisions of the state is a shared vision of showcasing the beauty of Lagos waterways for the residents to relish at all times.
“We are indeed excited that we can finally have a boat regatta, the beginning of what will be a lot of activities that is going to happen during this yuletide season. This one being a very first, is a demonstration of our commitment to develop tourism potential in Lagos.”
“You know one-third of Lagos is surrounded by water, so we need to be able to use our waterways not only as a means of transportation but as a strong ecosystem for tourism and today you will be seeing displays of various sizes of water infrastructure and display of boat regatta from the 5 divisions of Lagos.
“It is going to be a day and afternoon of sheer tourism, fun and understanding the beauty of waterways of Lagos looks like. Let us relax, sit back and enjoy the Beauty of serenity and tourism potential of the state and the hospitality of Lagos.
The Governor who embarked on a boat ride with some executive council members urged, Lagosians to take advantage of the opportunity to unwind and enjoy the ambiance of Lagos on the waterways.
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, said that the Lagos Boat Regatta 2024 aimed to immerse participants in the rich culture of the state’s waterway.
Benson-Awoyinka said the event serves as a driver of economic growth to boost tourism and creat opportunities for local businesses and it further cements Lagos’ reputation as a premier global destination.
She said the event highlighted the vibrant community heritage and sustainability practices through an engaging as well as multi-sensory experience weaving together parades, dance performances, innovative space layouts with captivating images.
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Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior, has reiterated the commitment of President Bola Tinubu to improve the culture and tourism sector in Nigeria.
Tunji-Ojo made the emphasis at the 100-year anniversary of Oke-Agbe community in Akoko North West Local Government Area of Ondo State on Sunday.
According to him, the president, with the rebranding of the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy (FMACTCE), is passionate about the country’s cultural heritage, peace and unity.
“We aim to foster culture and inclusivity by celebrating Nigeria’s diverse identity and empowering economic opportunities through the creative industries.
“The president [Tinubu] has rebranded the Ministry of Creative Economy and Tourism, which has been living up to expectations, and the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has also approved the creative industry.
“I also congratulate our people in Oke-Agbe over the 100 years of unification, harmony, and co-existence, and we are looking forward to the year full of bliss,” he said.
Also, Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State urged traditional rulers in the state to continue promoting thier various cultures.
Aiyedatiwa, represented by the state Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr Rasheed Badmus, also tasked Oke-Agbe community to continue to maintain the path of peace and unity.
“We are happy that there is peace everywhere in Ondo State.
“For instance, we have four traditional rulers here, and they are all living as one, so we want them to continue in that spirit.
“We believe in our traditional leaders. Once there is peace among traditional rulers, it will be easier for us to promote our culture,” the governor said.
Responding on behalf of the traditional rulers in the community, the Ajana of Afa Okeagbe, Oba Mofolorunso Arasanyin, extolled the virtues of Tunji-Ojo and Aiyedatiwa.
He also noted that the prevailing peace in the community would be sustained
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The establishment of the Ministry of Tourism under the administration of President Bola Tinubu was initially received with great optimism by stakeholders in the hospitality and tourism sectors. It signified recognition at the highest levels of governance that tourism, a sector with vast untapped potential, could be a significant contributor to Nigeria’s economic growth, job creation, and cultural diplomacy. Appointing Mrs Lola Ade-John to spearhead this newly established ministry was also seen as a forward-thinking decision, considering her strong professional background and diverse industry experience. However, the sudden dissolution of the Ministry of Tourism after only a few months, leading to Ade-John’s resignation, has sparked discourse on the achievements, challenges, and missed opportunities during her brief tenure.
This commentary seeks to critically evaluate Ade-John’s performance and the strides she was able to achieve, even amidst the overwhelming challenges of a short-lived ministry. It also highlights the underlying factors that may have affected her performance and the larger implications for tourism development in Nigeria. It hopes to generate the desired discourse in setting the pace for the new Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy.
From the outset, she inherited a sector laden with potential but hampered by numerous challenges. The tourism sector in Nigeria has long struggled with issues such as inadequate infrastructure, insecurity, a weak regulatory framework, poor funding, and underutilisation of the country’s cultural and natural resources. Moreover, the lack of coordination between tourism and other critical sectors, such as transport, aviation, education, and trade, further complicated efforts to develop tourism as a significant economic driver.
Despite these challenges, expectations were high. The creation of a dedicated Ministry of Tourism was seen as an opportunity to place tourism on the front burner of national policy, create an enabling environment for private-sector investments, and develop a strategic roadmap for growth. Ade-John was expected to tackle these deep-rooted challenges while also navigating the politics of Nigeria’s often complex public administration.
In the few months that Mrs. Ade-John headed the Ministry of Tourism, she demonstrated a clear vision and a proactive approach to jump-starting tourism reforms. Despite the Ministry’s short lifespan, she laid the groundwork for several initiatives that could have transformed Nigeria’s tourism sector if given the time to mature.
One of the most notable achievements of the former minister was her swift effort to develop a tourism roadmap that aimed to tackle sectoral inefficiencies and bottlenecks. Early into her tenure, she initiated consultations with key stakeholders, including state governments, tourism operators, and international development partners. Her goal was to harmonise efforts across the different levels of government and the private sector. She also worked on proposals for legal reforms that would strengthen the regulatory framework, ensuring that the Ministry had the authority and tools to create a conducive business environment for tourism investments. Her pet project – revitalizing the tourism policy after over 20 years of review had been scheduled for industry review later in the month before the merger of the Ministry of Tourism.
Another significant stride made under Ade-John’s leadership was the forging of strategic partnerships with international tourism bodies and potential investors. Recognizing that Nigeria’s tourism industry cannot thrive in isolation, she worked to position Nigeria as a competitive destination within Africa and the global tourism landscape. The ministry engaged in talks with global players such as the United Nations World Tourism Organization and the African Union, with the aim of tapping into international expertise, securing technical support, and promoting Nigeria as a premier African destination. This kind of international engagement is essential for building credibility and attracting foreign direct investment, an area in which Nigeria has traditionally lagged in tourism. She has been able to partner with industry players in returning Nigeria to the WTM, London; an event the country had been missing for about 10 years. Now, the country shall be at the WTM come November 2024 without the architect of the country’s participation.
Also, one of Ade-John’s key strategies was her emphasis on cultural and domestic tourism. In light of the security challenges affecting international visitor arrivals, she saw domestic tourism as a low-hanging fruit. Her administration pushed for the development of local tourism circuits that would leverage Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, festivals, and historical sites. A particular focus was placed on promoting less-travelled regions, with the hope of diversifying the tourism offerings beyond the well-known attractions in Lagos, Abuja, and Calabar. She has to her credit, visitation to lesser-known destinations within Nigeria among others. To achieve this, the former minister emphasized the need for collaboration with state governments, many of which were tasked with managing their own cultural and historical assets. She also advocated for an enhanced role for the private sector in promoting these assets through creative packaging and marketing.
Crucially, the launch of preliminary campaigns aimed at rebranding Nigeria’s image as a safe, culturally rich, and dynamic destination was laudable. Recognising the need to tackle negative perceptions of insecurity, corruption, and poor infrastructure, Ade-John sought to project a new narrative – “the world knows Nigerians but not Nigeria”. This rebranding effort, though still in its infancy, was set to address both domestic and international markets. Such efforts would have aligned well with her broader goal of promoting cultural tourism and enhancing Nigeria’s soft power through tourism.
Despite the promising strides made by Mrs. Lola Ade-John, the challenges she faced were immense, many of which hindered the full realization of her vision. Unfortunately, one of the most significant challenges she faced was the chronic underfunding of the tourism sector. The tourism ministry struggled with budgetary allocations, which severely limited its capacity to implement large-scale projects. This lack of funding is not a new challenge but has historically crippled efforts to develop tourism infrastructure and services in Nigeria. Even with Ade-John’s innovative approach, the Ministry’s financial constraints were a significant hindrance.
The sudden dissolution of the Ministry of Tourism and Mrs. Ade-John’s subsequent resignation brought an abrupt halt to the many initiatives she had started. The ministry’s short lifespan made it difficult to fully implement the strategic reforms she envisioned. Moreover, the political instability and frequent reshuffling of ministers in Nigeria have often led to policy discontinuity, and this case was no exception. Her inability to continue her work has left a void, with many projects at risk of abandonment or losing momentum.
Also, the perennial issue of insecurity in Nigeria, particularly in the eastern and northern regions, remained a significant deterrent to tourism growth. Despite her efforts to promote domestic tourism, the threat of terrorism, banditry, and kidnappings made it difficult to convince both local and international tourists to explore Nigeria’s vast tourism potential. This challenge, although beyond her control, was a persistent issue that undermined her efforts at tourism promotion.
While Mrs. Ade-John’s tenure was cut short, the strides she made set a foundation that, if built upon, could catalyse long-term growth in the tourism sector. However, the premature end of her leadership leaves lingering questions about the continuity of tourism development in Nigeria.
The dissolution of the Ministry of Tourism can be seen as a missed opportunity for the country to truly harness the economic potential of its tourism sector. If the government remains committed to diversifying the economy away from oil, a well-funded and strategically guided tourism ministry is critical. Tourism offers Nigeria a unique opportunity to create jobs, generate foreign exchange, and promote cultural diplomacy. However, this potential will remain unrealised unless future administrations prioritize tourism, provide sufficient funding, and maintain policy continuity.
Her performance as the head of Nigeria’s Ministry of Tourism was marked by a clear vision and decisive action within a short time frame. She demonstrated a gradual but immense understanding of the sector’s challenges and initiated reforms that, if allowed to take root, could have significantly improved the tourism landscape in Nigeria. Unfortunately, the ministry’s brief existence and her subsequent resignation have left the sector at a crossroads once again. It is now up to future leaders and stakeholders to build upon the groundwork laid during her short tenure and ensure that Nigeria’s tourism sector is given the attention and investment it so desperately needs to thrive.
As a scholar and practitioner in the hospitality and tourism sectors, I believe that Ade-John’s time as Minister of Tourism, while short, represents a moment of hope for the sector. The strides she made should serve as a reminder that with the right leadership, commitment, and resources, Nigeria’s tourism industry can rise to become a vital pillar of our national economy. We will miss her lovely face at industry events and we can only hope for the new leadership to exceed her industry engagements and involvement efforts.
- Professor Babalola is the President of the Council of the Institute for Hospitality Accountants and Revenue Managers
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun said his administration is committed to exploiting and enhancing the tourism potential of the state.
Abiodun stated this at the weekend, during the 25th celebration of the Omo Olowuwu Day celebration held at the Oba Odeleye Park in Oke-Sokori, Abeokuta.
According to him, culture and tradition have not only defined the people but have also inspired the pursuit of progress within communities, adding that the festival, aside from reminding the people of their rich cultural heritage, also underscores essential values like communal harmony and love.
He said, “In support of this vision, our administration is steadfast in its commitment to developing tourism as part of our broader social, cultural, and infrastructural development initiatives.
“Our administration’s focus extends to grassroots development, placing people at the heart of our building our future together agenda.
“This festival not only reminds us of our rich cultural heritage but also underscores essential values like communal harmony, love, and unity, which are as relevant today as ever.
“Our culture and tradition have not only defined us but have also inspired our pursuit of progress within our communities. Today, we celebrate not only our heritage but also the significant strides we have made as a state.”
Abiodun noted that his administration welcomes all forms of collaboration that would help to foster economic progress, adding that the state government would support the agricultural cooperative initiative of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
He charged the people of the state to support his administration in promoting peace and development as the local government elections draw nearer, calling on youths to steer clear of disruptive behaviors, especially during the polls.
Earlier in his remarks, the Balogun of Owu Kingdom and former President, Olusegun Obasanjo called on well-to-do Nigerians to come to the aid of the downtrodden to reduce the effects of the current economic hardship in the country.
The former President also admonished Governor Abiodun to work with the Owu Kingdom in developing agriculture, trade and business to ensure development and food sufficiency.
Mrs Lola Ade-John, the immediate past Minister of Tourism has broken her silence since she was removed from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet.
In a letter addressed to the president, the former minister appreciated Tinubu for the confidence bestowed on her to serve the country.
The letter was released by her media aide, Elizabeth Ofili.
“I wish to extend my sincere gratitude to you, Mr President, for the opportunity to serve Nigeria as the Honourable Minister of Tourism.
“It has been a profound honour to work toward your vision for a thriving tourism sector under the Renewed Hope Agenda, with a focus on sustainable, community-centered tourism.
“I am deeply thankful to the people of Nigeria and to the hardworking staff of the Ministry, whose dedication made our achievements possible.
“Thank you, Mr President, for your trust. It has been a privilege to contribute to this administration’s goals, and I remain committed to Nigeria’s progress,” the letter reads.
In a resounding affirmation of Nigeria’s leadership and commitment to advancing tourism in Africa, the country has emerged victorious in securing the hosting rights for the 68th meeting of the UN Tourism Commission for Africa (CAF) in 2025.
The announcement was made during the 67th meeting of the Commission held in Livingstone, Republic of Zambia, under Agenda Item 8.
Nigeria’s successful bid saw expressions of intent from four member states: Kenya, Algeria, Nigeria, and Ghana. Demonstrating remarkable solidarity, Ghana withdrew its candidature in support of Nigeria, further underscoring the continent’s collaborative spirit.
A statement made available to LEADERSHIP, signed by Chindaya Ahmadu, Director of Press, Ministry of Tourism/Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, explained that the minister of tourism, Mrs Lola Ade-John, expressed her gratitude and excitement over the announcement.
“This is a testament to Nigeria’s growing influence and commitment to promoting tourism as a pivotal sector for economic development and cultural exchange.
“Hosting the 68th CAF meeting will provide an unparalleled platform to showcase Nigeria’s tourism potential and foster stronger ties among African nations,” the statement reads in part.
As the host of the 68th CAF meeting, Nigeria aims to leverage this opportunity to further align with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting sustainable tourism.
The event will bring together key stakeholders, policymakers, and industry experts to discuss strategies and innovations that will drive the future of tourism in Africa.
The statement said the Nigerian government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, continued to emphasize the importance of tourism in the nation’s Renewed Hope agenda, adding that the minister, Lola Ade-John, has reiterated her commitment to delivering an exceptional experience for all delegates and participants.
In line with President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s effort to galvanize all sectors of the Nigerian economy, including the housing sector which requires private sector investment, things might just be looking up in a bid to reduce Nigeria’s housing deficit, currently put at 28 million units.
Central to the intervention is the First Rotech Group, a property investment company in the industry for years. The Chairman of First Rotech Group, Chief Austin Oguejiofor, determined to give Abuja, the nation’s capital, a befitting piece of real estate complete with an ambiance feat for a centre of attraction in Africa, announced the Abuja Airport Garden City project.
The First Rotech Group of Companies has been in the property industry to ensure the housing needs and demands of Nigerians are met, therefore, the Chairman of First Rotech Group of Companies, High Chief Austin Oguejiofor, deemed it fit to give the nation’s capital a city that would add to its ambiance and a centre of attraction in Africa, which befits Africa’s largest country, Nigeria, with the project christened the Abuja Airport Garden City.
As a man of lofty visions and patriotism, High Chief Austin Oguejiofor and his team of experts in their wisdom saw the need to transform the landscape, and business and ease the challenge of affordable accommodation and owing a befitting house in Abuja including the creation of a business hub, hence the establishment of the prestigious Abuja Airport Garden City, which is strategically located very close the popular Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, in Gousa, Airport Road in Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC, Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja.
The Abuja Airport Garden City is sitting on 250 hectares of land between the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and the Abuja Railway Station.
The Chairman also commended the federal government for buying into the vision of the project, in which the mega land was approved and allocated for the project to kick off in the nation’s capital city very soon as all were put in place for a colourful ground-breaking ceremony.
“I therefore seize this opportunity to thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating an enabling environment in line with his Renewed Hope Agenda for mass housing in Nigeria, beginning from Abuja, the nation’s capital city.
“Very soon we will be inviting the Hon Minister of Federal Capital Territory, His Excellency, Barr Nyesom Wike, and Mr President and other dignitaries to come here and do the groundbreaking,” he said.
Meanwhile, he also explained that the partnership is on the heels of developing a new layout for Abuja Airport Garden City, which will open a new vista in the housing and tourism sectors, to attract huge businesses and reduce the accommodation challenges.
Economic value of Multi-billion Naira Abuja Airport Garden City project
Interestingly, the Chairman of First Rotech Group of Companies, High Chief Austin Oguejiofor, during a tour of the site some months ago along with his wife and Managing Director of the company, Mrs Chika Oguejiofor; Managing Director, GTX Construction Ltd, Mr Mohamad Harb; Director, Engineering, GTX Construction, disclosed that the Abuja Airport Garden City would provide sophisticated facilities that would accommodate over 3,000 residents and businesses seamlessly.
The value addition to Abuja’s economy will be massive and unprecedented, whereby a lot of business entities would be attracted from within and outside the country to Abuja along various value chains of business.
“As you can see, we are preparing for the ground-breaking of the project. In this project, we are looking at about 2,000 to 3,000 residents inside the Abuja Airport Garden City. All necessary amenities and facilities will be provided.
“Lands, dual carriageway, street lights, sewage systems, water system, sustainable electricity, green energy. I mean, shops and malls, recreational areas, hospitals, schools and universities. There is a church and Mosque for religious worship. I can say that it’s a full package and we are ready to go,” Chief Oguejiofor said.
Additionally, the tourism potential of the Abuja Airport Garden City is second to none after completion as it would attract hotels to be part of the city, which will bring about visitors and tourists to lodge including world-class conferences and shows would be hosted in the Abuja Airport Garden City due to its strategic location and proximity to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, and in this regard facilities by international standards will be provided.
The concept of the Abuja Airport Garden City is a one-stop shop for all needs that anybody wants are provided instantly in real-time, and residents and visitors alike are treated the same and made comfortable with the best of smart services on 24 hours seven days basis.
The Abuja Airport Garden City is a unique City of its kind, where every facility will be provided with smart facilities installed to make life easy and comfortable for the occupants including watertight security for the protection of lives and property.
Abuja Airport Garden City to create massive job opportunities
With the concern for the high unemployment rate the company after the ground-breaking ceremony construction activities would be up-scaled as young people would be massively employed directly and indirectly, and more other companies would have the opportunity of having contracts signed to supply and install materials needed at the site.
The target for job creation is over 25, 000 jobs for the teeming population, and this would go a long way to boost the economy of Abuja and Nigeria as a whole. This would not end during the construction of the structures but the over 10, 000 jobs would be generated by the businesses that would be situated in the Abuja Airport Garden City, also business owners will rake in huge profits being a city that would attract world-class personalities who will patronize them, and also Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) would shore up for the Federal Capital Administration.
The concept of the Abuja Airport Garden City is a one-stop shop for all needs that anybody wants are provided instantly in real-time, and residents and visitors alike are treated the same and made comfortable with the best of smart services on 24 hours seven days basis.
Offers Abuja Airport Garden City give to investors at home and the Diaspora
According to the First Rotech Group of Companies boss, his company is also in partnership with a Dubai construction giant, GTX Construction Ltd for standardized construction, and T-one Technology Limited for digitization of the project for easy map search, assuring investors of quality work and timely delivery.
This multi-billion Naira Abuja Airport Garden City is a massive project open to investors in the Diaspora and Nigeria, it creates the opportunity to own properties, establish businesses, and invest in other areas in the city, and that would bring about huge returns on investments, as it avoids investors to see how their businesses grow and develop from any part of the world.
It is basically to ensure Nigeria and Nigerians get the best of a befitting place that would change the narrative from the ordinary to the extraordinary, which the Managing Director of First Rotech Group of Companies, Mrs Chika Oguejiofor, in a remark opined that, there will be attractive benefits for investors in form of discounts, choice of location, noting that the luxury buildings is for different classes of Nigerians.
She said, “We would have benefits for investors such as discounts, and some flexible selection of choice areas, depending on the investment agreement we would have with the investors.
“And First Rotech Group, we are the developer of this huge project, and Abuja Airport Garden City is bringing luxury living right at the doorsteps of Abuja residents, Nigerians in the Diaspora, and Nigerians in General. The buildings range in different sizes, and are meant to accommodate Nigerians of different status and means.”
The Abuja Airport Garden City is a place of winning and realization of dreams and visions because the plan is breath-taking and the offers are mouth-watering, so there is no need to delay to key into the project, and it would meet peoples’ aspirations and yearnings.
In line with President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s effort to galvanize all sectors of the Nigerian economy, including the housing sector which requires private sector investment, things might just be looking up in a bid to reduce Nigeria’s housing deficit, currently put at 28 million units.
Central to the intervention is the First Rotech Group, a property investment company in the industry for years. The Chairman of First Rotech Group, Chief Austin Oguejiofor, determined to give Abuja, the nation’s capital, a befitting piece of real estate complete with an ambiance feat for a centre of attraction in Africa, announced the Abuja Airport Garden City project.
The First Rotech Group of Companies has been in the property industry to ensure the housing needs and demands of Nigerians are met, therefore, the Chairman of First Rotech Group of Companies, High Chief Austin Oguejiofor, deemed it fit to give the nation’s capital a city that would add to its ambiance and a centre of attraction in Africa, which befits Africa’s largest country, Nigeria, with the project christened the Abuja Airport Garden City.
As a man of lofty visions and patriotism, High Chief Austin Oguejiofor and his team of experts in their wisdom saw the need to transform the landscape, and business and ease the challenge of affordable accommodation and owing a befitting house in Abuja including the creation of a business hub, hence the establishment of the prestigious Abuja Airport Garden City, which is strategically located very close the popular Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, in Gousa, Airport Road in Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC, Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja.
The Abuja Airport Garden City is sitting on 250 hectares of land between the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and the Abuja Railway Station.
The Chairman also commended the federal government for buying into the vision of the project, in which the mega land was approved and allocated for the project to kick off in the nation’s capital city very soon as all were put in place for a colourful ground-breaking ceremony.
“I therefore seize this opportunity to thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating an enabling environment in line with his Renewed Hope Agenda for mass housing in Nigeria, beginning from Abuja, the nation’s capital city.
“Very soon we will be inviting the Hon Minister of Federal Capital Territory, His Excellency, Barr Nyesom Wike, and Mr President and other dignitaries to come here and do the groundbreaking,” he said.
Meanwhile, he also explained that the partnership is on the heels of developing a new layout for Abuja Airport Garden City, which will open a new vista in the housing and tourism sectors, to attract huge businesses and reduce the accommodation challenges.
Economic value of Multi-billion Naira Abuja Airport Garden City project
Interestingly, the Chairman of First Rotech Group of Companies, High Chief Austin Oguejiofor, during a tour of the site some months ago along with his wife and Managing Director of the company, Mrs Chika Oguejiofor; Managing Director, GTX Construction Ltd, Mr Mohamad Harb; Director, Engineering, GTX Construction, disclosed that the Abuja Airport Garden City would provide sophisticated facilities that would accommodate over 3,000 residents and businesses seamlessly.
The value addition to Abuja’s economy will be massive and unprecedented, whereby a lot of business entities would be attracted from within and outside the country to Abuja along various value chains of business.
“As you can see, we are preparing for the ground-breaking of the project. In this project, we are looking at about 2,000 to 3,000 residents inside the Abuja Airport Garden City. All necessary amenities and facilities will be provided.
“Lands, dual carriageway, street lights, sewage systems, water system, sustainable electricity, green energy. I mean, shops and malls, recreational areas, hospitals, schools and universities. There is a church and Mosque for religious worship. I can say that it’s a full package and we are ready to go,” Chief Oguejiofor said.
Additionally, the tourism potential of the Abuja Airport Garden City is second to none after completion as it would attract hotels to be part of the city, which will bring about visitors and tourists to lodge including world-class conferences and shows would be hosted in the Abuja Airport Garden City due to its strategic location and proximity to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, and in this regard facilities by international standards will be provided.
The concept of the Abuja Airport Garden City is a one-stop shop for all needs that anybody wants are provided instantly in real-time, and residents and visitors alike are treated the same and made comfortable with the best of smart services on 24 hours seven days basis.
The Abuja Airport Garden City is a unique City of its kind, where every facility will be provided with smart facilities installed to make life easy and comfortable for the occupants including watertight security for the protection of lives and property.
Abuja Airport Garden City to create massive job opportunities
With the concern for the high unemployment rate the company after the ground-breaking ceremony construction activities would be up-scaled as young people would be massively employed directly and indirectly, and more other companies would have the opportunity of having contracts signed to supply and install materials needed at the site.
The target for job creation is over 25, 000 jobs for the teeming population, and this would go a long way to boost the economy of Abuja and Nigeria as a whole. This would not end during the construction of the structures but the over 10, 000 jobs would be generated by the businesses that would be situated in the Abuja Airport Garden City, also business owners will rake in huge profits being a city that would attract world-class personalities who will patronize them, and also Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) would shore up for the Federal Capital Administration.
The concept of the Abuja Airport Garden City is a one-stop shop for all needs that anybody wants are provided instantly in real-time, and residents and visitors alike are treated the same and made comfortable with the best of smart services on 24 hours seven days basis.
Offers Abuja Airport Garden City give to investors at home and the Diaspora
According to the First Rotech Group of Companies boss, his company is also in partnership with a Dubai construction giant, GTX Construction Ltd for standardized construction, and T-one Technology Limited for digitization of the project for easy map search, assuring investors of quality work and timely delivery.
This multi-billion Naira Abuja Airport Garden City is a massive project open to investors in the Diaspora and Nigeria, it creates the opportunity to own properties, establish businesses, and invest in other areas in the city, and that would bring about huge returns on investments, as it avoids investors to see how their businesses grow and develop from any part of the world.
It is basically to ensure Nigeria and Nigerians get the best of a befitting place that would change the narrative from the ordinary to the extraordinary, which the Managing Director of First Rotech Group of Companies, Mrs Chika Oguejiofor, in a remark opined that, there will be attractive benefits for investors in form of discounts, choice of location, noting that the luxury buildings is for different classes of Nigerians.
She said, “We would have benefits for investors such as discounts, and some flexible selection of choice areas, depending on the investment agreement we would have with the investors.
“And First Rotech Group, we are the developer of this huge project, and Abuja Airport Garden City is bringing luxury living right at the doorsteps of Abuja residents, Nigerians in the Diaspora, and Nigerians in General. The buildings range in different sizes, and are meant to accommodate Nigerians of different status and means.”
The Abuja Airport Garden City is a place of winning and realization of dreams and visions because the plan is breath-taking and the offers are mouth-watering, so there is no need to delay to key into the project, and it would meet peoples’ aspirations and yearnings.
For the second time as one of the principal officers in the Senate, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (APC Borno South), was removed as chief whip, similar to a fate he suffered in January 2017, when he was removed as leader of the 8th Senate.
After his removal yesterday, the Senate President Godwin Akpabio made him the Senate Committee on Tourism chairman.
Aside from removing Ndume as Senate chief whip, his deputy chairmanship of the Senate Committee on Appropriations was also removed by reducing him to chairman of the Committee on Tourism.
His successor (Monguno) as chief whip, also took over as deputy chairman of the Appropriations Committee.
The Senate, however, gave Ndume a soft landing when Senator Cyril Fasuyi (APC Ekiti North) moved for Ndume to face the Senate Committee on Code of Conducts, Ethics and Privileges on an allegation of kleptomania against them.
In an apparent move to save Ndume from suspension, Akpabio in his remarks on Fasuyi’s motion, said since the APC NWC had requested for his removal as whip and approved, he should be forgiven for now.