NEWS

World Bank Names Lagos Nigeria’s Economic Gateway

Published

7 years ago

July 15, 2017

World Bank Names Lagos Nigeria’s Economic Gateway

The World Bank says the role of Lagos to Nigeria’s stability and growth cannot be overemphasised, as the state remains the economic gateway to the country and the world. Country Director of the World Bank, Mr Rachid Benmessaoud said the giant strides of the present administration in the State had received a global attention.

The World Bank on Thursday said that the role of Lagos to Nigeria’s stability and growth could not be overemphasized, as the State remains the economic gateway to the country and for the rest of the world.

Country Director of World Bank, Mr. Rachid Benmessaoud who spoke when he paid a courtesy visit to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode at the Lagos House in Ikeja, said the giant strides being recorded by the present administration in the State had received global attention, adding that the World Bank was proud to be part of the transformation.

“Nigeria needs Lagos, Lagos is a huge part of the growth for the country and the growth is about job creation and stability of the country. We are really honored to have been your partner and we would be honoured to continue the partnership.

Mr Benmessaoud was speaking when he paid a courtesy visit to Governor Mr Akinwunmi Ambode in Ikeja, Lagos.

He stated that the World Bank was proud to be part of the transformation.

“We really acknowledge the national, regional and local importance of Lagos being the gateway to Nigeria and for the rest of the world; there is a success story that is being told not only in Nigeria but globally, Nigeria needs Lagos, Lagos is a huge part of the growth for the country and the growth is about job creation and stability of the country, we are really honoured to have been your partner and we will be honoured to continue the partnership,” the Country Director explained.

Unique engagements
According to him, the engagements the World Bank has with Lagos have been unique in Nigeria and the existing partnerships are coming to a close.

“We are closing our ongoing portfolio which is very small right now, we would very much like to support you and go for the next generation of programmes that are responsive for your vision, we are very pleased to partner with you as you set an agenda for a transformative state,” Mr Benmessaoud affirmed.

Key areas of partnership
He said the visit to the Governor, therefore, was to explore ways to build on the existing partnerships in the areas of transportation, energy and the environment towards meeting the growing demands of residents as well as attract more investors into the State.

“The objective of the visit is to maintain and capitalise on the positive momentum that we have created through our partnership over the years and also to see how we can leverage that partnership in helping you, supporting you in achieving your vision for the urban transformation in Lagos State that will enable you to create a livable city, bringing more jobs that will not only retain and expand the existing businesses but also attract new businesses and generate more revenue for the State and attracting the private sector,” he said.

Positive contributionsGovernor Ambode commended the World Bank for its partnership over the years.

He noted that the world body had contributed immensely to the success story of Lagos State, especially in the transportation sector.

Governor Ambode further explained that Lagos was the first State in Nigeria to receive budget support from the World Bank, saying that the state has been able to show evidence that the partnership has been very successful.

“It’s been very fruitful and we’ve become totally responsive to ensure that whatever it is that we are getting in terms of support from multilateral institutions, we show credibility. Also to show that we plan well for such support and we are willing to also continue to abide by international standards to ensure that whatever it is we are getting as support, it is used for the common good of every citizen in Lagos which is the whole essence of service,” the Governor said.

Governor Ambode added that his administration had fashioned out a work plan to integrate water, rail and road transport system to evolve a viable means through which ‘Lagosians’ could commute with ease.

NEWS

Enugu State Governor Names Street After Viral Musician, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha

Published

1 day ago

September 6, 2024

Reporter

Enugu State governor names street after Mike Ejeagha | fab.ng

People often hailed Gentleman Mike Ejeagha as the grandfather of Igbo folk music. He has remained an iconic figure in Nigerian music for over six decades. His influence in the genre is unparalleled, and his timeless work continues to resonate with audiences today.

Recently, his 1983 classic, “Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche“, experienced a resurgence in popularity when comedian and skit maker Brain Jotter featured it in a viral video. This newfound fame has brought Ejeagha’s work to the attention of a younger generation. Recognizing his immense contributions to music and culture, the Enugu State government honoured the 90-year-old musician by naming a street after him.

On September 2, 2024, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State inaugurated several newly constructed roads. One of these roads was renamed Abakpa Road in honour of Gentleman Mike Ejeagha.

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Enugu State officials honoured the legendary musician, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha.

The legendary musician hails from Imezi Owa in the Eziagu Local Government Area, for his lasting impact on Igbo folk music and culture. The governor made a special visit to Ejeagha’s residence. Emma Ejeagha and Elizabeth Ugwu warmly welcomed the governor upon his arrival at their father’s residence. They are both the children of the renowned musician. They expressed their gratitude to the governor for fulfilling promises made by previous administrations to honour their father’s legacy.

At the street commissioning ceremony, Governor Mbah delighted residents by joining them in the viral “Gwo gwo gwo ngwo” dance steps.

The viral success of “Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche” was sparked by Brain Jotter‘s Instagram video on July 5, 2024. This has rekindled widespread interest in Gentleman Mike Ejeagha’s life and career. The song features a clever folklore tale about the cunning tortoise (Mbe) and the mighty elephant (Enyi). This is one of the highlife legend’s most notable works.

Listeners cherish Ejeagha’s music for its incorporation of moral teachings, a wealth of proverbs, and insightful social commentary. Yet, they remain an integral part of Nigerian musical heritage, speaking to generations past and present.

NEWS

Ayra Starr Expresses Sentiments Over Murder Of Christiana Idowu

Published

2 days ago

September 5, 2024

Reporter

Ayra Starr expresses anger over murder of student | fab.ng

Nigerian singer Ayra Starr has expressed her outrage over the abduction and murder of Christiana Idowu by Adeleye Ayomide. Christiana is a 300-level student at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

On September 5, 2024, Ayra Starr took to X, passionately calling for better treatment of women in society and demanding justice for the slain student. Her message emphasized the need for immediate action to address violence against women and ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable.

She wrote, “Stop killing us! Stop raping us! Women deserve better #JusticeForChristianah.”

Stop killing us ! Stop raping us ! Women deserve better #JusticeForChristianah

— Celestial being (@ayrastarr) September 5, 2024

The 300-level student from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Christiana Idowu, was abducted along the Ikorodu-Yaba Road in August 2024.

Christiana Idowu

The kidnappers contacted her parents using her WhatsApp account. This prompted her parents to report her missing on August 19, 2024. They sent pictures of Christiana in captivity through WhatsApp’s “view once” feature, demanding ₦1.5 million in ransom. Her parents managed to raise ₦350,000, which they transferred to a betting account as instructed by the kidnappers.

After receiving the money, the kidnappers asked for a copy of the sender’s bank statement. On August 23, Christiana’s family complied, but the kidnappers cut off all contact shortly after. Investigators traced some of the ransom money to Christiana’s GTB account. Then, someone transferred this money to a Wema Bank account. The account belonged to Adeleye Ayomide, a 200-level student at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU). Investigators identified Ayomide as the primary suspect.

Adeleye Ayomide, the primary suspect.

On September 3, 2024, police arrested Ayomide, who confessed to killing Christiana and burying her body at his family home.

Get more news updates here.

MUSIC

Fireboy’s “Peru” Gets Diamond Certification In France

Published

2 days ago

September 5, 2024

Reporter

'Peru' diamond certification in France | fab.ng

Fireboy‘s “Peru,” released in 2021, quickly became a global sensation, securing a diamond certification in France. The song charted in several countries, including the US, UK, and France. The Afrobeats rhythmic song resonated with audiences worldwide, earning it a commercial success across multiple regions.

Significantly, the song secured the highest certification for a song in France. The remix features British superstar Ed Sheeran, who played a crucial role in propelling the track to international stardom. This version of “Peru” not only charted in over 20 countries but also made a showing on the Billboard Hot 100. It peaked at No. 53. In the UK, it soared to No. 2 on the Official Singles Chart. Again in France, it reached No. 28, solidifying its status as a global hit.

The success of “Peru” extends beyond just chart performance.

Across both the original and remix versions, the track has amassed over 450 million streams on Spotify alone. It has been awarded a gold plaque in Denmark and achieved double platinum status in the UK. Notably, “Peru” is one of the select Afrobeats songs to earn a platinum certification from the RIAA, further cementing its place in the genre’s history.

Fireboy DML’s “Peru” featuring Ed Sheeran is now certified Diamond in France 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/o3Wm75zJS6

— Unorthodox Reviews (@OfficialBlog_UR) September 2, 2024

Featured on Fireboy’s third album, “Playboy”, “Peru” catapulted him to international fame. This success earned him a BET nomination and a coveted performance slot at the 2022 edition of the awards. Fireboy’s ability to fuse Afrobeats with global appeal has established him as one of Nigeria’s leading musical exports.

With its recent diamond certification in France, “Peru” joins the ranks of other Nigerian hits.

This includes Oxlade’s “Kulosa,” Ayra Starr’s “Rush,” Burna Boy’s “Last Last,” and Rema’s “Calm Down,” all of which have received SNEP diamond certification.

Building on this momentum, Fireboy continues his global ascent with the release of his fourth album, “Adedamola”. The project features collaborations with prominent artists such as Lagbaja, Grammy nominee Seun Kuti, Lojay, and Grammy Album of the Year winner Jon Batiste, showcasing his ever-expanding influence in the music industry.