Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG), says the 50 million dollars equity investment in the Lagos Free Zone by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), is a vote of confidence in President Tinubu’s reforms.

In a statement on Tuesday by Mr Emeka Nwankpa, its Chairman, TMSG said the investment was a major indicator that the country’s business environment was gaining interest across the investment world. According to him, it is an affirmation of Nigeria’s readiness for big business under the administration of President Bola Tinubu. “That a reputable body like the IFC deemed it fit to commit a whopping 50 million dollars equity investment in a private business initiative in the country is no mean feat.“Clearly, it is a stamp of approval by the international community that Nigeria is a good place to invest, a place where there is a guarantee of returns on investments.“But for us, it is a signal that the country is truly ready for big business as a result of ongoing reforms of the President Bola Tinubu administration.”This is contrary to a few misconceptions in purely partisan quarters about the policies.”Nwankpa said that it was interesting that IFC’s equity investment was for the development and expansion of Nigeria’s first deep-sea port at the privately-run Lagos Free Zone.He added that the investment, the largest single financial commitment by IFC in recent years, was designed to address critical infrastructure gaps.”It will as well attract local and global businesses, and contribute to Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda.“We are convinced that the decision to invest in the free zone will unlock new opportunities for businesses in the deep sea port that is already acknowledged to have world-class facilities.“We agree with President Tinubu that it is a testament to the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda, as well as the ongoing efforts by his administration to attract foreign direct investment.“We also commend Tolaram, the owners of the Port-based industrial zone, which recently acquired Guinness and turned its financial fortunes around in just six months, for their continued efforts at showing that Nigeria is a good place to invest,” he said.He added that Nigeria’s business environment had recorded incremental improvement in the last few months in response to the federal government’s policies, noting that Nigeria remained Africa’s biggest investment capital.(NAN)

Former Federal Commissioner for Information and South-South Leader, Edwin Clark, is dead.

According to a statement released by his family, the chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF died on Monday night,

He was 97 years old.
“The Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family of Kiagbodo Town, Delta State, wishes to announce the passing of Chief (Dr.

) Sen. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark OFR, CON on Monday 17th February , 2025. ’’

“Born in Kiagbodo, in the Ijaw area of what is now Delta State, late Clark attended primary and secondary schools at Effurun, Okrika and Afugbene before completing further studies at the Government Teacher Training College, which later became Delta State University, Abraka.

Thereafter, he worked briefly as a school teacher before traveling abroad to earn a law degree.

“He worked with the administrations of military governor Samuel Ogbemudia and head of state, General Yakubu Gowon between 1966 and 1975. In 1966, he was a member of an advisory committee to the military governor of the Mid-Western Region province, David Ejoor and was appointed Federal Commissioner of Information in 1975.

“May his soul rest in peace, Amen.”

“The family appreciates your prayers at this time. Other details will be announced later by the family.”

The Lagos State House of Assembly has called for a thorough investigation into the Department of State Services (DSS) for its undue interference at the complex on Monday.

Mr Stephen Ogundipe, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Security, and Strategy, made this statement in Lagos on Monday.

Report says that there was chaos at the Assembly on Monday, with lawmakers and staff clashing with DSS personnel upon arrival.

The complex was closed for several hours before legislative staff forced open the chamber’s doors.

Ogundipe said the presence of armed DSS operatives undermined the sanctity of the assembly and obstructed lawmakers from fulfilling their constitutional duties.

He called on relevant authorities to investigate this unwarranted restriction and ensure such incidents do not happen again.

Ogundipe stressed that the DSS’s presence infringed upon the legislature’s independence and directly attacked democratic governance.

The lawmaker also noted a DSS publication about a letter dated Feb. 14, titled ‘Enhanced Security Measures for LSHA.’

Ogundipe explained that the DSS released a letter from the Acting Clerk, requesting security presence at the Assembly complex, to justify their actions.

He stated that when lawmakers and staff arrived, they found the Speaker’s, Deputy Speaker’s, and Acting Clerk’s offices locked by DSS operatives, and the legislative chamber sealed.

Ogundipe emphasised that while the House had previously sought security from the DSS, the request never included invading offices or restricting access to the chamber.

“The letter requesting security never instructed the DSS to invade the legislative chamber or lock offices,” he clarified.

He added, “Today’s events raise serious concerns about undue interference in legislative affairs.”

Ogundipe reminded that lawmakers had lawfully removed the former Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, and continued to support Speaker Mojisola Meranda’s leadership.

The lawmakers remain committed to enacting laws that promote the development and progress of the state. (NAN)