18 November 2008
Lagos — Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola , has reiterated his call on the Federal Government to return the Lagos Trade Fair complex to the State in the interest of the people.
Fashola, who spoke at the colourful ceremony which marked the end of the 10-day 2008 International Trade Fair in Lagos said the need to return the complex to the State was informed by the fact that the complex was a veritable avenue for the promotion of trade and investment in the State.
Represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government,Princess Adenrele Adeniran Ogunsanya, Governor Fashola declared, "I want to use this opportunity to renew our appeal to the Federal Government to rescind its decision on the concession of the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex", pointing out that the concession arrangement was not in the best interest of the people of Lagos State and the Organised Private Sector.
"It amounts to a great disservice to Lagos State being the Gateway to Nigerian economic prosperity and host to many companies and business interests", the governor said, adding that the State surely would require increased resources and economic growth of at least 12 per cent annually to meet the United Nation's Millennium Develo-pment Goals.
The governor noted with delight that the fair has continued to enjoy the consistent patronage of many nations, adding "Your presence here in large numbers is a reflection of your appreciation of the contribution of this exhibition to the development of the Nigerian economy".
The Governor thanked the organizers of the Fair "for the success that is quite evident to all", adding "It is my sincere hope that the cordial and mutually beneficial economic relationship already existing between Nigeria and the other participating countries would continue to flourish".
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