By Olasunkanmi Akoni 

The All Progressives Congress, APC State Chairmen’s Forum who converged on Lagos has described the Lekki Free Zone and the Blue Rail Line as evidence of President Bola Tinubu’s foresight and visionary leadership.

The forum, led by the Chairman, and Lagos APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, is in Lagos on a three day working visit, commended Tinubu’s bold economic reforms in the country which had continued to deliver tangible benefits to governments, businesses and Nigerians.

The forum, comprising of 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, AOzc chairmen, made the remarks on Saturday while on tour of major projects to the Lekki Free Zone, LFZ and the Blue Rail-Line Terminal in Lagos.

Addressing officials of the zone, Ojelabi said Tinubu’s decision to establish the LFZ while serving as Lagos governor had become one of Nigeria’s greatest economic success stories.

According to him, “The current President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria had a vision many doubted at the time. Today, I am delighted that the dream he conceived years ago has become a reality.

“When he declared this area a Free Trade Zone, it was a very difficult decision, just as the removal of fuel subsidy was a difficult but courageous decision.

“Today, however, the benefits are evident for everyone to see. The three tiers of government are benefiting from this initiative.

“Local government chairmen now have more resources to embark on projects that directly impact the lives of their people.

“The state government is also better off because of that bold decision. That is why we are celebrating the foresight behind this initiative.

“I remember the opposition that greeted the establishment of this corridor. Many believed government had come to take over their land.

“It was a difficult period. I therefore commend everyone who nurtured and sustained the seed that was planted.

“Your (Management of Lekki Free Zone) commitment has ensured that the vision has flourished into what we have all witnessed today,” Ojelabi added.

He said even business leaders had expressed amazement at the transformation achieved through the Free Zone initiative.

Ojelabi described Tinubu as a courageous leader who carefully weighs decisions before implementing them.

“One quality that stands out about President Bola Tinubu is his courage. Whenever he takes a decision, it is because he has carefully considered it and is convinced it is in the nation’s best interest,” the forum’s chairman said.

Ojelabi expressed confidence that the administration’s tax reforms would soon yield measurable gains.

He commended the management of the zone for extending investments beyond Lagos and creating employment opportunities across Nigeria.

“Our team of APC state chairmen from the 36 states and the FCT has come, has seen and will certainly return home with valuable lessons from this visit.

“I am particularly pleased that your investments are not restricted to Lagos alone. You are expanding across the country, creating opportunities for Nigerians in many states.

“One of the most impressive aspects is employment. About 22,000 people work here, with 80 per cent being Nigerians. That is highly commendable,” he said.

Ojelabi therefore, urged the visiting APC chairmen to encourage their state governments to adopt similar economic models.

“Our chairmen will take this message back to their respective states. Having seen what is happening in Lagos, they will encourage their governments to replicate similar success stories,” he said.

Also speaking, the forum’s Secretary and Nasarawa APC Chairman, Dr Aliyu Bello, thanked the management of the LFZ, led by Mrs Adesuwa Ladoja, its  Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer. 

Bello said the visit had exposed the delegation to practical lessons in industrialisation and economic development.

“We sincerely thank you for giving us the opportunity to visit this remarkable facility

“We have seen many impressive developments and learned valuable lessons that we will take back to our respective states,” he said.

Bello said the delegation would encourage state governments to understudy the Lagos model.

“We are returning home inspired by what we have seen here in Lagos. We will encourage our state governments to study this model and attract similar investments.

“For those of us from the northern states, this visit has been particularly enlightening.

“Industrial development and job creation of this nature will help address many of the challenges confronting our communities.

“We are truly impressed by what we have seen and sincerely appreciate your efforts,” Bello said.

According to him, industrial development remains critical to addressing unemployment and insecurity.

Also Edo State APC Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, hailed Tinubu’s developmental strides in Lagos and Nigeria in general.

Tenebe said, “This place we are now, LFZ, which is a Tinubu’s legacy project, people are benefiting from the laudsbale initiative.

“Looking at the employment this has generated and that is what the President is to Nigeria. 

“That is why we believe he will be given a second term and get more votes than he has ever secured in any election, especially in Edo State.”

Earlier, management of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, LAMATA, received members of the forum at the Marina Rail Station as part of a familiarisation tour of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit, LRMT, Blue Line..

The delegation was received by the Managing Director of LAMATA, Engr. Mrs. Abimbola Akinajo, alongside the Head of Corporate Communication, Mr. Kolawole Ojelabi, who took the visitors through the history, operations, and strategic importance of the rail system to the Lagos transport ecosystem.

The forum also applauded President Tinubu for conceiving the Lagos Strategic Transport Master Plan, describing it as a visionary blueprint that has been consistently sustained and expanded by successive administrations, culminating in transformational projects that now move millions of residents safely, efficiently, and comfortably

In his address during the visit, Ojelabi commended LAMATA for its professionalism, technical competence, and dedication to delivering a world-class, integrated transport system for Lagos residents.

He described the Blue Line as a visible testament to the power of visionary leadership and continuity in governance, noting that the project reflects the long-term development philosophy initiated by President Tinubu during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State.

“What we have seen today is a clear demonstration that when leaders plan with the future in mind and successive administrations remain committed to implementing those plans, the people become the ultimate beneficiaries. 

“The Lagos Rail Mass Transit Blue Line is a legacy project that should inspire other states across the federation,” Ojelabi stated.

The apparently impressed delegation, later undertook a ride on the Blue Line from Marina to Mile 2, where members experienced first-hand the comfort, safety, efficiency, and operational excellence of Nigeria’s first intra-city electric rail system.

The forum expressed confidence that the Lagos model offers valuable lessons for other states seeking to build modern, sustainable urban transport systems across Nigeria

Responding, LAMATA boss, Akinajo, thanked the APC forum for the visit and their commendation.

Akinajo, reaffirmed LAMATA’s commitment to developing and managing an efficient, safe, reliable, and sustainable integrated transport system that meets international standards.

She noted that the achievements recorded in Lagos’ transport sector are the result of deliberate planning, institutional continuity, and the unwavering support of successive Lagos State administrations in implementing the transport master plan.

APC Chairmen also visited Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu at his Iga-Idungaran Palace, Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Lagos Deep Sea Port, Eko Atlantic City.