Elumelu says Lagos in for big surprise, as Sanwo-Olu opens UBA office

 

BY OUR EDITOR

The Chairman, UBA Group, Mr. Tony Elumelu, has revealed plans to develop more iconic properties in Lagos State, using a sister company, Afriland Properties.

At the official commissioning of a UBA business office located at the remodelled Afriland Towers on Lagos Island, Elumelu who is also the Chairman of Heirs Holdings, owners of both UBA and Afriland, said Lagos was in for a big surprise as Afriland was set to develop new projects that would match the state’s position as Centre of Excellence.

The new office was inaugurated by the Governor of Lagos state, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who congratulated the UBA management and Afriland for the beautiful edifice, adding that the bank has remained a principal stakeholder in the development of Lagos, constantly creating jobs and opportunities for Nigerians.

“It is interesting to note that Afriland has been developing some iconic properties, and today is a wonderful and joyous moment to see that this building which has a lot of rich history, is back to life. We call it the rebirth, and we appreciate all the planning that has gone into the creation of this beautiful and clean world-class masterpiece,” Elumelu said.

He added: “Indeed, this is just a tip of what we want to do at Falamo in Ikoyi. We are going to develop a world-class integrated complex at Falomo, and everyone will be pleased at the outcome.”

According to Elumelu, the idea to build the new business office in Afriland towers was borne out of the need to solidify past successes recorded by the bank, as well as create new vistas for the growth of businesses.

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On his part, the Lagos State Governor, congratulated UBA and Afriland on the major feat of developing a beautiful edifice such as Afriland, adding that Elumelu was known for coming up with great ideas that boost employment opportunities for Nigerians.

He said, “This is a historic event today and it is a great honour to be here to see the kind of possibilities that can be achieved when you set your mind to it, and what you can turn an un-earning asset into.

“It is very interesting to note that that this house, formerly called the Raymond House has a rich history, and this is quite nostalgic for me because like some of you may know, I used to work with UBA and this place was the head office where everyone wanted to be because everything happened here. I’m happy to know that it has such a rich history dating back to over a century ago.”

“We plan to rebuild some of our old structures in Lagos state such as the old Oluwole market, the children’s hospital at Martins street, among others. We will also be building a cable car project into Lagos Island and all the buildings that have gone down will be rebuilt to meet up with international standards that Afriland has shown us here today,” Sanwo Olu added.

The Oba of Lagos, congratulated UBA for continuing to contribute positively to the economy as a financial institution that cares about the communities in which it operates.

The Managing Director, Afriland Properties, Uzo Oshogwe, gave a brief history of Afriland Towers, noting that the former Raymond House was built in 1886.