By ADEYEMI ADELEYE

The All Progressives Congress (APC) State Chairmen’s Forum has described the Lekki Free Zone (LFZ)as a testament to President Bola Tinubu’s foresight and visionary leadership.

The forum said during a visit by its members to the Lekki Free Zone in Lagos on Saturday .

It said Tinubu’s bold economic decisions had continued to deliver tangible benefits to governments, businesses and Nigerians.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the APC chairmen in 36 states and FCT were led by the Chairman of the forum and Lagos APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi to the zone.

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

“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,” Ojelabi said.

He recalled that the project initially encountered stiff resistance from residents of the host communities.

“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 said.

He said even business leaders had expressed delight 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 chairman 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.

He 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 LFZ, led by Mrs Adesuwa Ladoja.

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

He said: “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.

Earlier, Ladoja highlighted the achievements of Tolaram Lagos Free Zone, saying that the headquarters of the company is in Singapore with presence in Asia, Africa and Europe.

NAN reports that the APC chairmen also visited the palace of the Oba of Lagos, Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Lagos Deep Sea Port, and Eko Atlantic City. (NAN)