By Emmanuel Abi Couson
Akwa Ibom community in Lagos under the aegis of Akwa Ibom Alliance for Good Governance, Lagos State Chapter, says the Ibom Towers project shows Governor Umo Eno as a leader with foresight who is smart and well-informed enough to timely key into the the real estate business which is the rave of the moment in Lagos State.
The statement signed by the Chapter President of Akwa Ibom Alliance for Good Governance in Lagos State, Engr Godwin Okon says there is no investment that Governor Umo Eno would have done for the people of Akwa Ibom State that can be compared to the prospect and projected gains of a real estate business.
The statement further added that the hotbed of Real Estate Business in Nigeria is Lagos State, hence the Governor is doing the right thing at the right place and at the right time.
The statement reads: “the decision of Governor Umo Eno to build a 19 storey ultra modern commercial tower to replace the old, dilapidated and moribund Governor’s Lodge at Victoria Island, Lagos is a well thought out idea.
“We are celebrate and appreciate him for playing Akwa Ibom State into the big league. This spirit of investment will bring our State to be at par with other economically viable States in Nigeria. And if we must mention, Lagos State is number one. What makes Lagos a cente of excellence is the wisdom of the leaders in investment. This is more pronounced in real estate business.”
“Akwa Ibom State Alliance for Good Governance further justified its commendation on Governor Eno on the Ibom Towers project:
“In Nigeria, the real estate market market is anticipated to achieve a value of US$2.42tn by 2024.
Among the various segments within the market, residential real estate holds the largest share, with a projected market volume of US$2.08tn by 2024.
Over the period of 2024-2029, the market is expected to exhibit a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.10%, resulting in a market volume of US$3.41tn by 2029.
“When compared globally, United States is projected to generate the highest value in the real estate market sector, amounting to US$132.0tn in 2024.
Amazingly, the real estate market in Nigeria is experiencing a surge in demand for luxury apartments in major cities. First of all, Akwa Ibom State is even very lucky to have have a property in such choice area.”
The said real estate is the best investment, and Lagos is an excellent destination.
“The real estate business is more pronounced in Lagos because there is the economic powerhouse of Nigeria with prospects from the diplomatic community, multinational companies coupled with its advantage of population. Or have they also forgotten that Lagos is a former capital of Nigeria?
With its growing population, rapid urbanization and flourishing economy, Lagos has become a hotbed of real estate activity. Is that a location anyone should think twice before investing?
Understanding the prevailing trends in Lagos real estate is germane for smart investors and homebuyers. High-net-worth individuals and international investors are flocking to the city, driving the demand for upscale properties like Governor projects for the Ibom Tower.”
According to them, “As people who have lived for varying number of decades Lagos, they are the best people to give credible opinion on the idea of a real estate business in Lagos State, noting that Governor Umo Eno is on track, and must be commended.
The group acknowledged that Governor Umo Eno’s Investments in real estate did not start in Lagos. They made reference to the ARISE Estate in at Mbierebe Akpawat in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area, the Dakkada Luxury Estate along Airport Road, the Luxury Estate at Samuel Bill Avenue (Uruan Street) the Emily Estate along Idongesit Nkanga Avenue and the newest addition, the proposed Aviation Estate in Uruan, all in Akwa Ibom State.
They highlighted, “the icing on the cake in Governor Umo Eno’s revolution in real estate is the 19-storey Ibom Towers in Lagos which comes with 32 residential apartments comprising one bedroom apartment with boys quarters, two bedroom apartments, three bedroom apartments with boy’s quarters and three bedroom sky apartments with boy’s quarters. This has huge economic gains for Akwa Ibom State when it is eventually completed and put to use.
The Akwa Ibom community in Lagos used the opportunity to thank Governor Eno for the various programmes and initiatives of his administration, especially the ones that are targeted on youth development and empowerment. “Let us specifically thank him for the Akwa Ibom youths employment portal recently launched. We in Lagos State here have already registered, and it gives us that sense of belonging and pride that our own State is not relegated to the background in terms of creativity and innovation.
“We are also aware of the compassionate homes, food distribution programme to the vulnerable and other programmes aimed at alleviating the poverty prevailing in Nigeria,” the group enthused.
It further hailed the governor on the Ibom-LED Entrepreneurship Accelerator Programme and the aggressive rural development as well as drive and vision for food sufficiency.
They have advised the governor not to be deterred by critics, as that is a sign that the project is worth it. “Every time government brings well-intentioned for the State, it is always criticised in the beginning and celebrated in the end. Obong Victor Attah got his share in the Ibom Airport, Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort and Plaza projects, Chief Godswill Akpabio had his in International Stadium and Tropicana while Mr Udom Emmanuel was visited in the 21 storey building, International Worship Centre and even expansion of Oron Road. But today, these are the landmark projects of their respective administrations. Just go on because we are proud of you and are solidly behind you.”
They assured Governor Umo Eno that Ibom Towers will be celebrated in few years to come. “Your Excellency, we can assure you that the 19:storey ultra modern Ibom Towers will soon become the cynosure of all eyes, and the naysayers will change their tunes and commend you for the vision and the foresight. You are doing a right project at the right place and at the right time.”
