The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has extended his congratulations to the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, the French people and the business community in Lagos State and Nigeria on the occasion of the French National Day which is celebrated annually on July 14th.
Governor Sanwo-Olu’s felicitation was contained in his goodwill message delivered yesterday by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. ‘Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin at a reception organised by the French Consulate, Lagos. The Governor noted that the echoes of the French Revolution resonate with the struggles of Nigerian heroes who fought for Nigerian independence, democracy and human rights. He emphasised that Nigeria has a rich history of striving for a more just and equitable society just like France.
He said, “Our two nations have a long history of collaboration. We share a commitment to cultural exchange and economic development. As we celebrate Bastille Day, let us recommit ourselves to strengthening these ties, for the benefit of both our nations and the wider world, particularly in the realm of trade”.
Sanwo-Olu reiterated that Nigeria remains France’s leading trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa having about 100 French companies in different locations, and expressed delight for the continuation of the valuable partnership which holds immense potential and opportunities for both countries.
He added that Lagos State, Nigeria’s industrial and commercial heart, is proud to be home to numerous French businesses. Mr. Governor asked the Consulate General of France, Mr. Laurent Favier to convey the goodwill message of the heartfelt wishes of the State Government and the good people of Lagos State to the French President.
Earlier in his address, the French Consul General in Lagos, Laurent Favier thanked Governor Sanwo-Olu for his unwavering support and felicitation on the French National Day. He said the Day was special for the French people as it symbolises their national unity and values that guide France’s action while promoting international solidarity, peace, democracy and multilateralism.
Favier applauded the flourishing bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and France in various sectors, noting that the collaboration has even gotten better following the emergence of Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu as President.
He also noted that Nigeria is France’s first trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa, having over 60% of French investments with approximately 10 billion Euros FDI in Nigeria in addition to 10,000 Nigerians being engaged by French companies in Nigeria.
The reception was also attended by the Consuls General of other countries, Speaker, Lagos House of Assembly, Rt. Honourable Mudashiru Obasa; Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, captains of industries and Erelu Odua, Dr. Abiola Dosunmu, among others.
