The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has presented a certificate of approval to First Bank Group to commence construction of its eco-friendly headquarters in Eko Atlantic City.

Sanwo-Olu made the presentation during his speech at the ground-breaking ceremony held on Wednesday.

The bank has announced that it is constructing a 40 -storey edifice, set to be the tallest building in Nigeria. It described the project as an engineering and environmental marvel, featuring technologically advanced, eco-friendly, and sophisticated construction that will set a new standard for the financial services sector in Africa.

He said, “FirstBank, as always, has taken the lead. I want to thank the visionaries who have created a new city that will serve as Africa’s model city — one we will all be proud of. Mr Femi Otedola, well done. Well done to your board and well done to your management. CBN Governor, thank you for the approval. We hope you extend similar approvals to other financial institutions, as there is space for them too.

“I am now handing over a certificate of approval for them to commence work immediately.”

The ceremony was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima; the governors of Ogun and Ondo states, Dapo Abiodun and Lucky Aiyedatiwa; the founder of Dangote Industries, Aliko Dangote; the co-founders of the Chagoury Group, Gilbert and Roland Chagoury; Dr Deji Adeleke; Tunde Folawiyo; Bukola Saraki; and other dignitaries.

[3/5, 16:25] Sylvester Oboh: Court Orders INEC To Recognise NRM’s Leadership Led By Edozie Njoku

Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise the leadership of the National Rescue Movement (NRM) that emerged from the party emergency national convention held in Abuja on January 17.

The emergency convention held to fill vacant positions in the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and correct lopsidedness in its composition, produced Edozie Njoku as NRM’s National Chairman.

Since the convention was held, INEC refused to accept the outcome of the convention on the grounds that it did not monitor the exercise, a position Justice Egwuatu faulted in a judgment delivered this Wednesday.

The judgment was on a suit filed by the NRM, with INEC as sole respondent.

Justice Egwuatu held that there was evidence that NRM served on INEC, a valid notice of its emergency national convention, and that it was wrong for the electoral body to have refused to monitor the exercise as the law mandates it to do.

The judge further held that the notice from the NRM, not being short of the required 21 days, INEC had no reason not to have monitored the emergency convention.

The judge said he was convinced that the NRM effectively made out a case to warrant the grant of the reliefs sought.

Justice Egwuatu declared that pursuant to the provisions of Sections 82(1)} and 83 (1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, the respondent is under a constitutional obligation to accept and monitor the emergency convention of the applicant (NRM). to fill vacancy and correct lopsidedness in its National Executive Committee (NEC).

He also declared that failure of the respondent (INEC) to accept and monitor the emergency convention of the applicant, to fill vacancy and correct lopsidedness in its NEC amounted, to a refusal/failure to discharge its constitutional and/or public duty contrary to the provisions of Sections 82(1) and 83 (1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, and therefore unconstitutional and unlawful.

The judge proceeded to issue an order of mandamus compelling INEC “to accept and monitor the emergency convention of the applicant to fill a vacancy, and correct lopsidedness in its NEC and recognize the decision or outcome of the convention.”