By Mercy IyeneAbasi Etim
In an apparent disregard of instructions from IPOB sympathizers to businessmen of Igbo extraction to move their businesses out of Lagos, Obi Cubana, has launched yet another business in Ikorodu, Lagos State.
Obi Cubana, a prominent Igbo businessman (real name Obinna Iyiegbu) from Anambra State, faced criticism for establishing his tricycle assembly plant in Lagos. Defending his choice of Lagos, and not any state in the Southeast, Obi Cubana declared, “Business decisions aren’t driven by emotions, but by strategy and what works.”
“If setting up the plant in Ikorodu, Lagos will make it thrive and create jobs, then why not? Maybe with time, the business can expand to other locations, based on proven success and consolidation.” Cubana spoke.
The successful entrepreneur also warned, “Don’t let ethnicity or the fear of what people will say dictate your business decisions, make informed, strategic choices with the big picture in mind. Remember, when your business fails, opinions won’t save it,” he remarked.
Driven by a desire to create jobs and attract investment, Cubana, a seasoned entrepreneur, believes Lagos provides the optimal platform.
Obi Cubana is not alone in his views. Many Igbo businesspeople share his perspective, having thrived in Lagos’ welcoming environment under Governor Sanwo-Olu’s inclusive policies.
Only recently, celebrity barman and socialite Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, revealed that the insecurity in the Southeast forced him to relocate his business to Lagos State. He added that since that move, his business has evidently flourished immensely.
The businessman adds that in Lagos, his business continues to enjoy freedom to thrive, is secured and enjoys high patronage unlike in his hometown where the fear of kidnapping and killing has driven away customers and frustrated business owners.
While Lagos State isn’t without its own unique challenges, the Sanwo-Olu administration is actively working to create a more favorable business environment. His commitment is evident in the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Development Agenda, a roadmap for accelerating the state’s economic growth.
This agenda prioritizes policy formulation, infrastructure development, and trade expansion programs. These efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. Lagos successfully qualified for the first phase of the World Bank’s State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) program.
By meeting criteria focused on improved land management, investment promotion, and transparent fees, Lagos is demonstrating its dedication to a smoother business experience. The state’s progress within the SABER program further highlights its commitment to ongoing improvement.
Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration has also prioritized improving the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) through strategic policies and initiatives. This relentless focus is solidifying Lagos State’s position as a premier investment hub, unlocking doors to prosperity and development.
These efforts are demonstrably effective. Lagos has become an investment-driven economy, attracting capital, skilled professionals, innovative ideas, and cutting-edge technology. This virtuous cycle fosters job creation, increased productivity, and higher revenue for the state.
The success is quantifiable. Over the past year alone, Lagos has secured over ₦50 billion in investments, a testament to the combined power of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Domestic Direct Investment (DDD).
The best part is that Lagos as a fertile ground for business success isn’t limited to any one ethnicity. Lagos thrives on its diversity, welcoming entrepreneurs like the Cubanas, the Osagies, the Akpans, the Mohammeds, the Femis, and foreigners from all over the world.