Press Releases

Fashola Calls For Provision Of Direct Air Link With Brazil And Argentina

Oct 25, 2008 - Lagos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN) on Saturday called for the establishment of direct air links between Brazil, Argentina and Nigeria, saying the present arrangement of flying over 21 hours from the coast of Lagos to Europe only to go back down will not foster efficient business relationship.

Governor Fashola who stated this in an interview with newsmen at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) Ikeja on his arrival from an official trip to Brazil and Argentina added that the only thing that separate Nigeria from Latin America is the Atlantic Ocean with a direct flight taking not more than seven hours, promising that such a possibility represents one of the leads he would be pursuing to enable more direct contacts take place.

Governor Fashola informed that there were so many things to learn from the trip as it is very instructive that in less 15 years Brazil has turned its economy around through a commitment of the people and its leadership, urging Nigeria to learn from the immediacy of the Brazilian experience and avoid her mistakes as the nation strives to become a developed nation.

He called for a rethink of the decision by the Federal Government to give up the hosting rights of next year FIFA Under- 17 World Cup, saying, with the decision, Nigeria may be sending a very dangerous investment signal to the outside world.

He added that the hosting rights would provide an opportunity for the country to demonstrate to the outside world that Nigeria is very safe.

In his words: “I was hoping and praying that what I have read about the decision is not true. I t would be an ill –advised decision if it has been taken”.

He explained that with all the players, officials, coaching assistants and visitors that would come into the country, they would act as ambassadors for the country and tell the outside world that they went to Nigeria and enjoyed their stay and would wish to go back to the country again.

Governor Fashola added that football represents a serious unifying force for the country and for which it is internationally acclaimed, revealing that at his meeting with the Argentine Vice President, the first issue discussed before other businesses was football and the exploits of Nigerian international players.

The Governor added that it is really sad that it has happened and called for an appraisal of the situation with all Nigerians asking themselves the individual question, ‘what are the purposes for hosting the U-17 competition’?

He reiterated that part of the benefits of hosting the competition is in terms of opportunity to create jobs which it provides just as it is also an opportunity to diversify the economy through tourist traffic, both of which are part of the seven point agenda of the present Federal Government.

Said he: “It is also an opportunity to take us towards Vision 2020 as one of the leading economies of the world which can only happen if we interact with the rest of the world”.

He cited the example of South Africa which is bidding to host the 2010 World Cup in South Africa as a country which is building roads, rails, housing estates and stadia as part of its preparations, adding that the Eastern part of London which used to be more or less a slum is being rebuilt in preparation for the Olympics billed to be hosted by London.

“Some of you were in Ghana and you saw what the Ghanaian government did with the hosting of the Nation’s Cup, featuring a total remake of the Police with new cars, guns and other equipment. Hotel business also boomed”, Governor Fashola added.

He emphasized that it was from the COJA Games hosting that a new games village was built in Abuja where several Nigerians are now living today, recalling that a similar hosting of the 1973 All African Games gave Nigeria the opportunity to develop the games village in Surulere which presently shelter many Nigerians.

Governor Fashola added that soccer represents a serious unifying force for the country and for which it is internationally acclaimed, revealing that at his meeting with the Argentine Vice President, the first issue discussed before other businesses was football and the exploits of Nigerian international players.

On complaints by the Federal Roads Safety Commission (FRSC) of not being formally informed about the decision of Lagos to divert traffic on the Apapa -Oshodi Expressway for the construction of Okota- Itire Iink Bridge, the Governor said the issue of administration should not bug down developmental initiatives as the proposed bridge will not only relief traffic, it would also connect seven local government areas by providing them with an alternative.

He added that Lagos State has always demonstrated its willingness to work with the Federal Government and its agencies and would also do the same now, stressing that the issue of not been carried along must play second fiddle.

Governor Fashola added that if the FRSC had not been invited before now to be part of the traffic diversion exercise, it is being invited now to join the exercise.