FirstBank Group Gains Governor Sanwo-Olu’s Backing for 43-Storey Eco-Friendly Headquarters

Kehinde Adeleye

In a momentous event for Lagos State and the FirstBank Group, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu presented the financial institution with a Certificate of Approval for the construction of its cutting-edge 43-storey eco-friendly headquarters in Eko Atlantic City.

The presentation took place during the groundbreaking ceremony for the new bank headquarters, attended by key stakeholders including FirstHoldCo Chairman Femi Otedola, FirstBank Group CEO Olusegun Alebiosu, and top government officials.

Governor Sanwo-Olu commended FirstBank Group’s leadership and vision, lauding the institution’s ambitious project as a catalyst for the future growth of Eko Atlantic City.

He also praised President Bola Tinubu’s pivotal role in transforming the city from the Atlantic Ocean’s Bar Beach into a thriving urban center.

As Nigeria’s tallest building upon completion, the FirstBank headquarters will stand as a testament to the nation’s innovation and sustainability efforts.

Governor Sanwo-Olu believes that this investment will have a significant impact on the future development of Eko Atlantic City, serving as a model for sustainable growth and progress in Africa.

He said: “Just yesterday (Tuesday), we laid the foundation for Lagos Financial International Centre. We told ourselves that we want to set Lagos on a trajectory that it would be the envy not only in Africa but the entire world. We want Lagos to be the centrepiece of finance and commerce out of Africa.

“It would be Africa’s model mega city that is safe, secure, and willing to take the mantle of leadership also in the financial sector. And less than 24 hours after the meeting, Mr. Femi Otedola has brought us here (Eko Atlantic City) to begin the realisation of a Lagos International Financial Centre.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu, while commending the audacity of Femi Otedola, the board and management of FirstBank Group in building the bank’s headquarter in Eko Atlantic City, charged other financial institutions to follow suit.

“This is a clarion call to other big financial institutions. FirstBank, as usual, has been the first bank in our country to lead the road; it is now time for all of you to follow suit. I am ready to do the groundbreaking. I will create enabling environments for investors to bring their investments into Eko Atlantic City,” he said.

The groundbreaking event was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Governors Dapo Abiodun (Ogun) and Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki; business magnates, Gilbert and Roland Chagoury, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Mr. Femi Otedola, Dr. Deji Adeleke, Alhaji Mohammed Indimi, and Senator Daisy Danjuma, among others.