Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has hailed the formal inauguration of the Oniru Business Council as a premier model for how traditional leadership can strategically drive economic development and social stability.
Speaking during the business session of the inaugural Oniru Business and Cultural Day held at the Oniru Palace on Saturday, the Governor praised the Oniru of Iru Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, OON, for his purposeful dedication to transforming the kingdom into a hub of modern commerce.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, noted that the evolution of the Oniru axis from a quiet residential area to a powerhouse of real estate, hospitality, and creative enterprise is a testament to the power of strategic collaboration between the state and traditional institutions.
“The Kabiyesi has shown that when traditional institutions provide stability and clarity of vision, investors respond positively. Your stewardship affirms a timeless truth that tradition and progress are not opposing forces; they are complementary pillars upon which enduring and sustainable development is built,” the Governor stated.
Strengthening the Economic Foundation
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Development Agenda, emphasizing that Lagos remains a stable and forward-looking environment for investors, even as the nation approaches a new electoral cycle. He highlighted that the state’s focus on SMEs, digital entrepreneurship, and vocational training ensures that economic growth is felt by the many rather than the few.
Reinforcing this sentiment, the Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Bada-Ambrose, described the Oniru Business Network as a vital bridge between the public and private sectors. She noted that the state is actively seeking fresh investments in manufacturing, technology, renewable energy, and financial services to further boost competitiveness.
A Vision of Peace Through Partnership
In his remarks, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal explained that the establishment of the Business Council was the result of years of consultation with stakeholders who desired more structured and inclusive growth within Iru Land.
The Monarch emphasized that the council serves as an institutional platform to ensure that the rapid development of the area benefits both the host communities and the corporate entities operating within them.
“We gather not merely to celebrate culture, but to create a platform where culture, commerce, and community development reinforce one another. Our people desire development that benefits both host communities and investors… where engagement replaces uncertainty and collaboration replaces isolation,” the Oniru said.
The event concluded with a clear message to the business community: the Oniru Business Council will act as a permanent vehicle for dialogue, ensuring that the Peace Through Partnership philosophy continues to guide the kingdom’s economic trajectory.
