Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has commended the Oniru Business and Cultural Day, describing it as a model of how leadership can responsibly shape development.
Sanwo-Olu made the remark during the business session of the formal inauguration of the Oniru Business Council and celebration of the Cultural Day held at Oniru Palace, Iru, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Saturday.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, the governor said his administration has focused on strengthening the foundations of economic prosperity through the T.H.E.M.E.S.+ development agenda.
He noted that as the nation approaches another electoral cycle, conversations around leadership, development and economic sustainability naturally come to the forefront.
“In Lagos, we have deliberately embraced the principle of an inclusive economy,” he said.
“The transformation of the Oniru axis itself tells a powerful story. What was once largely residential and underdeveloped has become a prime destination for hospitality, real estate, commerce and creative enterprise. This did not happen by chance. It is the product of strategic planning, strong collaboration with the traditional institution, and investor confidence in the stability of Lagos.”
The governor added that the Oniru Business and Cultural Day demonstrates how traditional institutions can provide stability and clarity of vision, encouraging investor confidence and shared prosperity.
He explained that targeted programmes supporting SMEs, digital entrepreneurship, the creative economy and vocational training are expanding economic opportunities across the state. He assured the business community that Lagos will remain stable and open for investment despite the approaching election season.
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folashade Bada-Ambrose, described Lagos as a state built on heritage, innovation and collaboration.
She said traditional institutions remain vital in shaping community-driven development and fostering investment confidence.
“The Oniru Business Network provides a platform for dialogue, alignment and shared accountability because government cannot act in isolation,” she said.
She affirmed that the state continues to welcome investment in key sectors including manufacturing, technology, agriculture value chains, renewable energy, the creative economy and financial services.
Speaking at the event, the Oniru of Iru Kingdom, Omogbolahan Lawal, described the initiative as the institutional expression of a long-standing vision for coordinated and inclusive growth.
He said over the past five years, engagements with stakeholders in Iruland consistently highlighted the need for structured dialogue and inclusive prosperity.
“Our people desire development that benefits both host communities and investors,” he said.
Lawal added that the Oniru Business and Cultural Day embodies the philosophy of “Peace Through Partnership,” creating a platform where culture, commerce and community development reinforce one another.
Stakeholders at the event emphasised that stronger collaboration between government, traditional institutions and the private sector would be critical in sustaining economic growth and maintaining investor confidence in Lagos.
