Obasanjo Reacts To Tobacco Company Return

– Olusegun Obasanjo extols BAT

– Obasanjo says foreign direct investment is essential to the country’s economy

Former president Olusegun Obasanjo has reacted to the recent commissioning of the head office of British American Tobacco in Lagos.

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Olusegun Obasanjo says the gesture is part of government’s efforts to drive in foreign direct investment.

The Nation reports that the former president, who was the chief guest at the event which took place in Ikoyi, on Tuesday, February 9, described the commissioning as a major landmark as well as a demonstration of government’s efforts aimed at ushering in foreign direct investment (FDI).

Obasanjo disclosed that BAT was one of the first companies that accepted his administration’s invitation to invest in Nigeria. He said the feat was actualised after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between BAT and the government in 2001.

The elder statesman, who lauded the role of the private sector in economic development and jobs creation, reiterated the significant role that companies like BAT play in the country.

Obasanjo said: “Almost a decade and a half after the signing of the MOU, we are again at BAT to witness another milestone. I’m particularly delighted because this head office building showcases faith in Nigeria and BAT’s continued investment in Nigeria.”

The ex-president, who was also a special guest at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun state, on Friday, February 5, during his speech described corruption as a ‘hydra-headed monster’ and stressed that the fight against it must start from the top.

He advised President Muhammadu Buhari to commence his anti-corruption war with himself, the vice president, the Senate president as well as the speaker of the House of Representatives.

Obasanjo, who is renowned for his openness as well as his lashing out at any highly placed personality that err in the discharge of duty, recently took a swipe at former president Goodluck Jonathan. Speaking at an event titled “an evening with Obasanjo” which was organised by the staff club of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, said Jonathan did not act fast on the issue of the Chibok girls when he was first informed about it hence the problems in its wake.