Latest news with #Oba
Zawya
29-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Nigeria: Oba of Lagos expresses interest to attract investors for housing development
The Oba of Lagos, HRM Oba Rilwan Babatunde Osuolale Aremu Akiolu, has expressed his enthusiasm for attracting investors to Lagos State to develop the housing sector. The monarch made this known during a courtesy visit by the Board Members of the Africa International Housing Show (AIHS) to his palace. According to the Oba, one of the most effective ways to create wealth globally is through real estate. He, therefore, urged the organisation to expand its reach globally to attract foreign investment and develop housing projects in Lagos State. To facilitate this, he pledged to provide up to 1,000 acres of land for housing development, assuring his full support for the initiative. The monarch also appealed to the government to find ways to alleviate the suffering of citizens and called on Nigerians to work together with the government to build a better country. He advised citizens to be hardworking and avoid greed, emphasising the importance of collective effort in national development. The Africa International Housing Show is advocating for affordable housing, with the organisation's board member, Olutoyin Ayinde, a former President of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), highlighting the need for collaborative efforts to make housing more accessible. The Oba's influence, Ayinde noted, would be crucial in advancing this cause, potentially even drawing the attention of the President of Nigeria to the event. The 19th edition of the Africa International Housing Show is expected to feature a session with foreign investors who will exhibit their products. The CEO of Housing TV Africa and Coordinator of AIHS, Festus Adebayo, emphasised that the event's main focus is to promote locally made housing materials. He, therefore, sought the Oba's blessing to enhance advocacy for home ownership and affordable housing. In a related discussion, Olajumoke Akinwunmi, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Alitheia Capital, stressed the importance of self-regulation within the industry. She called for the adoption of local building materials and backwards integration in the construction value chain to reduce reliance on imported goods. According to her, this approach would not only create jobs but also make housing development more sustainable. Adeniyi Akinlusi, Managing Director and CEO of Lekki Worldwide Investments Limited, echoed this sentiment, noting that attracting foreign investors who produce goods locally would create jobs and stimulate economic growth. He expressed optimism that Lagos State is open for business and ready to provide an enabling environment for investors. The Oba's endorsement and support are seen as pivotal in advancing the goals of the Africa International Housing Show and promoting affordable housing in Lagos State.
Times of Oman
29-03-2025
- Sport
- Times of Oman
Oman seal spot in FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup after reaching Asian Cup final
MUSCAT- In a clash of former champions, Oman upset Japan 3-2 in their AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup Thailand 2025 semi-final in Pattaya on Saturday. The win also sealed Talib Hilal-coached side its ticket to the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Seychelles will face three-time champions Islamic Republic of Iran in the final on Sunday. This will be the sixth appearance for Oman in the global showpiece event, and fourth in a row since making their debut at the worlds in 2011. All the participation have been under Talib Hilal, a rare achievement for a coach. Oman made it to the World Cup finals in 2015, 2019, 2021 and 2024. Except for a few weak charges from Japan, the first few minutes of the high-stakes game saw both former champions adopting a cagey approach. Oman, champions in 2015, burst into life in the eighth minute when Yahya's long-range shot from the right flank went past Japan's Takaaki Oba, Ozu Moreira and goalkeeper Takeru Furusato before settling in the net. Teruki Tabata's charges had a chance to restore parity in the final minute of the first period but Oba's bicycle kick beat Oman keeper Younis Al Owaisi but not the crossbar. The first few minutes of the second period saw Oba's repeated attempts thwarted by the woodwork and the Oman backline, but Japan finally found their equaliser in the 17th minute through Chikara Eguro. Eguro capitalised on a deflection after Oba's attempt was blocked and sent a left-footed shot from a difficult angle past the Oman custodian. Japan took the lead in the 21st minute when captain Ryota Tsuboya received a precise lobbed pass from Kosuke Matsuda and beat Oman's Mushel Al Araimi to find the back of the net, giving Japan the advantage ahead of the second break. Three minutes into the final period, it was all square once again as Oman goalkeeper Younis's throw found Abdullah Salim at the other end, whose acrobatic effort sent the ball into the centre of the Japan net. Oman then regained their lead when Younis' shot from the Oman goal line went unchallenged, sailing straight into the Japan net as they advanced to the final in stunning fashion.
