Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Thursday pledged his commitment to creating an enabling environment for investors as a way of creating jobs for youths in the State.
Ambode made the pledge in Ikeja while receiving a delegation of Walmart Incorporated, a leading global brand in retail supermarket.
He said the state was ready to give necessary support to assist investors in establishing presence in the state.
According to him, the presence of the brand in Lagos will go a long way, not only to create jobs for teeming youths, but also boost the economy of the state.
He said the success story of the brand, which currently operates in 28 countries with over 2.2 million employees, would be beneficial to the growth of the state.
The governor said it would also help in actualising his vision to make life comfortable for residents.
“That summarises the reason Walmart has to berth in Lagos. We are committed to expanding the business scope for Walmart and like I said, I am interested in having your brand signature in Lagos.
“You have been pro-people and that is why we find a congress between the objectives of Walmart and Lagos State Government.
“We have a population of over 21 million people and four million of that population is in the middle class. We have a bulging youth that is craving for employment.
“And whatever it is that we do, we want to make sure that we attract as much investment in Lagos that can help us to take our youths off the streets and give them employment”.
President and Chief Executive Officer of Walmart Europe, Middle East, Africa and Canada, Mrs. Shelley Broader, acknowledged the investment opportunities that abound in the state.
Broader said the Group was ready to expand its business horizon and create jobs for the people.
