GOV. ABIODUN  HAILS  NSC REPORTS ON OGUN IGR

Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun

AFRICA/CARIBBEAN NEWS FOR THE WASHINGTON INFORMER (THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2024

LAGOS, Nigeria — Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has hailed the reports of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), which listed the state among the best in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in the country, The Daily Post reportred on undy, November 3, 2024,

Speaking during the public unveiling and commissioning of the Olumo Courts service apartments and associated facilities in Abeokuta on Saturday, Governor Abiodun quoting the NBS report, noted that Ogun State’s internally generated revenue has surpassed that of several states, showcasing its economic resilience and growth.

The governor said through various policies that his administration has been able to grow the economic base of the state to an enviable position where it no longer needs to rely too much on federal allocations.

“According to a recent report by the National Bureau of Statistics, Ogun State generated more revenue than five states in one zone and six in another in 2023. We are among the few states that can thrive without federal support,” he stated.

He described Olumo Courts, located in Ibara, Abeokuta, as a significant project aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents.

Governor Abiodun acknowledged the criticism his administration faced regarding the urbanregeneration efforts in the Government Reserved Area (GRA) of Ibara. He emphasized that the successful establishment of Olumo Courts, championed by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has strengthened his administration’s resolve to transform urban areas throughout the state.

“We initiated the Urban Renewal of Abeokuta, starting in Ibara GRA, despite facing substantial criticism. The achievements of Olumo Courts reaffirm that we are on the right track,” he remarked.

Abiodun highlighted that initiatives like Olumo Courts, along with the construction of over 4,000 housing units in the past five years, have bolstered the state’s economy.

The governor praised former President Obasanjo as a remarkable figure whose vision has paved the way for projects like Olumo Courts, which features 36 luxury smart apartments equipped with modern amenities such as a swimming pool, tennis court, gym, and squash court. He called for Ogun State’s citizens to draw inspiration from this initiative.

Abiodun noted that Olumo Courts will not only enhance the architectural landscape but also create job opportunities and attract investments, particularly from the diaspora. He explained that the project’s approval process took 17 months due to necessary redesigns to align with urban regeneration goals.

The governor reiterated his commitment to supporting projects that enhance the state’s economic foundation.

In his opening remarks, Prince Rotimi Martins, a member of the Olumo Courts development team, described the project as the first smart city estate in the GRA, symbolizing growth and investment potential for the state

 

CAPTION: Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has

 

 

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PRICE SMART FEELING FOREIGN EXCHANGE CRUNCH IN TRINIDAD

 

PriceSmart, identified in 2015 by former Central Bank Governor Jwala Rambarran as the leading user of US dollars in Trinidad and Tobago’s retail and distribution sectors, says that ongoing challenges due to limited US dollar availability in this country have impacted its ability to convert T&T dollars to meet its obligations and support investments. Despite these constrainis, however, PriceSmart was able to reduce its T&T dollar holdings  billion dollars (US$82.3 million).

PriceSmart, headquartered in San Diego, California, owns and operates US-style membership shopping warehouse clubs in Latin America and the Caribbean.It has four warehouse clubs in Trinidad and Tobago.

“Periodically, we experience a lack of availability of US dollars in certain markets (US dollar illiquidity). This can and has impeded our ability to convert local currencies obtained through merchandise sales into US dollars to settle the US dollar liabilities associated with our imported products and to otherwise redeploy these funds in our company,” it stated

Pricesmart said this illiquidity also increases our foreign exchange exposure to any devaluation of the local currency relative to the US dollar

“For instance, during fiscal year 2021, we experienced significant limitations on our ability to convert Trinidad dollars to US dollars or other tradable currencies. Our balance as of August 31, 2023 of Trinidad dollar denominated cash and cash equivalents and short and long-term investments measured in US dollars was $18.2 million, a decrease of $82.3 million from the peak of $100.5 million as of November 30, 2020,” PriceSmart stated.

PriceSmart said since 2017 it has been unable to source a sufficient level of foreign exchange.

EzoicIt however said it is working with its bankers in Trinidad and Tobago as well as government officials “to convert all of our Trinidad dollars into tradeable currencies.”

 

CAPTION; PriceSmart reported that it is required to maintain a certificate of deposit and/or security deposits of Trinidad compensating balances for several US dollar- and euro-denominated loans payable over several years.