CBN DEPUTY GOVERNOR ADVOCATES INCREASE IN PPP

BY MICHAEL EBOH
Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Tunde Lemo, has called for an increase in Private-Public Partnership, PPP, saying this will help fast track the country's economic development.

Speaking at the commissioning of a N60 million ultra-modern clinic donated by his foundation, Tunde Lemo Foundation, to the Nigerian Red Cross in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Lemo said Nigerians should not expect government to do everything in terms of driving the growth and development of the country.

He stated that Private- Public Partnership, PPP, is needed to achieve the much desired rapid economic growth.

On the donation to the Nigerian Red Cross, Lemo said the health facility is one way of assisting humanity, stressing that it would go a long way to meeting the health needs of the people in the vicinity and environs.

He explained that the fund was provided by friends of the Foundation, stating that TLF has also acquired five acres of land in the state to construct a project for youth empowerment.

'It is time to look back and think of how to bequeath to the next generation a better society than we met it. People should go back to the villages, the schools they attended and rebuild. We should not leave everything for the government,' he said.

In his address, the National Vice President, Nigerian Red Cross, Deacon T.O. Oladele lauded the initiative of the Foundation, stating that the facility would be put in good use.

He commended the philanthropic nature of the Founder of the Foundation for responding to their call for public spirited individuals to assist with health facility, noting that Tunde Lemo Foundation Red Cross Clinic is the first to be commissioned in the country.

Speakers at the event included Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun who was represented by Commissioner of Health, Olaokun Soyinka, the National President, Nigerian Red Cross and Governor of Imo State, Mr. Rochas Okorocha who was represented by the State Health Commissioner, Dr. Obi Njoku, including representative of former President, Olusegun Obasanjo and traditional rulers lauded the donor, urging other public spirited individuals to emulate the gestures.

Highpoint of the event was the decoration of Lemo as an Ambassador of the Nigerian Red Cross.