…Billionaire Cites FTSE Listing, NGX Highs, $55bn Reserves as Reforms Deliver Gains
Billionaire businessman Femi Otedola has expressed his support for President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, describing them as “bold and forward-thinking” after a private dinner with the President in Paris, France.
CDA News Nigeria reports that Otedola, Group Chairman of First HoldCo Plc, disclosed the meeting in a post on his official X and Instagram accounts on Tuesday, sharing a photograph of himself and President Tinubu smiling side by side.
CDA News Nigeria gathered that the dinner took place on Monday night in Paris, where President Tinubu has been staying during his extended working vacation in Europe.
Otedola said the reforms have put Nigeria’s economy “firmly on a path of sustainable growth”.
“The results are increasingly evident: top Nigerian companies now included on the FTSE Russell Frontier 50 Index, the NGX at historic highs, increased foreign direct investment and renewed economic confidence, a unified and more stable foreign exchange market, foreign reserves standing strong at about $55 billion, and so much more,” he wrote.
“I remain proud of you, Mr. President!” Otedola added.
The meeting comes amid heightened public debate over President Tinubu’s prolonged absence from Nigeria. The President departed on August 30 for what the Presidency described as a three-week working vacation in London, later extending his stay and moving to Paris, where he met with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré.
His return is now slated for Tuesday, September 29, through Lagos, ahead of Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary broadcast on October 1.
CDA News Nigeria reports that opposition figures, including Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar’s aide Phrank Shaibu, have criticised the President’s extended absence and his decision to skip the 81st UN General Assembly in New York.
Editorial Policy: CDA News Nigeria is committed to accurate and balanced reporting. Claims about economic performance are attributed to Otedola.
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