CEO of Winhomes Global Services Limited, Engr Stella Okengwu and President Bola Tinubu
Chief Executive Officer of Winhomes Global Services Limited, Engr Stella Okengwu, has thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for opening a channel of communication over the company’s diaspora investment affected by the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.
Okengwu, who described the development as a sign of hope for affected investors, however, urged the Federal Government to proceed with the payment of compensation and enable the company to continue developing its remaining property.
In a statement issued on Monday on behalf of the affected diaspora investors, Okengwu said the opening of communication with the Presidency marked the beginning of efforts to resolve the dispute.
She said the investors had for years raised concerns over the impact of the coastal highway project on their investments, adding that many families who committed their savings and plans to properties in Nigeria were still waiting for certainty.
“I want to publicly thank the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for opening a channel of communication concerning the Winhomes diaspora investment affected by the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway.
“Mr. President, thank you for listening,” she said.
Okengwu said the development should not be regarded as the conclusion of the matter, but as an opportunity to work towards a resolution that would restore confidence among affected investors.
She said the investors were still awaiting compensation and the opportunity to return to their remaining property and continue development.
“Our investors are still waiting for their compensation.
“Families are still waiting for certainty.
“And we are waiting for the opportunity to return to our remaining property, roll up our sleeves and start building again,” she said.
According to her, the affected investors remained committed to Nigeria despite the challenges surrounding their investments.
“We want to build the homes.
“We want to create the jobs.
“We want to bring foreign investment,” she said.
Okengwu said the investors wanted to transform the affected property into developments that would create economic opportunities and demonstrate confidence in Nigeria.
She further said the manner in which the matter was resolved could influence the decisions of Nigerians in the diaspora considering investments in the country.
“Because somewhere in America, Canada, Europe, Australia, Mexico or South Africa, there is another Nigerian asking:
‘Should I invest back home?’
“How this chapter ends will help answer that question,” she said.
While appreciating the President’s intervention, Okengwu said the affected investors would continue to seek accountability until their compensation was paid.
“So today, I choose gratitude without abandoning accountability.
“I say thank you—but I will continue to respectfully advocate until compensation is paid,” she said.
She also called for continued engagement until the investors were able to return to their remaining property and resume development.
According to her, appreciation for the government’s efforts and the demand for accountability could coexist in the search for a resolution.
“Because accountability and appreciation are not enemies.
“They are partners in building a stronger nation,” she said.
Okengwu thanked the President, his administration and others involved in efforts to resolve the matter, while urging the affected investors to remain hopeful.
She also appealed to Nigerians in the diaspora to continue engaging with the country and maintain confidence in the possibility of resolving investment-related challenges through dialogue.
Addressing Tinubu, she said the President had an opportunity to resolve a dispute that began with the demolition of property by ensuring that the process ended with restoration for affected investors.
“Take a story that began with demolition… and let your leadership help it end with restoration,” she said.
The Winhomes boss urged the Federal Government to demonstrate that Nigeria could respond to the concerns of investors when challenges arose.
“Let the world see that when investors cry out, Nigeria can listen.
“When something goes wrong, Nigeria can make it right.
“And when Nigerians abroad bring their dreams home, their country will not abandon them,” she said.
She said the next steps should move from dialogue to compensation, rebuilding, and renewed confidence among Nigerians in the diaspora seeking to invest in the country.
