29th November, 2023
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has charged African leaders, policymakers, intellectuals and all Africans, to think through the strategies that will deliver balanced and equitable development that leaves no one behind.
The Governor made this call at the CFA Institute Africa Investment Conference themed “The Emergence of Africa: A Rethink or A Restrategizing?” held today at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, added that for so long, the African continent was marginalized in the global scheme of things and lagging behind on many measures of human development.
Speaking further, the governor noted that the emergence of Africa from its dark days is now an acknowledged reality.
He emphasized that “Africa’s large and youthful population which provides both valuable human capital and huge markets; and expansive natural resources, the rest of the world is now paying Africa due attention.”
The Governor emphasized that the state government has already commenced on this journey by leveraging the resilience of the people, embracing and deploying technology, and seeking to maximise the economic and demographic gifts of the city.
He stressed that his administration, through the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Governance Agenda, has prioritized investments in infrastructure and human capital, while implementing policy changes to diversify the economy and facilitate the ease of doing business.
Sanwo-Olu added that upon recognizing the importance of quality infrastructure for sustainable economic growth, his government has invested heavily in transformative projects, including transportation networks, energy infrastructure, and housing developments.
He added that the goal of his administration is to make Lagos State a thriving and successful one that will be beneficial not only to its residents, Nigerians but indeed every African. The Governor therefore called on investors to join his administration to build a future where Lagos stands as a beacon of success and a testament to the power of strategic investment.
Sanwo-Olu said, “Lagos is not just a city on the map. It is a destination for prosperity, growth and innovation. So as you consider your investment options, I invite you to explore the multiple opportunities that Lagos presents. Together, let us build a future where Lagos stands as a beacon of success and a testament to the power of strategic investment.”
Earlier in her remarks, the President/CEO, of CFA Institute, Marg Franklin, a Canadian, reiterated that in the next five to ten years, digital transformation, a diverging world and sustainable finance will be factors that will immensely have impacts on the world’s investment.
Franklin also stressed the importance of education, as it has the potential to unlock opportunities, adding that the mission of the institute is to bring in the highest standard of education, ethics and professionalism into Africa for the ultimate benefit of the society.
In her welcome address, the President, CFA Society Nigeria, Ibukun Oyedeji noted that the conference marks a significant milestone in the collective pursuit of advancing investment opportunities that drive sustainable growth in Africa.
She noted that the conference has provided an opportunity for the African countries to unlock the immense potential that the continent holds, she added that such potentials as a Vibrant economy, rich resources, young and ambitious populations amongst other potentials.