*At 2021 Lagos Economic Summit
By Abel Oyolede
President Muhammadu Buhari, the newly elected Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo and the President of African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, have called for development in economic infrastructure, investment in youths, and enhanced private sector contribution for Lagos to achieve its vision of becoming a smart city.
The trio spoke on Tuesday virtually at the first day of ongoing three-day economic summit in Lagos tagged: “Eghingbeti Lagos Economic Summit 2021 under the theme: “Setting the tone for a greater Lagos’ at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
In his good will message, President Buhari said the Federal government is determined to open up opportunities by which Lagos State can achieve its projects of a mega city.
The President commended the Lagos State government for its partnership and collaboration with the Federal government by putting together an economic summit aimed at improving the lives of residents of the State.
He said the Federal government has several ongoing projects in Lagos and commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his resolve to continue the development of the State
“We want a Lagos that is united and ensure its economic prosperity leaves no one behind. I urge all stakeholders to come up with plans to achieve Lagos of our dreams,” the President said.
In a virtual questions and answers with Governor Sanwo-Olu, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala said apart from construction of roads, Lagos should invest in technology such as broadband for every household, embrace artificial Intelligence and Digital economy, ensure steady and sustainable supply of electricity and renewable energy/Green to remain competitive in the next decade.
She added the state should harness the youths by providing employment. She further stated the state should move from importing raw materials but exporting primary raw products to value and processing, to industrialize Africa.
In his contributions, Dr. Akinwunmi of the African Development Bank said the youths are the asset for the State, and should be given the chance.
He advised the State to invest in education by turning tertiary institutions to world class.
Okonjo-Iweala and Adesina
“Youths are not the problem of Lagos, they are the asset. The slogan should not be the young shall grow, but the youth has arrived. Youths do not need empowerment or handouts; what they need is investment.
The poverty level in Lagos has reduced from 30.3% in 2009 to 4.5% in 2019. 20% lives in slum. A prosperous Lagos will bring a healthier Lagos. A lot need to be done in tertiary education especially in science. We must turn tertiary institutions in Lagos to world class.
The climate situation in Lagos should be attended to urgently. There is slow need to invest more in transport system,” he said.
He further said: “Private sector needs to be mobilised to support the new Lagos. The tax revenue belongs to the people. There must be accountability for taxes collected. I see a greater Lagos, a Lagos where visions are turned into reality and where women and youths thrives.”