Buhari, Okonjo Iweala, Adesina call for economic infrastructure, youths devt.

Ayodele Olalere

President Muhammadu Buhari, newly-elected Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo, and the President, African Development Bank (AFDB), Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, has called for development in economic infrastructure, investment in youths, and enhanced private sector contribution for Lagos to achieve it’s 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 with 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 it’s projects of mega city

The President commended the Lagos State Government for its partnership and collaboration with the Federal Government for putting together an economic summit aimed at improving the lives of citizens 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 Lagos.

” 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 African Development Bank said the youths are the asset for the state and should be given chance.

He said the state should also invest in education by turning tertiary institutions in the state to world class.

“Youths are not the problem of Lagos, they are the asset. The slogan should not be the young shall grow, but the youths 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 need to be mobilised to support the new Lagos. The taxes of the 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.”