The Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kasim Shettima and Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu have emphasised the importance of partnership, innovative thinking, and effective policies for shaping a new blueprint for sustainable development and growth in Africa.
The duo stated this on Thursday at the Africa Social Impact Summit “Asis 3.0” with the theme: “Reimagining Progress: A New Blueprint for Sustainable Growth in Africa” held at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island.
Speaking separately, they emphasised the need for a comprehensive and integrated approach to drive progress and prosperity on the continent is crucial for the future.
The Vice President, who was represented by the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, noted that whatever blueprint the continent is promoting must focus on innovation and social impact from agricultural to energy solutions.
Shettima stressed that the government remains committed to creating an enabling environment by streamlining regulations to create an investor-friendly climate, investing in renewed energy infrastructure, and fostering innovation through a vibrant entrepreneur ecosystem. He noted that Lagos State has been a template for the synergy for Public and Private sectors to build a system that works.
The Vice President, however, noted the importance of empowering local investors to invest in research and create an ecosystem that fosters grand-breaking solutions to deliver maximum social impact.
In the same vein, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, stated that by establishing a collaborative framework, providing impact investment opportunities, and stimulating stakeholder involvement, Africa can create a future where sustainable development is not just an aspiration but a reality.
He said his administration, in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Development Agenda, is eager and ready to work with partners and all stakeholders to achieve set goals.
According to him, the summit is not just a meeting; it is a call to action, a collective endeavour to reshape the future of Africa through innovation, collaboration, and commitment to sustainable development.
“The summit is pivotal for Africa and Lagos State to reimagine progress and chart a new blueprint for sustainable growth in Africa. Let us commit to a shared vision, harness our collective energies, wisdom, and resources to lay down a new blueprint for sustainable growth in Africa”, he added.
The Governor stated that Lagos State has an extraordinary opportunity to foster innovative partnerships and advocate for policies that attract impactful investments, stressing that these investments are crucial for the sustainable growth of the communities and for ensuring a brighter future for all Africans.
He reiterated that effective policies are the backbone of sustainable development. “We need policies that are not only ambitious but also actionable and inclusive. Stakeholder involvement ensures that policies are well-rounded and address the needs of all segments of society”, he said.
In her welcome address, the Chief Executive Officer, Sterling One Foundation, Mrs. Olapeju Ibekwe stated that the summit has three main objectives which are to build and scale policies; to attract increased impact investment into solutions on the continent, and to advocate for the right policies.
Mrs. Ibekwe stated that the summit since 2023 has fostered partnership among the public and private sectors which has led to the investment of over #3 Billion into 50 private sectors and primary healthcare centres across Nigeria, among other investments.
Also, in his remarks, Board Member, Sterling Foundation and Managing Director Sterling Bank, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman said the summit is pivotal and hopes to create a marketplace for social impact, a place where everyone who has resources and sees to solving the problems that impact the society the most.
Mr. Suleiman added, “We want to reassure you that we are here to create a marketplace for social impact so that there is information so that there is trust in others and so that we can direct resources and use those resources the most efficient way”.
