Latest news with #BabajideSanwo-Olu
Zawya
01-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Nigeria: Lagos govt committed to development of creative industry — Sanwo-Olu
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has thrown his weight behind the All-Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) 2025, which is set to be hosted in the state, assuring that his administration will continue to provide opportunities, hope, and space for people in the creative industry to thrive. Governor Sanwo-Olu gave the assurance during a courtesy visit by members of AFRIMA and representatives of the African Union Commission (AUC) at Lagos House, Ikeja, on Tuesday, amplifying the growing momentum around the highly anticipated event, which has already garnered backing from key stakeholders, institutions, and corporate sponsors at national, continental, and international levels. The governor further affirmed that his administration would continue to create clear business opportunities and a conducive environment for individuals in the creative industry to excel. 'He noted that Lagos had given life to many people in entertainment, fashion, and the arts by supporting them to actualise their dreams while helping them showcase their talents. 'It was not difficult for us to make entertainment, tourism, and everything in the creative space one of our cardinal objectives. We are very intentional because we realise that the creative industry is a place where the youth, with a dynamic population, want to be. 'It is also the largest employer of labour in different ways and means. But more importantly, it helps to tell the African story — a story the entire world has not heard — and enables us to promote and work with it. 'As a government, what we set out to do is to continue to give opportunity, hope, and space for creative people. 'We will give them the platform and create a clear business opportunity and environment for them to thrive and do well. Lagos has become a destination for good reasons. 'We know AFRIMA. It is indeed an honour that, as strategic as we are, AFRIMA deemed it fit to hold its 2025 events in Lagos. It comes with responsibility and commitment. 'Lagos is capable, and it is big enough to host AFRIMA, and we will take it forward. We have the structures and infrastructure to support AFRIMA,' the governor stated. Speaking earlier, the leader of the delegation, Ms. Angela Martins, who is also the Head of the Culture Department and Acting Director of Social Development, Culture, and Sports of the African Union, expressed appreciation for past support from the Lagos State Government for AFRIMA, aimed at promoting the cultural and creative industries across the continent and recognising musical talent in Africa. 'Lagos has hosted the AFRIMA awards before, and we are truly thankful for the support. 'We are looking forward to more support from the Lagos State Government to host AFRIMA 2025 and beyond,' she said. Also speaking, the President and Executive Producer of AFRIMA, Mr. Mike Dada, said the hosting rights for AFRIMA 2025 were ceded to Lagos State in recognition of Governor Sanwo-Olu's administration's hard work, focus, passion for the creative industry, and alignment with entertainment — one of the pillars of the THEMES+ agenda in the state. Dada therefore sought the support, blessings, endorsement, and partnership of Governor Sanwo-Olu and the state government for a successful AFRIMA 2025 in November. 'Lagos State is the mecca of entertainment, music, and the film industry in the Middle East and Africa. We request the right partnership and support to ensure AFRIMA is successfully hosted in Lagos. 'We need institutional and financial support to host over 1,500 artists and managers for the event, which we use to promote African cities and unite our people through music,' he said. Copyright © 2022 Nigerian Tribune Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Business Insider
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Business Insider
How the 2025 Lagos Leadership Summit set the stage for redefining Transformative leadership in Africa
The 2025 Lagos Leadership Summit convened a dynamic cross-section of influential leaders for two impactful days of conversation, insight, and decisive calls to action. Held on April 16 and 17 at Konga Place, Lekki, the summit brought together prominent government officials, international dignitaries, renowned leadership experts, media entrepreneurs, celebrated creatives, and passionate youth changemakers. Curated by the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy (LJLA), the gathering united participants under the powerful theme 'Transformative Leadership: Developing Responsive, Adaptive, and Inclusive Models.' From the opening remarks to the closing declarations, the summit echoed a consistent and urgent message: the future of Nigeria rests not in waiting, but in doing. Laying the Groundwork for Inclusive, Ethical Leadership Day one opened with a surge of optimism and determination as leaders explored the structural shifts required to cultivate transformative leadership. The agenda included keynote addresses, masterclasses, fireside chats, and roundtable discussions that delved into critical issues such as outlasting leadership tenures, promoting inclusion, breaking gender norms, and merging tradition with innovation. Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, set the tone during a compelling fireside chat. 'There is no one-size-fits-all approach to transformative leadership,' he asserted. 'To build a system that works, leaders must invest early in education, define the purpose behind their work, and commit fully.' Former Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), in his goodwill message challenged attendees to rethink inclusion. 'If the people who work with us are from the same religion, culture, or gender, then we are prejudiced,' he said. 'Inclusion is a mindset—it only becomes real when people feel seen and involved.' A particularly resonant moment was the powerful roundtable on women in leadership, themed 'Breaking the Concrete Ceiling.' In a room charged with solidarity and strength, panelists dismantled long-held gender stereotypes, encouraging participants to embrace leadership that is both strong and authentic. 'Femininity is not weakness,' one speaker affirmed. 'It is silk-soft and strong. Own your light.' The roundtable discussion titled ''The Royal Pact: Uniting Tradition and Youth for Nation-Building'' featured cultural insights from traditional leaders such as His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri, who emphasized the importance of grounding leadership in indigenous values: 'Nation-building cannot happen in isolation from our cultural truths… leadership is a relay race—the baton must be passed to the younger generation.' Another notable roundtable, 'Redefining Public Service for a New Generation,' explored the evolving expectations of governance and the urgent need to rebuild public trust through transparency, innovation, and accountability. Speakers emphasized that public service must move beyond bureaucracy to become a tool for impact, guided by empathy, data, and a people-first mindset. Summit Convener and Executive Secretary of LJLA, Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade, closed the day by underscoring the Academy's mission. 'This summit began with a bold idea - that leadership isn't inherited, it is built,' she said. 'Here, futures are forged. Here, a new kind of leadership takes root.' From Conversation to Capacity and Action If day one sparked vision, day two ignited action. The second day deepened the dialogue by asking: how do we move from intention to implementation? Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, emphasized values as the bedrock of effective leadership. 'We must not glamorize leadership,' he warned. 'We need a new generation of leaders who build, who solve, who care.' Featuring in a power-packed roundtable session titled, 'Now or Never: A Call to Action for the Next Generation,' His Worship, Fabrice Brad Rulinda, presented a global perspective and framed Nigeria's youth as part of a broader global movement. 'You have the energy, the innovation, the human capital. Now build the structures to thrive locally and lead globally,' he advised. Leadership experts, Fela Durotoye and Debola Deji-Kurunmi, in another powerful roundtable discussion; ''Dare to be More: The Power of Aspiration and Action'', offered a candid charge during a breakout session: 'Leadership must be measured by outcomes, not motivation,' they urged. 'Stop chasing inspiration—build structure, build systems, build capacity.' One of the most poignant moments of the day was the spontaneous recognition of Tinuade Adeyanju, founder of the TARF Foundation, who received a $2,000 grant for her advocacy work in menstrual health. Her testimony of courage and impact affirmed the summit's core message: leadership begins with small acts of service that ripple outward. Voices from creatives like Genoveva Umeh and young entrepreneurs like Kennedy Ekezie in the ''No Permission Needed: Young Leaders Changing the Narrative'' roundtable discussion reminded attendees that leadership is not defined by titles, but by consistency, resilience, and impact. 'We started where we were,' one speaker shared. 'We just didn't stop.' In her closing remarks, Agbaje-Okunade encapsulated the summit's spirit: 'This is more than a summit. It is a declaration. Young Nigerians are no longer waiting for change—they are becoming it.' A New Mandate: Leadership Starts Now As the Lagos Leadership Summit 2025 concluded, it was clear that the future of Nigeria rests not in waiting, but in doing. The summit's powerful message and inspiring stories have ignited a renewed commitment to lead with purpose, integrity, and urgency. As participants dispersed, they carried with them a shared understanding: leadership is not about titles, but about action. It's about building systems, solving problems, and caring for the community. In the words of one participant, 'The future isn't someday. It's today. And we are ready.'
Zawya
23-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Nigeria: FG, Lagos govt commit to boost steel sector
The Lagos State Government, in a deliberate move to boost the operation of steel companies in Nigeria, has reiterated its commitment to collaborating with the Federal Government to achieve this goal. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, recognizing the negative impact that an inadequate power sector has on the industry, has promised to assist the Ministry of Steel Development in every way possible to ensure improvements. Speaking on Tuesday through his Deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, the governor made this commitment while hosting the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, and his entourage on a courtesy visit at his official residence on Osborne Road, Ikoyi. He acknowledged that steel companies are significant power consumers, a fact well known due to their energy-intensive operations. 'Lagos is grateful to Mr. President for signing the Fifth Amendment Bill No.33, the Devolution of Powers, which expands the scope of State Legislative powers to include the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity within areas covered by the national grid system. This decentralized power system is the only way forward, allowing states to take control of their own destinies,' the governor said. Governor Sanwo-Olu stated that the state had established various commissions, including the Lagos State Electricity Regulation Commission, independent market operators, and a rural fund to assist. He also mentioned that the state government had issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to encourage the construction of five power plants across Lagos, with the process already underway. The governor further reaffirmed the state's commitment to addressing power generation needs for steel development. 'In another year, once the plants are operational, we will begin building our grids in a way that ensures these industries have the power they need. We are starting and aligning with the new power economy agenda set by Mr. President,' he said. Earlier, Minister of Steel Development Prince Audu expressed appreciation for the Lagos State Government's efforts in creating an enabling environment for the steel sector to thrive. 'Sixty percent of private steel companies, based on data from the Federal Ministry of Steel Development, operate in the Lagos, Ikorodu, Ogun, Sagamu, and Abeokuta areas. I am here with my team to engage with both the government and private steel companies to understand their challenges, identify opportunities, and explore how the ministry can create fiscal incentives to improve their operations,' the minister said. He added that addressing these challenges is crucial to meeting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's goal of creating a $1 trillion economy for Nigeria.
BBC News
03-04-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Wetin cause traffic wey lead to standstill for Lagos Island axis and wetin to expect next
Lagos state Govnor Babajide Sanwo-Olu don apologise to di state residents after one ogbonge traffic gridlock wey cause standstill for di Island area of di state on Wednesday enter Thursday morning. Thousands of motorists and commuters bin dey stranded for road on Wednesday, wit some spending hours before reaching dia destination while some no even reach till di next day. Some pipo hala say e take dem almost eight hours to reach dia destination on Wednesday night while some choose to tanda for dia work place. While many more take to social media to rant about dia experience. Wetin cause di traffic Dis mata start for April 1st wen di Federal Controller of Works for Lagos, Olukorede Kesha announce a temporary closure of di Independence Bridge wey dey Marina and say di bridge go dey closed until May 2025 for urgent repairs. Di closure bin affect traffic from Ahmadu Bello Way and Adeola Odeku towards Marina, Eko Bridge, and Onikan by Zone 2. Although di Lagos Ministry of Transportation come put out statement on top di closure wit alternative routes wey pipo fit pass on Wednesday but e no do anytin to stop di terrible hold up for di road. As a result, di Nigerian Minister of Works and Housing, David Umahi don greenlight for di re-opening of di road to stop di disaster. But pipo dey wonder how e go dey possible as dem don already comot di asphalt from di bridge road. Lagos State Govnor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Thursday visit di site of di bridge and apologise to Lagosinas for wetin dem take dia eye see as di goment bin dey run di urgent fix for di bridge. E say di fix na necessity to "avoid future disaster wey bin dey wait to happun". Oga Sanwo-Olu say "wetin happun here be say Messrs Buildwell, get contract wey dem don sign ova three years ago to protect di integrity of di independence bridge. Indepence bridge na one of di oldest bidges for di kontri. If you check am na almost 80 to 90 years old". E add say wetin happun be say di part of di bridge wey connect Victoria Island and Marina don dey under heavy threat. So wetin next for Lagos commuters? Even wit di Work minister statement, di situation on ground no be like sometin wey goment fit just open like dat. As at now, na to follow wetin di Lagos State Traffic Management Authority tok wey be to find alternative routes. Oga Sanwo-Olu remind Lagosians say dem bin face dis kain tin bifor and dem don pass am. E say wetin go happun be say more Lastma officers go dey road. "We dey call dem from oda parts of di city so dem go dey around here. "We go do like we do for November, December wey dem work late, to very early hours of di morning to make sure say pipo fit go home safely." Dis no be di first time wey bridge or road repairs dey cause serious traffic disruption for Nigeria commercial capital, Lagos. For February 2021, di authorities for Lagos bin confirm say dem go finally open di Third Mainland bridge afta ova six months of closure wit partial opening. Wen dem close am for July 25 2020, na only one lane motorists bin dey use on di bridge while repair work dey go on. Dem change some joints, lay some concrete and do patching work among oda engineering work on di bridge. For November 2023, Lagos goment close some parts of di Third Mainland Bridge sake of say dem wan do some repairs. Anytime dis closures happen, e dey cause serious traffic wey dey lead to serious stress as well as a loss of man hours, time and revenue .
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Four Nigerian Governors, Nnamdi Ekeh to Receive FIN-Forbes Awards at 2025 Renewable Energy Roundtable in Dubai
LAGOS, Nigeria, March 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Foreign Investment Network (FIN) is set to host its highly anticipated 2025 Annual FIN-Forbes Renewable Energy Leadership Roundtable and Awards, scheduled for April 9, 2025, at the prestigious Marriott Hotel Al Jaddaf, Dubai, on the sidelines of the Net Zero MEA Summit. Leading this year's cohort of awardees are four outstanding Nigerian Governors: Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dikko Umar Radda (Katsina), Peter Mbah (Enugu), and Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo)—recognized for their visionary leadership and transformative achievements in governance and sustainability. These Governors will be presented with the FIN-Forbes Outstanding Leadership Award for their commitment to driving economic growth, infrastructure development, and renewable energy adoption in their respective states. Organized by FIN, a UK-based investment and media consultancy with over three decades of experience in facilitating foreign direct investment (FDI) across Africa and other developing regions, the Roundtable underscores FIN's mission to foster global partnerships and economic advancement. Over the years, FIN has successfully catalyzed investments exceeding $30 billion USD into African markets, particularly in energy, agriculture, ICT, and industrial development. According to Dr. Olayinka Fayomi, Chairperson of FIN, "This event celebrates visionary leadership and innovation, recognizing those who are reshaping Africa's future through impactful policies and strategic investments." Additional honorees include Alhaji Mohammed Indimi and Dr. Deji Adeleke, both recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award. Celebrated tech entrepreneur and founder of Konga, Prince Nnamdi Ekeh, will be honored with the Africa e-Commerce Leadership Award, recognizing his groundbreaking contributions to digital trade and innovation across the continent. Other distinguished nominees include Dr. Olasupo Olusi, the MD of Bank of Industries, Nigeria, for his laudable transformation of the bank and others who have demonstrated excellence across business, policy, and social impact. The event also signals the launch of FIN's 2025 Annual Global Investment Series, including: 5th International Trade & Investment Forum – Sept. 20, New York 2nd FIN Fashion Industry Summit – Sept. 21, New York 4th Africa Cashless Payment Conference – Oct. 2, Lagos 8th Emerging Markets Forum – Oct. 10, Washington D.C. FIN Web Conference & AI Expo – Oct. 26–28, Silicon Valley, USA – Immerse yourself in the future at the AI Expo, where groundbreaking AI, tech innovation, and global thought leadership converge to shape tomorrow's digital world. These global events reflect FIN's unwavering commitment to innovation, collaboration, and sustainable economic development worldwide. admin@ Media contact: temi@ Event contact: admin@ Photo - View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Sign in to access your portfolio
