...Urges Professionals, Private Sector To Key Into Developmental Agenda
Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode has said that if Nigeria is
to occupy its pride of place among the comity of nations, concerted efforts
must be made to frontally and comprehensively review cultural and political
issues slowing down development.
The Governor said for too long, the nation has allowed cultural and
political differences to inhibit growth, but that such must stop for
development to be fast-tracked in the overall best interest of Nigeria and
Nigerians.
Speaking at an international conference put together by the State
Government as part of activities marking the golden jubilee anniversary of the
State with the theme: ”Towards A Smart City: Preparing For The Next 50 Years Of
Prosperity,” Governor Ambode said it was pertinent for everybody in the country
to unite and agree to put issues relating to development on the front burner
and relegate political and cultural considerations.
He said for the State to grow from mega city to smart city, all sectors
and individuals must play their part and resolve to be on top of their game in
their respective areas.
He said: “For me, the measurement of our development into a smart city
should be all encompassing ranging from the quality of service that we render
as a government and the service we render from individual to individual and
from business to government or from individual to business.
“The totality of that is what we call smart. It is not enough for me to
say government will provide the smart city, there should be smart business
between for instance the tailor and the designer. It is something that is so
microscopic but in totality, it is about being smart. So, if a foreigner comes
in and moves to a restaurant and gets quality service, he knows that there is
something happening in that city, he does not have to come to Alausa to see it.
“Yes, we have been talking about smart government, smart business,
smart city but it is a convergence of all the three that can help. Now, in all
these, getting smart requires the examination of some critical issues like the
cultural management issues, political issues, the needs of the politically
economy that frustrates you from doing what you are supposed to do yesterday
until next year. Those are the deep issues that must be critically examined and
reviewed,” Governor Ambode said.
While alluding to how Dubai which is one of the emirates in the United
Arab Emirates (UAE) was able to transform into what it is today even still
being within a country, Governor Ambode said cultural issues inhibiting growth
must be addressed in Nigeria also so as to fast track development.
“Yes, I like to be a Dubai, one of the eight emirates in United Arab
Emirates (UAE). Dubai is not a country and what was allowed to happen in Dubai
would be difficult in Lagos and so to pull Lagos out of Nigeria like Dubai in
UAE, we’ve got to be methodical.
So, as much I want to run, those cultural impediments, those political
impediments are pulling us down but do we have the support of this citizens?
So, these are the things we do not necessarily speak about. We obviously have
those impediments that are limiting us from becoming what we want to be and it
is for us to tell ourselves that in the next 50 years, lets break the ice.
“So, there must be a concerted effort from everybody - professionals, private
sector, public sector to resolve for instance that we want to make Lagos a
Dubai and we don’t care whatever happens. We must have that political support
and trust of the people irrespective of our political leanings, the bottom line
is that this is more about our children. We want to do what is right.
“I have so much passion for Lagos and I believe strongly that if
anything good is going to come out from the brand called Nigeria, it is going
to start from Lagos and that is why we must get it right and do the right
thing,” he said.
Responding to a question on efforts being made by the State Government
to transform Yaba to the next tech hub, Governor Ambode recalled his recent
visit to the area, revealing that plans have reached advanced stage to acquire
a land space adjacent industrial park in Yaba measuring 8,000 square metres and
turn it to the next tech hub.
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