By Ayomide Otitoju
In a landmark address, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu delivered the inaugural Distinguished Lecture Series at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) in Victoria Island, emphasizing the critical role of the nation’s youth in shaping Nigeria’s global influence. The lecture, themed “Lagos and Nigeria 2030: Projections of a World Power,” highlighted the immense potential of Nigeria’s young population, estimated at around 100 million individuals under 20 years of age.
During his presentation, Governor Sanwo-Olu described Nigeria’s youth as a remarkable asset that could elevate the country to the forefront of global economic leadership, provided this potential is harnessed effectively. The audience, which included academics, policymakers, industry leaders, veteran journalists, and traditional rulers, listened intently as Sanwo-Olu shared insights into Nigeria’s historic growth trajectory, from the oil boom of the 20th century to the current era characterized by technological innovation.
The Governor articulated that the concept of “world power” is ever-evolving, merging economic strength with technological advancements, cultural influence, and military capability. He noted that Nigeria’s transition into the 21st century marked a significant shift towards democracy, allowing for greater creative freedom and international recognition in areas like literature, film, music, and sports.
Sanwo-Olu urged for a renewed focus on maximizing Nigeria’s talents and potential, particularly in sectors where the country still lags. He emphasized the need to position Nigeria as not just a consumer of advanced technologies but also as a producer, particularly in fields like cloud computing and artificial intelligence.
Looking ahead, the Governor expressed optimism about Nigeria’s ambition to achieve a $1 trillion economy by 2030, citing ongoing economic reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, including the removal of petrol subsidies and the unification of foreign exchange rates. He identified Lagos as the key driver of Nigeria’s economic growth, dubbing it the “laboratory for growth and innovation.”
“There is no contesting the fact that Lagos is the beating heart of Nigeria,” Sanwo-Olu stated, asserting that the city’s continued growth is vital to Nigeria’s transformation into a global powerhouse. He called for a collaborative approach to leverage Lagos’s strengths for national development.
Dr. Dere Awosika, the chairperson for the lecture, praised the event as a significant moment in Nigeria’s journey towards utilizing its abundant resources for development. She lauded Sanwo-Olu’s multifaceted background as essential for guiding the country toward global influence.
Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, the NIIA’s Director-General, acknowledged Sanwo-Olu’s historic role as the first sitting governor to deliver the institute’s Distinguished Lecture since its founding 64 years ago. He underscored Lagos’s transformation into an economic power, outpacing Johannesburg to become Africa’s leading economic capital.
In a forward-looking initiative, Sanwo-Olu agreed to collaborate with the NIIA to establish a Foreign Policy School dedicated to advanced research and diplomatic policy development, signaling an active commitment to nurturing Nigeria’s global aspirations.
