Zanzibar, Tanzania – December 14, 2024
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been honored with the prestigious 2024 Democracy Award during the 7th Africa Political Summit and Diamond Awards organized by the Association of Political Consultants Africa (APCA).
The event, held from December 11 to 14 at Lux Marijani, Zanzibar, brought together political consultants, leaders, and stakeholders to deliberate on the theme, “Building Resilient Democracies: Elections, Transitions, and Governance.”
Represented by Dr. Nurudeen Yekinni Agbaje, Special Adviser on Rural Development, Sanwo-Olu underscored the pivotal role of resilient democracies in fostering governance, safeguarding human rights, and promoting inclusivity.
In his address, Sanwo-Olu highlighted Lagos State’s role as a beacon of democratic governance in Africa, detailing key achievements:
He showcased Lagos State’s transformative milestones under his THEMES PLUS Developmental Agenda, emphasizing advancements in innovation, infrastructure, healthcare, commerce, tourism, and security.
Innovation and Technology: Deployment of smart city solutions and expanded broadband access.
Infrastructure Development: Completion of the Red and Blue Line rail systems and significant road network upgrades.
Healthcare: Expansion of primary healthcare services and implementation of the Lagos Health Insurance Scheme (LHIS).
Economic Growth: Establishment of Free Trade Zones and operationalization of the Lekki Deep Sea Port.
Security: Utilization of advanced surveillance technologies and community-focused safety initiatives.
Sanwo-Olu called for sustained investment in electoral technology, robust civic education, and greater political inclusivity to strengthen Africa’s democratic systems. He also stressed the importance of peaceful power transitions, comprehensive legal frameworks, and statesmanship in ensuring stability across the continent.
APCA President Kipngeno Kirui Duncan presented the Democracy Award to Sanwo-Olu, commending his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to democratic governance in Lagos.
Temitope Lakisokun, Nigeria’s APCA Chairperson, praised Sanwo-Olu’s efforts in building institutional capacity and governance structures, which serve as a benchmark for effective leadership.
The Democracy Award, previously conferred on distinguished leaders such as Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu and Kenya’s President William Ruto, recognizes exceptional contributions to advancing democratic principles and governance in Africa.
In his acceptance speech, Sanwo-Olu dedicated the honor to the resilient people of Lagos State, attributing the state’s progress to their trust and collaboration.
He concluded by urging African leaders to address pressing challenges such as economic inequality, political violence, and authoritarianism. Sanwo-Olu encouraged summit participants to transform innovative ideas into actionable strategies for building stronger democracies across the continent.
Dr. Agbaje, joined by Mr. Kehinde Gbajumo, the Permanent Secretary of the Cabinet Office, received the award.
The summit, widely regarded as a pivotal platform for collaboration and innovation, reaffirmed the collective commitment of African leaders and stakeholders to advancing resilient democratic systems across Africa.
