SANWO-OLU WINS DEMOCRACY AWARD, CHAMPIONS RESILIENT DEMOCRACIES AT 7TH AFRICA POLITICAL SUMMIT ~ INN Nigeria ☆

Zanzibar, Tanzania – December 14, 2024
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu received the prestigious 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, convened political consultants, leaders, and stakeholders to explore the theme, “Building Resilient Democracies: Elections, Transitions, and Governance.”

Represented by Dr. Nurudeen Yekinni Agbaje, Special Adviser on Rural Development, Sanwo-Olu highlighted the critical role of resilient democracies in fostering governance, protecting human rights, and promoting inclusivity.

He outlined Lagos State’s transformative milestones under his THEMES PLUS Developmental Agenda, underscoring progress in areas such as innovation, infrastructure, healthcare, commerce, tourism, and security.

In his address, Sanwo-Olu spotlighted Lagos State as a model of democratic governance, detailing:

Innovation and Technology: Deployment of smart city solutions and expanded broadband access.

Infrastructure Development: Completion of Red and Blue Line rail systems and road network upgrades.

Healthcare: Expansion of primary healthcare coverage 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 modern surveillance technologies and community-focused safety measures.

The Governor emphasized the need for continuous investment in electoral technology, comprehensive civic education, and enhanced political inclusivity to strengthen Africa’s democratic systems.

He also stressed the importance of peaceful transitions, legal frameworks, and fostering statesmanship to ensure stability across the continent.

APCA President Kipngeno Kirui Duncan presented the Democracy Award to Governor Sanwo-Olu, lauding his visionary leadership and commitment to democratic governance in Lagos.

Nigeria’s APCA Chairperson, Temitope Lakisokun, commended his efforts in building institutional capacity and governance structures that serve as a benchmark for effective leadership.

The Democracy Award, previously awarded to prominent leaders like Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu and Kenya’s President William Ruto, celebrates exceptional contributions to advancing democratic principles and governance in Africa.

In his acceptance speech, Sanwo-Olu dedicated the honour to the resilient people of Lagos State, attributing the state’s progress to their trust and collaboration.

Concluding his remarks, Sanwo-Olu called on African leaders to tackle challenges such as economic inequality, political violence, and authoritarianism while transforming ideas into actionable strategies to build stronger democracies.

Dr. Agbaje, joined by Mr. Kehinde Gbajumo, the Permanent Secretary of the Cabinet Office, received the award.

The summit, hailed as a pivotal platform for collaboration and innovation, reinforced the collective commitment of African leaders and stakeholders to promoting resilient democratic systems across the continent.