The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, received the prestigious Democracy Award at the 7th Africa Political Summit and Diamond Awards hosted 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 from across the continent to discuss the theme “Building Resilient Democracies: Elections, Transitions, and Governance”.
Represented by Dr. Nurudeen Yekinni Agbaje, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Rural Development, Sanwo-Olu emphasized the importance of resilient democracies as the cornerstone of governance, human rights, and inclusivity.
He highlighted Lagos State’s transformative achievements under his THEMES PLUS Developmental Agenda, showcasing progress in innovation, infrastructure, healthcare, security, commerce, and tourism.
Sanwo-Olu underscored Lagos State’s role as a model for democratic governance in Africa. Key achievements included:
Innovation and Technology: Deployment of smart city solutions and expanded digital access.
Infrastructure Development: Completion of the Red and Blue Line rail systems and upgrades to road networks.
Healthcare Advances: Expansion of primary healthcare services and the Lagos Health Insurance Scheme (LHIS).
Economic Growth: Establishment of free trade zones and operationalization of the Lekki Deep Sea Port.
Security Enhancements: Introduction of modern surveillance technologies and community-level safety initiatives.
The Governor called for greater investment in electoral technology, civic education, and political inclusivity to strengthen democratic systems. He emphasized the importance of peaceful power transitions, legal frameworks, and statesmanship in fostering stability across Africa.
At the event’s climax, Sanwo-Olu was honoured with the 2024 Democracy Award for his visionary leadership and commitment to advancing democracy in Lagos State.
The award was presented by APCA President, Kipngeno Kirui Duncan, who praised Sanwo-Olu for setting a benchmark in governance and inclusivity.
Temitope Lakisokun, APCA’s Chairperson in Nigeria, also lauded the Governor for his efforts in building institutional capacity and improving governance structures.
The prestigious Democracy Award, previously bestowed on leaders such as Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu and Kenya’s President William Ruto, recognizes exceptional contributions to democratic leadership and governance.
In his acceptance speech, Sanwo-Olu dedicated the award to the people of Lagos State, attributing the recognition to their consistent support and trust which is a cornerstone for his administration’s success.
He called on African leaders to harness collective efforts to overcome challenges such as inequality, political violence, and authoritarianism.
The Governor urged summit participants to transform ideas into actionable strategies for building stronger democracies.
Described as a melting pot of political thought, the summit provided a platform for advancing democratic principles and governance across Africa.
Dr. Agbaje, joined by Mr. Kehinde Gbajumo, the Permanent Secretary of the Cabinet Office, received the award.
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