Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called for a broader approach to peace-building, stressing that lasting peace depends not only on treaties and security measures but also on economic opportunities, healthcare, reliable public services and citizens’ confidence in the future.
Sanwo-Olu made the call while addressing the 8th ECAM Council High-Level Session in New York, where he highlighted Lagos State’s experience in linking development with security.
The Governor noted that Lagos, with a population of more than 20 million people, most of whom are below 30 years, had demonstrated that providing opportunities and strengthening public institutions could contribute significantly to social stability and peace.
He said the state’s development efforts since 2019 had been guided by the THEMES agenda, covering transportation, health, education, technology, the economy, entertainment and tourism, security and governance.
According to him, major projects and reforms, including the Blue and Red Rail Lines, Lekki Deep Sea Port and improvements in the healthcare sector, were designed to create lasting value beyond the tenure of any administration.
Sanwo-Olu also called for a new approach to international partnerships with Africa, urging countries and institutions to build with the continent rather than merely developing projects for Africa.
He welcomed the ECAM Charter for Africa and its emphasis on strengthening partnerships, saying Africa should no longer be viewed primarily as a source of raw materials and resources.
The Governor stressed the need for greater investment in local industries, job creation and value addition, while advocating stronger participation of African professionals and institutions in decisions affecting the continent’s future.
He said African engineers, doctors, lawyers, financiers and other professionals must have meaningful roles in shaping the continent’s development.
As he prepares to hand over the leadership of Lagos next year, Sanwo-Olu said creating opportunities for people to build secure and prosperous lives in their communities remained one of the strongest foundations for sustainable peace and development.
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