Lagos State Deputy Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2027 election, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, has outlined a broad agenda to transform Lagos into Africa's safest mega-city. Speaking at a gathering of about 150 young executives, entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders in Ikoyi, Lagos, Hamzat unveiled his vision for the state's future. He emphasized the need for greater emphasis on innovation, infrastructure, education, healthcare, security, and support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Hamzat's vision, dubbed "Digital Lagos 2.0," seeks to deploy artificial intelligence, blockchain, and smart-city technologies to transform governance and position the state as a leading technology hub. The initiative aims to improve the efficiency of government and strengthen Lagos' position as a technology and investment destination. Hamzat believes that emerging technologies will play a central role in achieving this goal.
The next phase of development in Lagos, according to Hamzat, will require building on the progress already made and taking the state to a new level of innovation, inclusion, and infrastructure. He stressed the need to establish Lagos as a leading centre for education, strengthen healthcare delivery, create more opportunities for young people and MSMEs, and make Lagos the safest mega-city in Africa.
Hamzat made these remarks at a private dinner hosted by 7-Fifteen Capital, a luxury real estate development company, under the theme, "Lagos: The Next Chapter." The gathering provided a platform for Hamzat to engage directly with members of the private sector on the challenges confronting businesses and the opportunities available to accelerate economic growth in the state.
During a fireside conversation, Hamzat fielded questions from participants on sustainability, town planning, tourism, the creative economy, and public-private partnerships. The interaction gave business leaders an opportunity to raise issues affecting their operations and seek clarification on how the proposed development agenda would address some of the challenges facing businesses and residents.
Tope Adekoya, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of 7-Fifteen Capital, said the company brought the business community and public leadership together to encourage direct engagement on the future of Lagos. Adekoya noted that Lagos is home to an increasingly influential community of young founders and business leaders who are creating opportunities and contributing meaningfully to the city's growth.
The event provided a platform for Hamzat to outline his vision for Lagos and engage with business leaders on the challenges and opportunities facing the state. Hamzat's ambition is to make Lagos a place where people and businesses can thrive and where the systems of government work more efficiently for everyone. With his "Digital Lagos 2.0" vision, Hamzat aims to position Lagos as a leading technology hub and Africa's safest mega-city.
Key points
- Dr. Obafemi Hamzat unveils "Digital Lagos 2.0" vision to deploy artificial intelligence, blockchain, and smart-city technologies.
- Hamzat outlines agenda to attract investment, expand opportunities for businesses and young people, and transform Lagos into Africa's safest mega-city.
- The event brought together business leaders and public leadership to encourage direct engagement on the future of Lagos.
