Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, says Africa is no longer seeking inclusion but positioning itself as an equal partner on a global stage.
Speaking at the 36th annual session of the Crans Montana Forum in Belgium on Thursday, Sanwo-Olu said Africa is asserting itself as a formidable force to be reckoned with on the world stage.
The Lagos governor said over the years, Africa has been falsely labelled as a burden to the world, adding that it is time for that misconception to be corrected.
“Throughout history, Africa has been burdened with a false depiction that does not align with our reality. We have been unfairly labelled as a global liability, a misconception that needs to be corrected through highlighting our true essence and value to the world,” he said.
“The values inherent in Africa are truly boundless. We boast the largest reserves of crucial resources such as cobalt, diamonds, and uranium worldwide. We possess 65% of the planet’s arable land, making us a key player in global food security.
“Africa is also home to approximately 40% of the world’s mineral reserves, with significant percentages of gold, chromium, and platinum concentrated within our borders.
“It is imperative to recognize that Africa is no longer seeking mere inclusion but rather positioning itself as an equal partner on the global stage. We stand ready to actively engage and collaborate as a valuable and essential player in shaping the future of the world.
“In this transformative era, Africa is asserting itself as a formidable force to be reckoned with on the world stage, with Nigeria at the forefront of this paradigm shift.”
Sanwo-Olu said Lagos is playing a crucial role in transforming Africa as a global hotspot for trade and innovation.
“As we pave the way for a brighter future, it is crucial to acknowledge the pivotal role that Lagos, as a vibrant hub of innovation and progress in Nigeria, plays in driving forward the narrative of Africa’s ascendancy,” he said.
“Together, united in purpose and vision, we are poised to redefine Africa’s story and showcase our continent’s true potential to the world.”
