Sanwo-Olu, Fashola, Lumumba, Olaonipekun Urge Nigeria to Fulfil Its Role as Africa’s Giant

Sanwo-Olu, Fashola, Lumumba, Olaonipekun Urge Nigeria to Fulfil Its Role as Africa’s Giant
Fashola called for a national consensus on a “Nigerian Dream,”
…as Island Club celebrates Nigeria@65th

Prominent Nigerian leaders, including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former Lagos Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), Chief Wole Olaonipekun (SAN), former Foreign Minister Major General Ike Nwachkwu, and celebrated Pan-Africanist Prof. Patrick Lumumba, have called on Nigeria to rise fully into its role as Africa’s giant and strengthen the continent’s place on the global stage.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that they made the call on Thursday at the Island Club 2025 Nigeria @ 65 Independence Lecture and Awards Night held at Peacock Hall, Lagos, themed: “Nigeria and the African Reawakening: The Giant That Must Not Sleep.”

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Governor Sanwo-Olu, represented by his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, said Nigeria must harness its demographic advantage of more than 220 million people over 60 percent of whom are youth to unlock growth, foster African unity, and secure its rightful global position.

“We need to join hands and fight to ensure that Nigeria hits her potential in all areas of human endeavour. With private sector leadership or collaboration with captains of industry, like the esteemed Island Club members, this giant of a nation will wake up, move up, and stay up,” he said.

Highlighting Lagos’ pivotal role in Nigeria’s progress, Sanwo-Olu noted that the state is now Africa’s second-largest city economy with a GDP of $259 billion (PPP), accounting for nearly 20% of Nigeria’s non-oil GDP.

Sanwo-Olu, Fashola, Lumumba, Olaonipekun Urge Nigeria to Fulfil Its Role as Africa’s Giant

Former Lagos Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) called for a national consensus on a “Nigerian Dream,” stressing the importance of redefining success and leadership to reflect evolving challenges.

He cited Nigeria’s contributions to continental projects like the Trans-African Highway and urged citizens to embrace a gold standard of leadership.

Chief Wole Olaonipekun (SAN) underscored the urgency of constitutional and structural reforms, insisting that Nigeria must undergo a moral, legal, and institutional rebirth to inspire Africa and the world.

Former Foreign Minister Major General Ike Nwachkwu emphasized the role of strong opposition in safeguarding democracy, lamenting its decline in Nigeria and warning that true governance cannot exist without accountability and fairness.

Delivering the keynote, Kenyan scholar Prof. Patrick Lumumba declared that “the day Nigeria wakes up is the day Africa wakes up.” He challenged leaders to rise above tribalism and self-interest, urging the country to diversify its economy, strengthen education, revive industries, and invest in innovation rather than imports.

The event, attended by dignitaries, thought leaders, and members of the Island Club, concluded with a call for Nigerians and Africans alike to unite and ensure the “Giant of Africa” never sleeps again.