Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has been awarded the 2024 Democracy Award at the 7th Africa Political Summit and Diamond Awards, organized by the Association of Political Consultants Africa (APCA). The event took place in Zanzibar, Tanzania, from December 11 to 14.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the summit, themed “Building Resilient Democracies: Elections, Transitions, and Governance,” brought together political leaders, consultants, and stakeholders from across Africa to discuss strategies for strengthening democratic governance on the continent.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Special Adviser on Rural Development, Dr. Nurudeen Yekinni Agbaje, emphasized the need for resilient democratic systems to ensure inclusive governance, protect human rights, and promote stability in Africa.
He highlighted key achievements in Lagos State under his THEMES PLUS agenda, including the expansion of broadband access, the implementation of smart city technologies, the completion of the Red and Blue Line rail projects, and upgrades to the state’s road network. Other milestones mentioned were advancements in healthcare through the Lagos Health Insurance Scheme (LHIS), operationalization of the Lekki Deep Sea Port, and the strengthening of community policing with advanced surveillance systems.
The award was presented by APCA President Kipngeno Kirui Duncan, who praised Sanwo-Olu’s dedication to democratic principles and visionary leadership. APCA Nigeria Chairperson Temitope Lakisokun commended his efforts to enhance governance structures and institutional capacity.
In his acceptance remarks, Sanwo-Olu dedicated the award to the people of Lagos State, attributing the state’s progress to their unwavering support. He also called for increased investments in electoral technologies, broader civic education, and peaceful transitions of power to address challenges such as economic inequality and political violence.
The Democracy Award has previously been conferred on notable leaders, including Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu and Kenya’s President William Ruto.
The summit concluded with a call for unified efforts to foster innovation and resilience in democratic governance across Africa.
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