Lagos State: Setting the pace of infrastructural development, cultural revolution and the destination of tourist in Africa.

Once upon a time, Africa was labeled backward, underdeveloped and slum; the achievement of Lagos state in terms of human capital development, economic sustainability, political re-engineering through people oriented leadership style, cultural revolution, investment in research and technology have changed the narrative of backward and shambolic African society to a progressive-sustainable state and the destination of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and tourists.

This could not have been achieved without the intentional efforts of the visionary leaders the state have had in recent times, pivoting and steering the wheel of the most populous city through investment in education, solution driven state policies, grassroots mobilization and involvement in decision making.

So many people have attributed the achievement of modern day Lagos to the foundation laid by the British overlord who took Lagos as a colony in pre-colonial era. But this have been proven not to be true, because the British only invested in the Lagos Island not the hinterland and other remote areas.

The rapid and widespread development across Lagos did not centre on only the islands but cutting across all the local governments areas, spreading into neighboring states and serving as a yardstick for development which other states are currently emulating.

All this couldn't have been achieved without the visionary efforts and laid out principles of Chief Obafemi Awolowo (6 March 1909 – 9 May 1987) who emphasized on the need for investment in human capital through education, the adoption of the laid out principles by the former Governor of Lagos State, Bola Ahmed Tinubu currently serving as the President of Nigeria, passing the baton of progressive development to Babajide Raji Fashola and the continuous acceleration for growth by Akinwunmi Ambode with innovative approach to leadership and government by the current governor of the state Babajide Olushola Sanwoolu.

As a Lagos born and trained entrepreneur, schooling in Lagos and working with the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure contributed to my wealth of knowledge, experiences and values, shaping me to become a global standard for exceptional, exemplary and one of emerging leaders out of Africa driving innovation, sustainable development and providing platform for the voice of the vulnerable and underserved communities to be heard.

By: Hon. Prince Samuel Adesegun Egunjobi (National Diploma, B. Sc., MBA)