Sanwo-Olu tasks private sector on leveraging enterprise-driven innovations

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has urged the private sector to take advantage of   enterprise-driven innovations that will create impact ecosystems to foster inclusive growth and recovery.

Sanwo-Olu made the call at the second edition of the Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS) 2023, held on Thursday in Lagos.

The summit with the theme: ‘Global Vision, Local Action: Repositioning the African Development Ecosystem for Sustainable Outcomes’ was organised by Sterling One Foundation.

Other organisers of the summit are the United Nations in Nigeria, the private sector and international development space.

Sanwo-Olu who was represented by his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat,  explained that the summit sought to reshape Africa’s impact solutions and accelerate the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

He noted that the theme reflected on commitment to driving real change at the grassroots level.

According to him, we must come together with a renewed spirit of collaboration, innovation, and determination to build a prosperous and sustainable Africa for all.

The governor, therefore, called on the private sector with their scales, sustainability  and innovations to take the lead in driving change.

“We should seek to build result-oriented global and regional partnerships that will fast-track SDG implementation.

“I expect that the outcome of this summit, will birth actionable steps to address critical needs and mobilise investments that will drive the success of social enterprises and impact-focused organisations, “ he said.

In his keynote address, Prof. Oyebanji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka, Senior Special Adviser on Industrialisation to the President of African Development Bank, said there was need for Africa to prioritise industrialisation.

According to him, it will help in socio-economic and political development.

He said, “African countries should migrate from being  consumption nations to production countries by making sure they produce what they eat and eat what they produce.

Present at the summit are representatives of the United Nations in Nigeria, members of the diplomatic corp, diplomatic missions, international business and sustainable leaders.

Others include,  Sterling Bank Management, Captains of industries, Policymakers, and representatives from the Public and Private sectors among others.