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Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has enjoined Nigerians, particularly Lagos residents, to promote the values that underpin good governance to ensure a future where the state’s economic environment will empower and uplift its citizens.
Governor Sanwo-Olu made this call on Wednesday at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Annual Conference of the Chartered Institute of Directors held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, positing that strong governmental institutions, effective leadership, and an unwavering commitment to transparency would build a strong and thriving economy.
The governor, while making the call, said the conference theme, “Good Governance as a Catalyst for Economic Recovery, Growth, and Development,” captured the current challenges and illuminated a path towards a more resilient and prosperous future.
Sanwo-Olu noted that good governance is more than a moral obligation but an economic imperative, saying that it is the key to unlocking the nation’s potential, attracting vital investment, and creating opportunities for the citizens.
This was just as he further noted that transparency, accountability, and trust were the cornerstones of any thriving economy, pointing out that “history has shown that where these principles are absent, nations struggle.”
“We have seen the devastating consequences of poor governance, where corruption and inefficiency stifle growth and erode trust in institutions. But history has also shown us that with strong governmental institutions, effective leadership, and an unwavering commitment to transparency, we can build a strong and thriving economy,” he said.
Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed his administration’s deep commitment to good governance, economic growth, and development, adding, “Here in Lagos State, we are deeply committed to embedding these values in every facet of our administration.”
“We have launched reforms to strengthen institutions, promote transparency, and ensure accountability across sectors. Capacity-building initiatives equip our public servants with the skills needed to drive meaningful economic growth, and we are seeing the fruits of these efforts across the state.
“But government alone cannot achieve sustainable progress. The private sector plays a crucial role in advancing good governance. By adhering to ethical business practices, investing in sustainable initiatives, and insisting on transparency in governmental dealings, we can create an environment that fosters transparency and economic stability. Together, we can bridge the gap between intention and action,” the governor said.
Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, while delivering the conference lecture, called for a reform of the leadership recruitment process, noting that the major challenge confronting Nigeria was that most of the leaders are not prepared for leadership.
Jega enjoined Nigerians to pay serious attention to nurturing and entrenching democratic governance to place Nigeria on a sustainable trajectory of ‘people-orientated development processes’ rather than mere good governance being promoted by the World Bank.
“We should not swallow hook, line, and sinker what they bring to us. We must be very careful in terms of what measures they have suggested to us because if we don’t do that, we may inadvertently fall into greater medium- and long-term problems even if we think we are seeing short-term benefits from that kind of engagement,” he counselled.
President and Chairman of Council of the Chartered Institute of Directors, Alhaji Tijjani Borodo, in his remark, said the Institute proudly leads the charge in promoting corporate governance across the country.
The chairman of the occasion, Mr. Mutiu Sunmonu, said character is the bedrock of good governance and good corporate practices.
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