Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Seyi Makinde, Abayomi Oyebanji and Dapo Abiodun will, together with the Speaker Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Mudasiru Obasa, be honoured at the Duke’s Economic Summit for their roles in supporting the creative industry and leveraging it as a strong vehicle for socio-economic development.
The event is scheduled for the Pullman Hotel in London this May, 2024.
In a statement, Mr Joseph Edgar, who is the Chairman of the Duke of Shomolu Foundation and main promoters of the summit, said the honourees, thruugh very well thought out policy initiatives, continue to explore the full potentials of the creative industry in achieving significant milestones especially in the areas of job creation, infrastructural development, education and tourism, among others.
He went on to say that Governor Sanwo-Olu, in his own right, has remained a driving force for theatre in Lagos. Governor Sanwo-Olu has remained a main backer of theatrical productions and other such robust infrastructural projects aimed at the development of the industry.
Prince Abiodun, on his part, has also remained a driving force in the renaissance arts and culture is enjoying in Ogun State.
Governor Oyebanji of Ekiti State was recently the main backer of the phenomenally successful play – Fajuyi, which depicted the life of the late Col. Fajuyi who made the ultimate sacrifice for country.
Under his administration, Ekiti State has won several international laurels in arts and culture, which could be traced directly to his administration’s direct involvement in the sector.
For Makinde, he has gone on a huge infrastructural revolution that has supported the creative industry while Obasa leads the most visionary sub national legislative house providing secure legislative framework for the continued delivery of cohesive dividend of democracy to the people of Lagos.
The Duke’s Economic Summit is an international platform that has been carefully designed to provide a vehicle for the continuous engagement of global stakeholders as Nigeria seeks to redefine the creative industry as a main engine of economic growth.
Already, Khalifa Mohammed Sanusi II, the 14th Emir of Kano; Abike Dabiri, the Chairman of Nigerian Diaspora Commission; Prof Koyinsola Ajayi (SAN), Segun Awolowo, Kola Adeshina and other top international dignitaries have been confirmed as speakers.
