NIGERIA’S former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has stated that he would be alive to see Lagos State achieve its dream of being the third largest economy in Africa, despite the snide remarks, in some quarters of him, being close to his grave.
The former president made the remarks at the launch of his new book, titled Making Africa Work, on Wednesday, in Lagos, in reaction to the Lagos State Governor’s remarks of making the state the third largest economy in Africa, in tandem with some of the principles expounded in the book.
Ambode, who was represented by the Deputy Governor of the state, Dr (Mrs) Idiat Adebule, at the event, had earlier commended the former president for co-authoring the book, under the Brenthurst Foundation, with three others professionals, insisting that for the continent of Africa to work, its largest economy, Nigeria, must work.
“I also believe that Nigeria will work better if Lagos, the fifth largest economy in Africa works and our administration is committed to the vision of making Lagos become the third largest economy in Africa, in tandem with some of the principles expounded in the book,” the governor had stated.
Responding, the former president had expressed the willingness of Brenthurst Foundation to partner with the state government, in its efforts at enhancing the economy of the state.
Expressing the belief that the vision of making Lagos, the third largest economy in Africa was achievable, the former president stated that in spite of age not being on his side, he would still be around when that dream was eventually achieved.
“Though some people say I look like somebody nearing his Departure Lounge, but let me say that Lagos will become the third largest economy in Africa before taking my boarding pass,” the former president added, jokingly.
He stated that the book aimed at discussing some of the challenges facing the African continent, while, at the same time, proffering long-lasting solutions to some of those challenges.
The former president attributed some of the challenges being presently encountered in the continent to poor leadership, lack of continuity and finance.
While calling on Africans to begin to change their narratives, Obasanjo argued that if well- managed, the continent had the resources to take her to the next level.
Source: Nigerian Tribune
