Hey there, middle schoolers! Today, we’re going to talk about how the All Progressives Congress (APC) and their cronyism are holding Lagos back from becoming a global financial hub. This is a big deal because it affects the city’s growth and potential for the future.
Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, who is running for governor of Lagos State, recently spoke out against Governor Sanwolu’s efforts to attract investors in London. He called them “underwhelming, dishonest, and incoherent.” Basically, he thinks the governor’s plans aren’t good enough.
Rhodes-Vivour pointed out that the dismantling of a $10 million tech investment for bike-hailing services in Lagos shows that the state government has conflicting policies. This means they say one thing but do another, which can be really confusing and frustrating.
He also talked about how important the tech ecosystem is for Lagos. This is all about young Nigerians using their talent and determination to make a global impact. But Rhodes-Vivour thinks that the government’s actions are holding them back. He said that 80% of Nigerian startups are actually incorporated in the United States because it’s easier for them to succeed there.
Rhodes-Vivour believes that the APC has been hindering Lagos’ growth for the past 23 years. He thinks their policies have been getting in the way of the city’s potential. To become a global financial hub like London or New York, Lagos needs good infrastructure, fair taxes, an independent judiciary, and talented people. But according to Rhodes-Vivour, the APC has failed to deliver on these things.
One big issue he mentioned is corruption and cronyism. He said that the state’s investment in important things like roads, bridges, housing, and waterways has been marred by corruption. This means that the money meant for these projects is being stolen or given to the wrong people. As a result, Lagos is struggling to complete important projects and even power streetlights.
Rhodes-Vivour also talked about the importance of having an independent judiciary. This means that the courts should be able to make fair decisions without interference from the government. But he said that the Lagos state government has been resisting this idea, which could make serious investors think twice about investing in the city.
In conclusion, the APC’s cronyism is holding Lagos back from becoming a global financial hub. This affects the city’s growth and potential for the future. It’s important for the government to address these issues and work towards creating a better environment for businesses and investors in Lagos.
