Lagos State government has stated that it would use its upcoming Ehingbeti Economic Summit to sustain socio-economic development in the state.
This was disclosed by Olayemi Cardoso, Co-Chair of the 2020 Ehingbeti Economic Summit, on Thursday via the state’s Twitter handle.
As economies around the world begin to implement recovery strategies from the shockwave of Coronavirus, Cardoso explained that the Lagos Economic Summit Group (LESG), which will hold virtually on November 10 – 12, 2020, will provide a robust platform for deliberations on pragmatic optimization of the inherent opportunities in Africa’s 5th largest economy, and offer perspectives on how to manage the peculiar socio-economic landscape of the State in the coming decade.
He said, “The three-day summit, which will be a hybrid of virtual and live events, will draw participation from various sectors of the economy and across the globe.
“With the absence of the economic summit in the past four years, there seemed to be a decline in the rate of public-private collaboration in this State. This year’s summit is aimed at reconnecting with the private sector, which is the bedrock of the Lagos Economic Summit.
“The quest to strengthen existing relationship between government and the private sector is one of the major goals of this summit since greater private sector participation in governance is a prerequisite for a functional state.”
Ehingbeti 2020 will provide a robust platform for deliberations on pragmatic optimisation of the inherent opportunities in Africa’s 5th largest economy and offer perspectives on how to manage the peculiar socio-economic landscape of the State in the coming decade.#LASG
— The Lagos State Govt (@followlasg) October 8, 2020
The Group has also refreshed the Ehingbeti logo to reflect the contemporary outlook of the annual summit without disconnecting from the economic heritage of the Marina and Broad Streets areas of Lagos, which served as the springboard for Nigerian and West African economic development since the European incursion in the 15th century.
“The new Ehingbeti logo is an embodiment of meanings and expression of the LESG ideals. The convergence of colours in the logo connotes the essence of Ehingbeti as a participatory forum for integrating local and international stakeholders to exchange ideas and chart a path for the socio-economic development of Lagos State.
“The bright star above the image of the iconic ‘Agba Meta’ is a depiction of the result of working together to deliver the stellar accomplishments that define the city state of Lagos and the pervasive atmosphere of economic stability in the State. I am happy to let you know that the image of the ‘Agba Meta’ is a representation of the sculpted white cap chiefs built to welcome people into Lagos,” he added.
According to him, the logo is to emphasise the state’s pride in culture as it welcomes participants to Ehingbeti 2002 and beyond.
Sam Egube, the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, also explained that the last two decades, Ehingbeti has played a pivotal role in the transformation of Lagos State, with useful inputs into Lagos State Development Plans (LSDP).
Egube, who is also a Co-chair of the Steering Committee, said, “Our realities from 2000 when the first Ehingbeti held, exactly 20 years ago, have significantly changed. As a state, we now have to cater for the infrastructural needs of more than 22million population and ensure that Lagos remains on the path of continuous growth.”
