By Peace Udugba
The Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, has commended the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for his efforts in projecting a positive image of Nigeria to the international community and countering negative narratives about the country.
In a statement issued recently and signed by its National Organising Secretary, Otunba Kole Omololu, the group said Governor Sanwo-Olu’s successful hosting of over 200 potential investors at the Invest Lagos 3.0 Summit—held on June 8 and 9, 2026, at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos—was a significant achievement worthy of national recognition. The summit was organised in partnership with the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council.
According to the statement, “These are the kinds of visionary initiatives Nigerians expect from their governors, particularly at a time when increased fiscal resources made available through the economic reforms of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have created new opportunities for subnational governments to drive development and attract investment.
“By assembling an impressive lineup of distinguished global leaders and economic stakeholders, including Lord Marland, Chairman of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, and Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat, Governor Sanwo-Olu has demonstrated through concrete action that Nigeria remains a safe, viable, and attractive destination for investment.
“Today, no governor in Nigeria has done more to positively project the image of our country on the global stage than Governor Sanwo-Olu. His administration has consistently leveraged innovation, culture, tourism, and economic diplomacy to showcase the immense potential of Lagos and Nigeria,” the statement added.
It further noted that from the success of the “Detty December” initiative, which reportedly attracted about 1.2 million visitors to Nigeria in 2025, to the hosting of the E1 World Championship electric powerboat racing event, and the expansion of Lagos’ economy to an estimated GDP of $259 billion based on Purchasing Power Parity (PPP), Lagos State continues to set new benchmarks in subnational development.
“Afenifere is proud of these achievements and believes they exemplify the kind of visionary, development-driven leadership required to reposition Nigeria for sustained economic growth, prosperity, and global competitiveness,” the statement said.
The group also urged other state governors to emulate Lagos State’s approach by pursuing initiatives that attract investment, create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and strengthen Nigeria’s standing in the comity of nations.
