Hamzat urges investment in local innovation

File: Lagos State Deputy Governor Kadri Obafemi Hamzat.

The Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, has urged Nigeria to invest in homegrown technology, reliable electricity and critical infrastructure to drive economic growth and improve citizens’ welfare.

Hamzat said the country must move beyond consuming imported technology to developing local innovations, creating intellectual property and exporting homegrown solutions.

He spoke on Saturday at the seventh anniversary of Real Talk With Kike and the celebration of broadcaster Kikelomo Atanda-Owo Abati’s more than 20 years in the media industry, held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, the deputy governor said unreliable electricity remained a major constraint on businesses, stressing that government commitments must translate into dependable power supply.

“A factory cannot run on a promise,” he said, adding that the impact of electricity reforms should be measured by their benefits to businesses and households.

Hamzat, who spoke on the theme, “The Future of Nigeria: Where Leadership, Innovation, Culture and Media Converge to Shape Nation Building,” also called for improved transportation, digital connectivity and long-term financing to support infrastructure development and enterprise.

He urged the government and private sector to work together to ensure that policies and investments delivered tangible benefits to Nigerians.

“Government must make investment possible. Enterprise must make investment productive, and the ultimate beneficiary must be the Nigerian people,” he said.

On the role of the creative industry, Hamzat said culture was not only a source of national identity but also an avenue for job creation and international influence.

He also underscored the importance of a free and responsible press, saying journalists must uphold accuracy, fairness, independence and the public interest.

“A free press is indispensable to democracy. So are accuracy, fairness, independence and a commitment to the public interest,” he said.

The Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, who also spoke at the event, identified bureaucracy and red tape as obstacles to effective governance.

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She urged public officials to bridge the gap between policy formulation and implementation by focusing on measurable results and ensuring that government programmes benefit ordinary Nigerians.

The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, called for better communication between public officials and citizens, particularly through social media.

She also expressed concern about societal values that place excessive emphasis on wealth and power at the expense of integrity and hard work.

The Chairman of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, defended the airline against criticism over flight delays, saying some disruptions were caused by circumstances beyond its control.

He also said the airline’s entry into the London route had increased competition and put pressure on other carriers to reduce fares.

The Managing Director of Sahara Group, Kola Adeshina, urged the media to report accurately and present Nigeria fairly to the international community, noting that responsible journalism could help attract investment and strengthen the country’s global standing.

Earlier, Atanda-Owo Abati described the anniversary as a milestone in her career, reflecting on her experience in broadcasting and print journalism.

She thanked her production team and sponsors for supporting the programme’s growth and acknowledged her husband, veteran journalist Reuben Abati, for supporting her career.

Reuben Abati described his wife as a symbol of resilience, determination, hard work and focus. He also urged Nigerians to make informed electoral choices, reject vote-buying and demand accountability from public officials.

The event featured a documentary, Real Talk With Kike: A Platform Built on Experience, chronicling the programme’s journey, and a musical performance by Beejaysax.

Real Talk With Kike is a platform for conversations on leadership, relationships, society and enterprise.