The Lagos State PWD community had cause for pride when one of their own actively featured in a high powered panel consisting of thought leaders, stakeholders and social change influencers selected by the State Government to discuss critical issues germane to the socio-economic development of the State.
The occasion was the State’s 9th Ehingbeti Summit – a 2-day event held at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Islands, on Tuesday 11 and Wednesday 12, Oct 2022. The theme of this year’s event is “Lagos 2022 – 2052: Charting the Paths to Sustainable Development – the 30 Year Plan”.
David Obinna Anyaele, Executive Director at Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) was chosen among the speakers in a panel discussion with the topic: “Building a Sustainable & Resilient Mega City of the Future”.
Under the panel theme, Anyaele drew government’s attention to the need to define what affordable housing means to the State, calling for development of a template of affordable housing for use by Lagos State residents
He called for leverage on liaison with international experts in executing Public-Private-Partnerships (PPP), providing incentives for developers to invest in mixed income/inclusionary housing in new Urban areas through rebates, waivers and subsidized rates.
The director also charged on engaging developing partners, real estate developers, etc, to facilitate low cost housing, methods and materials.
While commenting on the strategic place of the Summit in driving Lagos State forward in the next 30 years, Anyaele said “the Ehingbeti Summit has served as the bedrock for our developmental discourse, a platform for engaging a wide range of stakeholders in the Lagos success story and an invaluable tool for molding its growth for decades to come.
On the Summit’s Impact on the Lagos State Disability Law trajectory, Anyaele disclosed that the lobbying and advocacy for passage of the Lagos State Special People Law 2010 was concluded at the 2008 and 2010 Ehingbeti Summits.
According to him, “this was done by ensuring that the outcome of resolutions from the summit includes passage of the Disability Law as a prerequisite for implementation of the Lagos State Mega City project.”
Anyaele thanked Hon. Abike Dabiri and Dr. Ndidi Onwuneli for their support during the lobbying period.
He called on participants to familiarize themselves with content of the Development plan, support and hold the Government accountable for its implementation.
At this summit, the Lagos State Development Plan (2022-2052) that would characterize and solidify the trajectory of growth for the next 30 years was launched.”
The masterfully crafted comprehensive blueprint for the State’s Development path in the next 30 years hinged on four cardinals: a thriving economy, a human-centric city, modern infrastructure and effective governance.
The Economic Summit was graced by high profile dignitaries – including Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his Deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, Sam Egabe, Lagos State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Nike Aboderin, Director, Finance and Accounts, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Rabiu Yadudu, Managing Director, FAAN, Hadi Sirika, Minister of Aviation, Ope George, Director General, PPP, Lagos, amongst others.