Lagos, Antigua partner on tourism, tech

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Friday, hosted the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Hon. Gaston Alfonso Browne, pledging cooperation between the two regions in key sectors including entertainment, culture, and technology.

During the courtesy visit at Lagos House, Marina, Prime Minister Browne expressed his country’s readiness to partner with Lagos and Nigeria at large for increased trade and investments. He was accompanied by his wife Maria Browne, Ambassador Davin Joseph, Air Peace Chairman Dr. Allen Onyema, and others.

In a press statement on Friday by Gboyega Akisile, special adviser, media and publicity, Browne stated, “I believe Africa has a significant amount of resources, and literally every African country can become a developed country.

“Our aspiration for Nigeria is to see it become a developed country within the next decade or two. The Caribbean and Africa must unite and work together to bring prosperity to our people.”

Responding, Governor Sanwo-Olu said his administration will collaborate with Antigua and Barbuda in the creative industry, digital technology, and tourism.

“We are building a bridge. The Caribbean is the sixth region of Africa. We can partner in the areas of culture, tourism, arts, and entertainment because we have a lot of things in common.

“Technology is very important because it knows no boundaries. We say we are the tech hub of Africa,” he said.

The Governor added that the time is ripe for Nigeria to achieve its true potential as an economic powerhouse.

“Mr. President has laid the background for us. He has said that he wants Nigeria to have a one trillion GDP within the next couple of years, and that is the kind of thing we are saying.”

Air Peace CEO Dr. Allen Onyema, who facilitated the visit, hailed Sanwo-Olu for receiving the Prime Minister’s delegation. He noted that Africa is the next investment destination for the world.

“The West, Asians, and everybody else want a piece of Africa. We must have Africa for ourselves and accommodate others,” Onyema stated.