The Lagos State Government has expressed commitment to forging a strategic partnership with the international non-governmental organisation, Time for Africa Foundation, to accelerate sustainable urban and community development initiatives across key sectors, including health, finance, education, agriculture, and social empowerment.
The Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Abayomi Oluyomi, revealed this while hosting officials of the international NGO, led by its Founder/CEO, Dr. Abiodun Olushola, alongside key members of the Lagos State Executive Council, including the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi; the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Bolaji Cecilia Dada, and the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun.
The meeting, at the Ministry of Finance Conference Room, Secretariat, Alausa, focused on leveraging Technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Machine Learning (ML) to empower communities and improve service delivery across strategic sectors in Lagos State.
Oluyomi stated that the partnership is a welcome development as it aligns with the THEMES Plus Agenda of the current administration, promoting Education & Technology, Health & Environment, strategic innovation, social inclusion, and sustainable economic growth, amongst others.
He emphasised the State’s forward-thinking financial initiatives, highlighting the upcoming launch of Lagos State’s Green Bond. This pioneering move will make Lagos the first sub-national entity in Nigeria to issue a climate-focused investment instrument. The Green Bond, aimed at financing climate-resilient infrastructure and advancing key sectors such as health, environment, and housing.
He said: “This Green Bond is a landmark achievement for Lagos State. It reflects our dedication to financing sustainable projects that directly impact lives while maintaining fiscal responsibility. He also cited securitisation and tokenisation of state assets as part of the innovations driving Lagos’ rise as one of the largest economies in Africa.
Prof. Akin Abayomi shared ongoing innovations within the health sector, including advances in precision diagnosis, early detection and personalised cancer treatment, the deployment of robust artificial intelligence strategies for efficient data management and enhanced access to prompt medical care, as well as efforts to localise medical solutions through indigenous research and development.
Abayomi stated that these initiatives illustrate Lagos State Government’s holistic and innovation-driven approach, from digital systems and medical education to specialised care and community outreach, to strengthen healthcare delivery and outcomes across the state.
Mrs. Bolaji Cecilia Dada, Commissioner for Women and Poverty Alleviation, outlined various empowerment initiatives targeting women and vulnerable groups, including grassroots skill acquisition programmes, policy development aimed at long-term socio-economic inclusion, and the provision of startup equipment to beneficiaries to enable them launch and sustain their own businesses after training.
In the education sector, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, reaffirmed the State Government’s unwavering commitment to free education from early childhood through senior secondary level, including the payment of WAEC examination fees for all eligible students.
He highlighted ongoing efforts to provide a conducive teaching and learning environment through the construction of modern classrooms, as well as the implementation of targeted programmes aimed at reintegrating out-of-school children.
Alli-Balogun also noted the State’s strategic collaborations with international organisations such as UNICEF and the World Bank, to align with global best practices and further strengthen the quality and accessibility of education in Lagos State.
Commissioner for Finance, Oluyomi, emphasised that there will be a follow-up meeting, which will include the commissioners for the Environment, Science and Technology, Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Rural Development, to formalise a partnership that aligns with the THEMES Plus Agenda of the State Government.
Dr. Abiodun Olushola, the Founder/CEO, the International NGO, praised the Lagos State Government for its visionary policies that align with global best practices. She reaffirmed the foundation’s readiness to collaborate, invest, and support the State through international partnerships, training programmes, and investor-backed initiatives.
“This partnership marks a turning point for scalable impact in Nigeria. We are excited to work with Lagos State to drive community empowerment using next-generation technologies,” Dr. Olushola stated.