Lagos State Government has teamed up with Time for Africa Foundation, an international non-profit group, to boost sustainable growth in communities. This partnership targets key areas like health, finance, education, farming, and social support.
The state’s Finance Commissioner, Abayomi Oluyomi, shared this during a meeting with the foundation’s leaders, led by Founder and CEO Dr. Abiodun Olushola. Other state officials joined, including Health Commissioner Prof. Akin Abayomi, Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Commissioner Mrs. Bolaji Cecilia Dada, and Basic and Secondary Education Commissioner Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun.
The meeting happened on Tuesday at the Finance Ministry in Alausa. It centered on using technology, AI, and machine learning to help communities and improve services in Lagos.
Oluyomi said this partnership fits the state’s THEMES Plus plan, which focuses on education, technology, health, environment, innovation, inclusion, and economic growth.
He highlighted the upcoming launch of Lagos State’s Green Bond, making it the first local government in Nigeria to offer a bond focused on climate issues. This bond will fund projects that fight climate change and improve health, environment, and housing.
“This Green Bond is a big step for Lagos,” Oluyomi said. “It shows our commitment to funding projects that help people while being smart with money.” He also mentioned turning state assets into securities and tokens to grow Lagos as one of Africa’s top economies.
Health Commissioner Prof. Akin Abayomi talked about new health ideas, like better ways to diagnose and treat cancer early, using AI for data and quick care, and creating local medical solutions through research.
He explained that these efforts cover digital tools, medical training, special care, and outreach to make health services stronger in Lagos.
Women Affairs Commissioner Mrs. Bolaji Cecilia Dada described programs to empower women and those in need. These include skill training at the local level, policies for long-term inclusion, and giving startup tools to help people start businesses after training.
Education Commissioner Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun stressed the state’s promise of free education from early years to high school, including covering exam fees for students.
He noted building new classrooms for better learning and programs to bring back children not in school. Lagos also works with groups like UNICEF and the World Bank to match global standards and improve education access.
Oluyomi added that another meeting will include more commissioners to seal the partnership, aligning with the state’s goals.
Dr. Abiodun Olushola praised Lagos for its forward-thinking policies. She said the foundation is ready to help through global ties, training, and investor support.
“This partnership will create big changes in Nigeria,” Olushola said. “We’re eager to use new tech to empower communities with Lagos.”
The foundation’s team includes Oxford and Cambridge graduates like Prevena Mohan, Leo Way, Ethan Wang, Kahhu Pathnayak, and Daniel Chapman.
