Thank you, Mr Governor Sir.
Straight after earning my Master’s in International Law and Diplomacy from the Faculty Of Law, UNILAG. I was humbled to be given the great opportunity of representing the Governor Of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the Netherlands 2025 New Year Reception.
I delivered his speech, which shed light on the significant contributions and collaboration between Netherlands, Lagos & Nigeria.
It also highlighted the $100M waste management facility in Lagos, showcasing Gov.Sanwo-Olu's strides toward sustainability and vision.
For more inspiring and informative content, visit my website, JermaineSanwoOlu.com.
GOODWILL MESSAGE DELIVERED BY MR. BABAJIDE OLUSOLA SANWO-OLU, GOVERNOR OF LAGOS STATE AT THE CONSULATE GENERAL OF THE KINGDOM OF NETHERLANDS 2025 NEW YEAR RECEPTION ON FRIDAY, 17TH OF JANUARY, 2025 AT 14B, WALTER CARRINGTON CRESCENT, VICTORIA ISLAND, LAGOS.
Protocol,
It is an honor to join you today at the Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands’ 2025 New Year Reception. Let me first express my sincere gratitude to the Consul General and his team for their gracious invitation and the warm hospitality extended to all of us.
Occasions like this remind us of the enduring importance of partnerships and dialogue between nations with shared aspirations.
The Kingdom of the Netherlands and Nigeria, particularly Lagos State, have a deep-rooted history of collaboration that transcends diplomacy to address challenges, drive innovation, and improve lives.
The Netherlands has proven itself as a dependable partner over the years, fostering development through transformative initiatives.
Whether through expertise in flood mitigation strategies, significant contributions to port infrastructure development, or knowledge exchange in agriculture, Dutch partnerships have played a pivotal role in shaping Lagos’ progress. Initiatives like the Nigeria-Netherlands Collaborative Seed Program and the adoption of advanced crop cultivation techniques underscore this fruitful collaboration.
Additionally, the recently announced Joint Bi-national Commission reflects a growing commitment to exploring more opportunities in agriculture, renewable energy, water management, and trade—areas that are central to Lagos’ future growth. The Netherlands’ $100 million waste-to-wealth facility in Lagos, part of its recent $250 million investment commitment to Nigeria, further highlights the potential of these partnerships to address critical challenges such as climate adaptation and sustainability.
As a city and state, Lagos sits at the heart of commerce, culture, and innovation in Africa. Yet, like many global cities, we face the realities of climate change, population growth, and the demand for sustainable urban solutions. The Netherlands, with its globally recognized expertise in water management, renewable energy, and sustainable urban development, is an invaluable ally as we navigate these challenges.
Tonight is about more than technical achievements. It is about the human element of partnership—the relationships we build, the cultures we celebrate, and the ideas we exchange. While governments create frameworks, it is individuals - visionaries, entrepreneurs, and innovators - who breathe life into these ambitions.
We stand at the cusp of a new year, and I hope that we will continue to embrace bold thinking and ambitious action. This is not the time for hesitation but for courageous strides. We must envision a future of shared prosperity and resilience, building bridges that link our collective strengths and dreams.
The partnership between Nigeria and the Netherlands is not merely a diplomatic relationship; it is a collaboration of purpose, rooted in mutual respect and shared goals. I am confident that this year, we will work even harder to strengthen these bonds, harnessing our diverse resources to create a world defined by opportunity and inclusivity.
In conclusion, I invite us as we celebrate the accomplishments of the past, to embrace the challenges of the present, and commit ourselves to a future of innovation, sustainability, and shared success.
I thank you for listening.
Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu
Governor of Lagos State.
17TH JANUARY, 2025.
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