The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has called for a transfer of technology knowledge to Nigerian Youths by the Chinese through the establishment of companies and warehouses in Lagos State.
Sanwo-Olu made the call yesterday during a courtesy visit to the State Government and donation of medical materials by the Chairman of the Standing Committee of Qingdao Municipal People’s Congress of China, Mr. Wang Luming and his delegation.
Commending the Qingdao delegation for choosing Lagos State as the first city to visit in Africa, he said they have made a wise decision to partner with Lagos State, the Economic Centre of Nigeria and the third largest economy in West Africa.
According to him, “China has emerged as a global leader in technology, innovation and industrial growth, the transfer of your vast technology knowledge would further aid the development of Lagos State and Nigeria”.
The Governor, who spoke through the Secretary to the State Government, Bar. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, said Nigerian Youths are intelligent, smart and ready to acquire more knowledge to make the nation greater and better for the citizens. He expressed appreciation to the delegation for the donated medical equipment, noting that it will aid the capacity of the Government to provide quality health service to the people in line with the Health and Environment Pillar of the THEMES Plus Developmental Agenda of the present administration.
He said, “The gesture of the medical equipment is a testament to the enduring friendship and collaboration between Lagos State and China, and the commitment to the well-being of the people”.
The Governor thanked the delegation on behalf of the good people of Lagos State and promised that the Lagos State Government will continue to foster the existing bilateral relationship with China.
“This partnership truly exemplifies mutual respect, cooperation, and positive outcomes that can only be achieved when nations work together towards common goals. Apart from the existing areas of collaboration, the State Government would also love to partner with Qingdao on Agriculture, Education, Health and trade”, he added.
The leader of the 17-man delegation and Chairman, Standing Committee of Qingdao Municipal People’s Congress, Wang Luming remarked that he was happy with the warm welcome by the Lagos State Government, informing that Qingdao City is also the Economic Centre of China just like Lagos State.
Luming stated that the purpose of the visit was to strengthen the bilateral trade development and cooperation between the two cities, establish a sister-city relationship with Lagos State and hand over the medical equipment for donation. He also extended an invitation to the State to feel the beauty of the most important city in China.
In her remarks, the Lagos Consul General, People’s Republic of China, Ms. Yan Yuquig said she is in love with Lagos as her second home because Qingdao is also a major city known for its strategic location, economic importance, and rich cultural heritage. The city hosts many multinational corporations, particularly in electronics, shipbuilding and petrochemicals.
The Chairman of All Progressive Congress (APC), Lagos State, Hon Cornelius Ojelabi appreciated the delegation for being part of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s developmental strides in Lagos State. He acknowledged that Lagos State has a longstanding bilateral relationship with China and the gesture of Qingdao would deepen the collaboration toward a greater partnership.
The high point of the programme was the signing of Sister-City Agreements to promote mutually beneficial cooperation in the fields of economy and trade, science and technology, culture and capacity building.
The Special Adviser to Mr. Governor on Health, Mrs. Olukemi Ogunyemi also signed the Medical Donation Agreement to foster and facilitate bilateral relationships to create a China-Africa/Nigeria healthcare community through collaborations and financial aid in the areas of medical supplies. The signing of both agreements was conducted by the Attorney General/Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN.
The medical equipment donated includes a Ventilator Trolley, an Electronic Sphygmomanometer, Disposable Protective Clothing, a Mercury thermometer and a Voice blood glucose meter.
