By Bilesanmi Abayomi
The Executive Chairman of Agboyi Ketu LCDA, Kosofe, Lagos, Nigeria, Mayor Dele Oshinowo, alongside other Lagos Council Chairmen, recently took part in the ongoing forum of African Mayors in Rabat, Morocco. The two-day event, titled “Making Culture a Pillar of Sustainable Development of Cities and Territories,” commenced on May 23 and will conclude on May 24, 2023.
Mayor Dele Oshinowo led a delegation that included Hon. Abdullahi Sesan Olowa, Chairman of Ibeju Lekki; Hon. Dotun Olakunle, Chairman of Onigbongbo LCDA; Hon. Kolade Alabi, Chairman of Bariga LCDA; and other representatives of the ALGON Chairman.
The forum serves as a platform for city leaders across Africa to address the pressing challenges of African and Afro-descendant culture development and to enhance the progress of local government administration in Lagos State.
The gathering of mayors aims to foster meaningful discussions on how culture can play a vital role in achieving sustainable development within cities and territories. By recognizing the significance of culture as a driving force, these leaders seek to bring additional value to their respective regions and promote the rich heritage and diversity of Africa.
The participation of Mayor Dele Oshinowo and the Lagos Council Chairmen in this forum highlights the commitment of Lagos State to actively engage in global discussions on cultural development. By sharing experiences, exchanging ideas, and collaborating with other African leaders, they aim to explore innovative approaches that will contribute to the advancement of their local government areas.
The forum in Rabat provides a unique opportunity for the delegation to learn from successful cultural development models implemented in other African cities. Through these insights, the Lagos Council Chairmen can identify best practices, strategies, and policies that can be adapted and implemented within their own regions to promote cultural preservation, heritage tourism, and economic growth.
Culture, with its diverse manifestations and traditions, holds immense potential to shape the identity of cities and territories. By prioritizing the integration of cultural practices and heritage preservation, local governments can foster a sense of pride among residents, attract tourists, and contribute to sustainable development. The engagement of Lagos State in this forum underscores its commitment to leveraging culture as a catalyst for progress and the overall betterment of the community.
As the African Mayors Forum continues, Mayor Dele Oshinowo, along with his counterparts, will actively participate in discussions, workshops, and networking sessions. The aim is to establish collaborative partnerships, share success stories, and collectively work towards harnessing the full potential of culture to drive sustainable development and create thriving cities and territories in Lagos State and across Africa.