Lagos, Nigeria – At a recent Business Roundtable hosted by WIMB Africa, stakeholders from diverse sectors highlighted the urgent need for policy reforms to tackle rising transportation costs, inadequate infrastructure, and limited economic opportunities for women and youth. The event, themed "Politics as a Nation-Building Catalyst," aimed to foster dialogue on actionable solutions to national development challenges.",
The roundtable, held at the Marriott Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos, brought together over 50 participants, including business leaders, media professionals, legal experts, and policymakers. Key figures such as WIMB Africa Founder Dr. Bukola Bello Jaiyesimi, Mayor of Ikorodu Akinpelu, and former Yaba College of Technology Rector Engr. Obafemi Omokungbe shared insights on how effective governance and institutional frameworks could translate policy into tangible benefits for citizens.
Omokungbe underscored the importance of sustainable infrastructure, stating that investments in roads, electricity, and broadband require robust policy frameworks to ensure long-term functionality. "A weak policy environment can undermine even well-funded physical infrastructure," he warned, advocating for stronger institutions and clear implementation standards.
Mayor Akinpelu emphasized that policy reforms must prioritize economic stability and predictability for businesses while addressing disparities. He urged targeted interventions for vulnerable groups, particularly rural women, and encouraged WIMB Africa to promote cooperative societies among women to enhance collective economic resilience. "When women form cooperative societies, they can pool resources and reduce individual survival pressures," he said.
Veteran journalist Lekan Otufodunrin highlighted the ripple effects of government decisions, citing the removal of fuel subsidies as a policy with far-reaching economic consequences. He noted that the move significantly increased transportation costs, impacting broader economic activities. The discussion also stressed the role of citizen oversight, with participants urging Nigerians to engage more actively in monitoring public budgets and projects.
WIMB Africa’s founder, Dr. Jaiyesimi, reiterated the organization’s commitment to community empowerment, stating that political decisions directly influence governance and daily life. Social-impact artist Anjolaoluwa Olanrewaju added a youth perspective, urging young Nigerians to take greater interest in national affairs. "Politics isn’t just for governments or older generations; we all have a role to play," she said. The roundtable, part of WIMB Africa’s monthly series, continues to serve as a platform for cross-sector collaboration to drive sustainable development across Africa.
Established in 2014, WIMB Africa operates in five African countries and hosts monthly roundtables to address pressing national issues. The event underscored the critical need for inclusive policies, institutional accountability, and civic engagement to foster equitable growth and improve citizens’ quality of life.