Show resilience than dwell on challenges, Ambode charges cities
Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has stated that cities of the world should show resilience rather than dwell on numerous challenges being encountered, especially in the face of natural disasters and other attendant untoward situations. He made this assertion on Tuesday at the Renaissance Hotel in GRA, Ikeja, while receiving a plaque and certificate of admittance into 100 Resilient Cities on behalf of Lagos State from Michael Berkowitz, President, 100 Resilient Cities.
The 100 Resilient Cities- pioneered by the Rockefeller Foundation (100RC), is dedicated to helping cities around the world become more resilient to the physical, social and economic challenges that are a growing part of the 21st century. According to Governor Ambode, “Resilience dictates that, rather than dwell on our challenges or shortcomings, we capitalize and exploit the massive opportunities that exist therein.
“Being part of the network of 100 Resilient Cities comes at a good time when Lagos is looking to join the leading city-states of the world. We are open to new ideas, new technology and new methods,” he said. “On Wednesday 25th May, 2016, the Lagos State Government received they news of our selection to join the group of 100 Resilient Cities network, a cause pioneered by the highly-esteemed Rockefeller foundation.
“This news was a proud moment for our State and a confirmation that our efforts to build a globally competitive State has received international recognition.” He stressed that there are challenges and needs but that being a member of the 100 resilient cities of the world, presented a platform to compare notes with cities who had similar experiences and also to create innovative and mitigating strategies.
In his opening remarks, Lagos State Commissioner for Finance, Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Akinyemi Ashade, said the selection of Lagos among the 100 Resilient Cities was sign post of a new dawn for the State in terms of ability to adapt to some of the risks and shocks it may be exposed to and how to effectively treat and overcome them.
Earlier, President of 100 Resilient Cities, Mr. Michael Berkowitz said out of the over 1,000 applications received and three rounds of selection process, Lagos was chosen for its innovative leadership, infrastructural strides and influential status not just in Africa but in the world.
