The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday, 22nd May 2025, delivered the keynote address at the official launch of the Centre for African, Social and Economic Transformation (CASET), held at the University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom.
Speaking to a distinguished audience of academics, policymakers, development experts, and members of the African diaspora, Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized the urgent need for African nations to adopt people-focused policies rooted in homegrown solutions and social innovation to address the continent’s multifaceted challenges.
In his address, titled “African Solutions for African Challenges: The Case for Social and Economic Transformation”, the Governor commended the establishment of CASET, describing it as a timely and strategic initiative that aligns with the global push for inclusive development and equitable growth in Africa.
“This launch marks a defining moment not just for African scholarship but for practical engagement with real-world issues confronting the continent. Institutions like CASET are crucial to rethinking our development trajectory from the inside out — bringing African voices, values, and visions to the forefront of global policy dialogues,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He highlighted Lagos State’s reforms in areas such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, urban planning, and digital innovation as examples of how African governments can drive transformation through strategic partnerships and resilient governance.
The Governor also called for stronger academic collaborations between African institutions and global universities, urging CASET to serve as a bridge linking research to policy action. He noted that tackling poverty, inequality, and social exclusion requires inclusive frameworks that center on African realities rather than imported models.
Professor Felix Olatunde, Director of CASET, expressed appreciation for the Governor’s presence and reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to rigorous research, leadership development, and policy influence focused on social justice and equitable economic growth across African societies.
The launch ceremony featured panel discussions and keynote contributions from scholars, civic leaders, and international development experts exploring themes such as sustainable governance, economic resilience, diaspora engagement, and cultural reawakening.
With its official opening, CASET is poised to become a leading platform for intellectual inquiry and transformative policy development, working to shape a future where African nations thrive through collective intelligence, innovation, and inclusive leadership.
