UNGA Summit: Sanusi, Kwara First Lady, Balofin, others push for PPP to drive Nigeria’s growth

At the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, the Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Kwara First Lady Ambassador Professor Olufolake Abdulrazaq, and other dignitaries called for stronger public-private partnerships (PPP) to unlock Nigeria’s vast investment potential and sustain economic growth.

The High-Profile Summit on Economic, Trade, Investment, Technology Incubation, and Cultural Exchange was held at the Henry George School of Social Science Auditorium in Manhattan. Organized by the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI), Newday International, Nigerian Progressive Professionals in the Diaspora, and APC USA/CDC, the forum brought together policymakers, global investors, and industry leaders.

Among the dignitaries present were Ambassador Professor Olufolake Abdulrazaq, who served as keynote speaker, Niger State First Lady Hajiya Fatima Mohammed Bago representing the Spouses of Nigerian Governors’ Forum (SNGF), Osun State First Lady Chief (Mrs.) Titilola Adeleke, Katsina State First Lady Hajiya Zulaihat Dikko Radda, and Zamfara State First Lady Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal.

Discussions focused on mobilizing investments across critical sectors—oil and gas, aviation, technology, agriculture, real estate, power, and maritime—while also highlighting the link between gender equality initiatives and sustainable development.

“This summit has laid a strong foundation for Nigeria’s economic transformation,” said Prof. Tai Balofin, President/CEO of Newday International and Chairman of APC USA. “By mobilizing investors and fostering cultural exchange, we are building bridges for sustainable development and shared prosperity.”

Balofin’s keynote stressed the potential of real estate to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and spur growth. Dr. Kazeem Kolawole Raji, Director General of NBTI, represented by Hon. Tunde Doherty, spoke on the role of technology incubation in driving innovation across key industries.

Chief (Mrs.) Titilola Adeleke, First Lady of Osun State, added:“Through great Initiative, we empower women and children via education, health, and agriculture programs. Strategic investments will amplify these efforts, breaking gender biases to unlock Nigeria’s economic potential and foster sustainable development for all.”

A major highlight was the unveiling of Two Years of Bold Leadership & Lasting Change: The Tinubu Effect, a book detailing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reforms, including the surge of FDI in Nigeria’s digital economy from $22 million in Q1 2023 to $191 million in Q1 2024.

The summit also featured cultural showcases by African and American artists, symbolizing the role of cultural exchange in strengthening bilateral ties. Vendors exhibited innovative products and services, while SNGF CEO Hajiya Hauwa Haliru moderated discussions on women’s roles in inclusive development.

Key outcomes included investment commitments in real estate, renewable energy, and technology; frameworks for public-private partnerships across oil, gas, agriculture, and transport; and stronger diaspora collaboration to support Nigeria’s development goals.

Organizers hailed the event a resounding success, citing secured pledges from international investors and expanded platforms for sectoral cooperation.