posted May 22, 2024
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, is set to deliver the keynote address at the 2024 Oxford Africa Conference, which will be held between May 24 and 25, 2024, in the United Kingdom. The conference, hosted by the Oxford University Africa Society, will feature Governor Obaseki speaking on the theme, “Unlocking Africa’s Potential: The Power of Public-Private Partnerships.”
Governor Obaseki will share his unique approach to governance, emphasizing the role of public-private partnerships and their extensive impact on the development of Edo State over the past seven years. His insights will be based on his administration’s successful initiatives that have fostered economic growth, improved infrastructure, and enhanced public services through collaboration between the public sector and private enterprises.
In a letter of invitation signed by the President of the Oxford University Africa Society, Isatou Bokum, the University highlighted that Obaseki’s perspective on the challenges and opportunities in Africa’s development journey is highly sought after. His participation is expected to enrich the intellectual depth of discussions at the conference, offering valuable insights into leveraging partnerships for sustainable development in Africa.
He noted, “Over the past decade, the Oxford Africa Conference, hosted by the Oxford University Africa Society (AfriSoc), has become a flagship event on the African calendar. It is a dynamic platform for students and global leaders to engage in impactful discussions on the continent’s future.
“Distinguished speakers have consistently contributed invaluable insights, leaving a lasting imprint on Africa’s developmental landscape. In our quest for growth and innovation, the 2024 conference proudly introduces the theme, “Charting Africa’s Path Forward: A Journey of Possibilities.”
“This carefully chosen theme reflects our enduring commitment to Africa’s development and our deep-rooted partnership with stakeholders across the continent and in the Diaspora.
“Your visionary leadership and transformative initiatives in Edo State, Nigeria, deeply resonate with the conference theme. We believe that sharing your unique approach to governance, leveraging public-private partnerships, and the extensive impact it has made on the development of Edo State over the last seven years will add significant value to this year’s Oxford Africa Conference.”
Governor Obaseki’s remarkable accomplishments in steering Edo State towards socio-economic development make you a beacon of success and inspiration for aspiring leaders. His unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities inherent in Africa’s development journey is highly sought after and will undoubtedly enrich the intellectual depth of our discussions.”
As part of the sideline events, the governor is expected to join a panoply of Nigerian students at a special ‘Dean’s Lunch’ at the University of Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government. The lunch discussion is scheduled for Thursday, 23 May 2024 between 12:30 to 2:00 pm.
According to the Dean of Blavatnik School of Government, Prof. Ngaire Woods, “We would be keen to learn from your experience as a transformative leader in Nigeria’s public service and how you have pioneered many firsts in Edo State. You have shown in your time as Governor a commitment to building meaningful private-public partnerships, reforming the state’s education system and digital transformation amongst other great achievements.
“Our students would love an opportunity to learn from you on how you have navigated Nigeria’s political terrain to achieve these great successes. Our students know that to make a difference they will need resilience, courage, and maturity of judgement. In them, you will find a group of purposeful future leaders burning with ideas, energy and optimism – for the future of Nigeria, and the future of the world.”