A global fintech company, Mastercard, has expressed readiness to collaborate with the Lagos State Government to boost technology and innovation in the state.
In a courtesy visit to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the Lagos House, Marina, delegates of the organization made their intention known.
Speaking, Mastercard President for Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, Dr. Dimitrios Dosis, commended the developmental strides of the Governor in the digital payment and transport system.
Dr. Dosis assured that more innovations in digitalization and technology would be introduced by the company to Nigeria of which Lagos will be part.
His words: “I was impressed by the passion I saw in your fintech community. The passion I saw is second to none. I saw innovation taking place in your payment space. I also see innovation in your transport system, which I know, is something that you developed for the city.
“We have a lot of technology that we would like to bring to this country and we want to bring some innovation to Lagos”.
In his response, Governor Sanwo-Olu said his administration was open, willing and eager to make technology a way of life in Lagos.
He stated that partnership with Mastercard would develop and move the state forward in the area of technology, adding that the development of backend infrastructure by the government would help the company’s investment drive in the state.
The Governor reiterated commitment to making Lagos a warehouse of knowledge, skills and innovation for grooming youths in the state and beyond.
“We want to develop millions of young people who are not only smart, but willing to change and take on the world. We have seen that in our creative minds, either in entertainment, arts and culture, innovation and technology.
“We need to channel the energy of the young people positively to be able to help solve world problems. They need to have access and platforms through which they can flourish and show the skills they have.
“We are trying to build a lot of capacity in smart city and security. We don’t want people to come and give us handouts, we want a real partnership where we can identify the problem and come up with solutions,” he stated.
