₦airaland Forum

Senegalese-American singer and songwriter Akon has shared his views on why Lagos State has not emerged as the world’s financial capital.

In an AI-curated video on his Instagram page on Tuesday, the 52-year-old attributed the state’s shortcomings to the Nigerian government.

The record producer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist argued that had Nigeria retained 100 per cent of its oil revenues since gaining independence in 1960, the country could have accumulated trillions of dollars.

In the video, Akon, who rose to international fame in 2004 with the release of “Locked Up” featuring Styles P, stated:

“What if Nigeria had kept 100 per cent of its oil money since 1960 instead of letting Shell and Exxon take it? We’re talking about $2 trillion that could have stayed in African hands.

“Lagos would be the world’s financial capital today, not London or New York. Nigerian universities would lead global innovation, churning out the next generation of tech giants.

"Nollywood wouldn’t just compete with Hollywood but also completely dominate global entertainment. The ripple effects get even crazier. London’s banking district would be empty as every major firm relocates to Abuja.”

Additionally, the “Akonda” crooner suggested that Nigerian passports could have also been more valuable than American ones.

He further noted that Europeans would then cross the Mediterranean for work opportunities in Africa.

“The global power structure would flip completely upside down. Instead of brain drain, Nigeria would attract the world’s brightest minds.

One decision in 1960 could have changed everything. Africa controlling its own resources changes the entire world order,” said Akon.

In the video caption, the singer emphasised that “the possibilities are endless. But it’s never too late.”

Racoon:
The landlord of Burdilion have caged and kept it underdeveloped for more than 20 years while claiming to tame the Atlantic ocean.

Ttalk:
Talk about your state abi na only Lagos dey Nigeria?....

Ttalk:
Talk about your state abi na only Lagos dey Nigeria?

Even if na Sambisa don't be ashamed to mention it na

Ttalk:
Talk about your state abi na only Lagos dey Nigeria?

Even if na Sambisa don't be ashamed to mention it na

Putindbutt:
Talk about his state ke?, Can he talk about the godfathers in his region like the Uba brothers, OUK, etc that held them in the throat or recent happenings where members of state house of assembly in Abia were breaking bottles on each other's head because of the money Otti gave them to pass his budget.
Their only medication for depression is to insult Lagos, if you take that away from them, the news that will be coming in will not be palatable.

Racoon:
Lagos was former Nigerian capital city. So it is natural that we are interested whenever discussion concerns it.

Racoon:
Lagos was former Nigerian capital city. So it is natural that we are interested whenever discussion concerns it.

Justiceleague1:
How an adult will open his mouth and say something like "insult Lagos!"

We wonder what goes on in the CPUs

Justiceleague1:
There are free buses available for voluntary relocation to iragbiji and Oshogbo Ibadan Ogbomosho....there's deadline sha....

Mrfixitt:
Tinubu and so many other voluminous corrupt politicians in Nigeria have made it impossible.

Ttalk:
You are blocked

richiemcgold:
The root cause of the problems identified by Akon here is our poor educational systems. We couldn't do away with the likes of shell and exxon mobil because we lacked the technical know how. The oil boom money that would've been used to provide knowledge (education) was embezzled and siphoned abroad by our leaders (most especially military). They have forgotten that knowledge is power 💪