The Democratic nominee for the Mayor of New York City, Eric Adams, has promised to establish a sister city agreement between New York and Lagos in order to boost economic development if elected.
Adams disclosed this at the Meet and Greet Fundraiser for the 2021 New York City Mayoral Election organised by the Nigerian-American Community in New York.
Adams, who is Brooklyn Borough President, revealed that he went to Goree Island, in Senegal, and established a sister city agreement between the Island and Brooklyn three years ago.
“We are going to do something specifically for the African continent. We are going to renew our relationship. We are now going to start sister city agreement with all the major cities on the continent of Africa.
“We are going to Lagos to develop a relationship, we are going to trade culture, we are going to trade education and we are going to trade business interest.
“We are going to acknowledge the presence of Africa and make sure we treat it with the respect that it deserves,” he said.
According to him, a sister city agreement signifies a long-term partnership between two communities in two countries that touches on cultural exchange, economic development, and other important areas.
The Democratic nominee lauded the Nigerian-American community for the dedication and hard work, saying, “you came here as professionals, as business owners, as medical professionals and teachers.”
“You have carried your role in such a dignified manner but you took part in a decision that is crucial to your community, that starts January 1st, when I will become the Mayor of New York.
“We will build the partnership; the partnership that will become a relationship that I will not be the one that is dictating to you but a relationship that we will sit down at the table and ask you what you need.
“A relationship of how to use the role as a Mayor to assist you, empower you in your community,’’ he said.
Adams also pledged to support African leaders by hosting them during the annual United Nations General Assembly in New York.
“When we will have the UN General Assembly, we are going to host all the African leaders that are coming into America.
“They are going to be part of delegation and ceremony of how we reunite the African spirit here in New York and on the continent of Africa.
“This is a very important moment for us, not only for New York City but when we get it right, we are going to make sure that never again will we allow anyone to divide us.
“I need you to finish this job,’’ Adams added.
(NAN)
