Traveling reminds me that if governments provide enabling environments, then multi-generational greatness can emerge from their citizens.

Michigan and Ford.

Atlanta and Coca-Cola.

Amsterdam, London, New York and financial markets.

Dubai has also built an ecosystem around this.

There’s something about cities. They either tell you business is welcome and innovation is supported, or they whisper you will hustle till you die, and the regulators will charge you while you are dying.

London’s Hub and Spoke Model

I’m in London and am always fascinated by its deliberate hub and spoke model. I remember being in a global fellowship that included visits to key London government agencies where the model was explained to us. We got to see the command center of Transport for London.

Essentially, the hub and spoke design is that people who live in London should have most of what they need within walking distance, including public transportation.

Lessons from Ikeja and Lekki

Growing up in Ikeja was like that. You could find markets, stores, transport, schools and so on within walking distance. But its growth was uncontrolled, and the arrival of Computer Village turned a primarily residential zone into an ugly and noisy commercial hub. The same thing happened to Lekki Phase One when residential houses became strip clubs.

Well-being Matters

Governments have a role to play in balancing commercial growth and well-being. In cities like London, the side streets appear sacrosanct. You can do whatever you want on the high streets and main roads. But once you step into the inner streets, serenity prevails.

For more, read Travel Musings