Tag: Sanwo-Olu

In a resounding display of transparency and citizen engagement, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu recently hosted the first town hall meeting of 2024. This event, centered in the largest senatorial district of Lagos, brought Sanwo-Olu to the forefront as a fellow townsfolk, positioning the citizens as stewards of progress. Amidst the lively discourse, Lagosians seized the opportunity to articulate the challenges faced by residents, while eagerly listening to the government’s initiatives aimed at enhancing their lives. As Lagos, the economic powerhouse of Nigeria, grapples with a myriad of needs and a population exceeding 20 million, the meeting addressed critical issues such as special status for the state, state police, infrastructure development, healthcare and social welfare. Associate Editor ADEKUNLE YUSUF reports

Town hall meetings, the heartbeat of democratic engagement, illuminate the path forward, fostering unity in diversity and steering the collective destiny toward shared aspirations. In these communal gatherings, the pulse of the community quickens and the vibrant tapestry of diverse perspectives unfolds. Participants, representing the kaleidoscope of local life, converge to share aspirations, air concerns and sculpt the collective destiny. Within the walls of a town hall, democracy dances in lively discourse as the people transform into active citizens, with their voices resonating through the hallowed halls, stitching the fabric of shared responsibility. It is a democratic alchemy where ideas, both grand and humble, meld into actionable initiatives for the benefit of all.

Motivated by the desire for inclusive governance, the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu took a significant step by organising its inaugural town hall meeting in 2024. The event, held at the iconic Balmoral Convention Centre in Ikeja, served as a platform for residents in the Lagos West senatorial district, the largest in the state. Governor Sanwo-Olu assumed the role of a fellow townsfolk, bridging the gap between leadership and citizens who, in turn, were acknowledged as stewards of progress. The town hall, an epitome of egalitarian engagement, unfolded as a stage for civic participation on Thursday, January 25. The well-attended gathering transformed every expressed sentiment into a stroke on the canvas of communal governance, vividly portraying the Lagos landscape with the colours of participatory zeal.

In his opening remarks, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, highlighted that the town hall meeting was a reflection of the open-door policy embraced by the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat. He highlighted that although Lagos West Senatorial District led the way, subsequent town hall meetings in other senatorial districts would provide opportunities for government officials to engage with the public, present reports of stewardship and assure stakeholders that, despite any challenges, the state remains on a steady course. This approach, he added, underscores the leadership’s commitment to listening to feedback and implementing necessary actions for the betterment of the state.

 “The philosophy of the Sanwo-Olu/Hamzat Administration is that for democracy to maintain its essence, the active involvement of the people in governance must be encouraged and, indeed, deliberately courted. This is because the citizens are the bedrock of democracy. It is, therefore, in furtherance of this principle that we are gathered here today to further promote our agenda of running an all-inclusive government through the instrumentality of the THEMES Plus Agenda – the six-pillar development plan of the administration,” Omotoso said.

The town hall meeting served as a crucial platform for Lagosians, particularly from the Lagos West Senatorial District, to voice the challenges confronting residents and to gain insights into the government’s initiatives aimed at enhancing their quality of life. The significance of the meeting is deeply rooted in the state’s status, not only within Nigeria but also in West Africa. Lagos, being the nation’s economic capital, boasts an estimated population exceeding 20 million, presenting a multitude of needs and challenges. With a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $130 billion, the state ranks as the fifth-largest economy in Africa. Given its mega city status and economic importance, citizens expressed the view that Lagos merits special recognition in the federation. Specific expectations included advocating for state police, establishing a state-owned airline, improving the road network, and involving traditional rulers in advisory councils within the state.

Lagosians also emphasised the importance of creating a department for early intervention for children born with disabilities and advocated for physiotherapy units in all primary health sectors. They called for the establishment of an ultra-modern library and encouraged initiatives supporting research and learning among the youth. Bishop Stephen Adegbite, representing the Lagos State Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), stressed the need for the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) to diligently enforce traffic rules, especially against commercial transporters who often flout regulations. He further highlighted the potential use of abandoned federal government buildings to address accommodation challenges in the state.

Oba Kabir Shotobi, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, stressed the need for urgent action against insecurity in the state. He pointed out that if Lagos had its police force, criminal activities would be minimised. Oba Shotobi underscored that the state has the capacity to ensure the security of its residents, urging the push for state policing to further enhance safety and reduce criminal activities in the region. He said: “The state can ensure the security of the residents. We are always number one and we should push for state policing.”

Expressing gratitude for the unique privilege of providing an account of stewardship to Lagosians during the second term in office, Governor Sanwo-Olu acknowledged God’s grace in overcoming challenges and securing victory through the popular mandate of the people. He reflected on the tough journey, which recently concluded at the Supreme Court, highlighting the resilience and support from Lagosians that led to the successful outcome.

“We have not rested on our oars since you the good people of Lagos State gave us the mandate to oversee the affairs of the state for another four years. I often like to describe this second term as our season of doubling. We want to move twice as fast as we did in the first term, and accomplish twice as much. Of course, our T.H.E.M.E.S+ development agenda will continue to guide and propel all that we do for the progress and development of Lagos State. As a government, our commitment to the well-being of citizens and growth of our state is resolute and unwavering. We remain dedicated to the successful implementation of pivotal projects,” Sanwo-Olu said.

Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted significant progress in transportation infrastructure, especially with the successful launch of the first phase of the Blue Line in the Lagos Rail Mass Transit. The ongoing work aims to complete the second phase, extending the rail line from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko during his administration. Additionally, the governor announced the imminent formal launch and commencement of operations for the Red Line, connecting Oyingbo to Agbado, with stops at Iju, Agege, Ikeja, Oshodi, Mushin, and Yaba expected within the next few months.

“In the last two months, we have commissioned the Ikeja, Yaba and Oyingbo Flyovers’ component of the Red Line project. These flyovers have been built to significantly reduce the risk of accidents and collisions between trains and vehicles. They will also resolve vehicular congestion and delays along the Red Line corridor, and allow free movement of traffic.

“The Opebi-Mende-Ojota Link Bridge and other arterial roads connecting the bridge will also be ready for commuters by the Second Quarter of this year. Upon completion of the link bridge, major traffic issues along the Opebi-Allen axis will be solved as alternative routes will be available for motorists travelling from Toyin Street, Allen Avenue, Ikeja and Maryland to Ojota enroute Lagos Island. It will also decongest traffic on Kudirat Abiola and Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way. We are improving traffic management for a more exciting commuter experience in Lagos and we are making access to modern infrastructure seamless. As a result of the ongoing construction of Opebi-Ojota-Mende bridge, over 100 Nigerian engineers are gainfully employed. Students from various universities, and members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) are also on-site, learning practical aspects of their courses, such as Geology and Civil Engineering,” he added.

Emphasising that these projects are geared towards enhancing connectivity between communities and ensuring a more efficient public transportation system, the governor announced plans to introduce electric buses for passenger operations later this year. This initiative follows the successful completion of a proof of concept validating the feasibility of non-combustible engines as a sustainable alternative to traditional fuel-powered vehicles. “Also, in the first quarter of this year, we will take delivery of an additional 100 units of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses from the Federal Government for deployment on defined routes. The goal is to raise the fleet to about 1,000 units before the end of 2024. Rest assured that Lagos is making steady progress in its zero-carbon programme with the objective of becoming an emission-neutral city by 2050.

“Our project financing plan for construction of the Fourth Mainland Bridge is being finalised. When completed, the project will be one of the longest bridges in Africa, providing a much-needed alternative to existing routes while also opening up new parts of the metropolis. Plans are also in top gear on the Lekki International Airport, which is expected to take pressure off the Muritala Muhammed International Airport.  It will sit on 5,000 hectares of land in the fastest-growing industrial zone in West Africa today, and is expected to cater to about five million passengers annually, traveling within and outside Nigeria,” he said.

Additionally, the governor highlighted the inauguration of the 1.6km Babs Animashaun Road in Surulere, a reconstruction project led by the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila. The road, transformed from a single lane to a dualised four-lane carriageway, features two bridge components. This upgrade is expected to enhance traffic connectivity and reduce travel time from Surulere to neighboring Ikate and Orile areas.

Underscoring the benefits of healthcare, Governor Sanwo-Olu noted his participation, alongside the Chief of Staff, in the commissioning of the three-storey, 80-bed Femi Gbajabiamila General Hospital situated at Iyun Road in Aralile Community, Surulere. He highlighted that this hospital, now under state government management, will supplement the existing healthcare facilities in Surulere and its environs. The addition of this facility is expected to enhance the capacity and overall quality of medical services provided by the  state. He said: “We are building the largest children hospital in West-Africa: Massey Street Hospital, and also a 500-bed Mental Health hospital in Ketu-Ejinrin Epe. Plans are also ongoing to establish a Medical University in collaboration with Federal Ministry of Health. The approval process is already underway and being fine-tuned with the National Universities Commission (NUC). The medical institution is anticipated churn out 1,500 personnel yearly to enhance capacity in medical services.”

MSMEs play a pivotal role in fostering economic development and prosperity by serving as the backbone of any economy. Their significant contributions include job creation, generating employment opportunities that are vital for a thriving economy. Recognising the importance of MSMEs, the government said it has actively promoted vocational and skills acquisition as a pragmatic strategy to alleviate poverty and enhance financial sustainability. This approach aims to empower individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge, enabling them to participate actively in the economy, either as entrepreneurs or skilled workers. By fostering a conducive environment for MSMEs to flourish, according to Sanwo-Olu, the government strives to create a robust economic ecosystem that not only supports business growth but also addresses broader issues such as poverty alleviation and social protection. This commitment underscores the understanding that a thriving MSME sector is integral to achieving sustainable and inclusive economic development, he said.

“This administration will not hold back investment in these programmes, believing firmly that lifting people out of poverty and setting them on the path to prosperity is the cardinal objective of government. A few days ago, beneficiaries of the Micro Enterprise Support Initiative, mainly youths, were empowered at LTV Blue Roof in Agidingbi with various start-off equipment that will aid their trade. Our 18 vocational centres have graduated over 16,000 youths. The graduands took vocational training in 19 skill development centres across the five traditional divisions in Lagos.

“The course fees were borne by the state government. The initiative was targeted at empowering the grassroots, while giving young people an opportunity to discover their innate potential for economic independence. The life skills, would, no doubt, help the beneficiaries become self-reliant, just as their entrepreneurial abilities would be enhanced and make them contribute to the economic growth of the state,” he explained.

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 In a bid to mitigate the impact of fuel subsidy removal on the citizens, Sanwo-Olu highlighted that the government has allocated a significant sum of N50 billion for social protection in the 2024 budget. This allocation, which has been approved by the State House of Assembly and signed into law, aims to provide a safety net for vulnerable members of the society and alleviate the economic burden on the populace. Shifting focus to the tourism and entertainment sector, the governor stressed the commencement of the Lagos Film City project. This initiative marks the foundational step towards creating a vibrant ecosystem encompassing creative cinematography, tourism, leisure, entertainment, and educational opportunities. The Lagos Film City is envisioned to become a hub for cultural and artistic expressions, contributing to the growth and dynamism of the state’s cultural landscape.

He said: “The project, being sited on 100-hectares of land in Ejinrin town in Epe Division, will open a vista of economic opportunities to talented youngsters in the culture and entertainment sectors. It will position Lagos continentally and globally as a destination for filmmakers and producers who want a custom-built location where they can deliver world-class films. Recent feats of Funke Akindele and her colleagues like Toyin Abraham and Mercy Akhigbe, among others, have shown that with the right environment, our young people have the wherewithal to catalyse artistic activity and economic prosperity in Lagos and Nigeria.

“This massive potential in the creative sector is what underpins the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) deal that we reached with a consortium of entertainment investors, facilitated by Del-York Group, to develop the one-stop campus for learning, film production, post-production, visual effects, and other ancillary services that support the filmmaking process. Ogidi Studios and EbonyLife Cinema deserve special mention, as part of the indigenous entertainment partners working to bring our vision for the film industry to reality. Our eyes are on every sector of the economy. We are determined to seize every opportunity that exists, and leave behind a legacy of transformed infrastructure, social wellbeing, and economic prosperity.”

In addressing security concerns, Governor Sanwo-Olu shared his satisfaction with the notable decline in bank robbery incidents in the state. According to the latest report from the State’s Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Lagos has achieved a significant milestone by not recording a single incident of armed robbery targeting financial institutions for the fourth consecutive year. This achievement represents the longest period without such incidents over the last two decades, reflecting the success of security measures implemented to safeguard banks and financial establishments in the state.

His words: “This feat was achieved through continuous review and fine-tuning of the state’s security architecture. Let me specially thank all our security agencies for the cooperation and dedication that has helped deliver this commendable outcome. In order to consolidate on our gains in the sector, we recently held the 17th Town Hall Meeting on security organised by the LSSTF, where stakeholders in the security circle, citizens and private sector donors met to evaluate issues relating to safety in Lagos.

“The Security Trust Fund has consistently funded operations of security agencies across communities to ensure quick response to threats and crimes. This year, through the LSSTF, we will provide 300 additional patrol vehicles for our security agencies. In furtherance of our administration’s commitment to the security of lives and property of the people, we recently commissioned the newly-constructed Police Area “M” Command (Phase III & IV), Idimu, Lagos. Our administration pledges to continue to pursue policies and actions that will foster a safe and secure Lagos.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasised the importance of civic responsibility, declaring a firm stance against the disregard for the law. He highlighted that adherence to the rule of law is paramount to prevent chaos and disorder in Lagos, underscoring the commitment to maintaining a society where law and order prevail. He said: “I therefore implore each and every Lagosian to play their part in respecting and obeying the laws of the land. From paying our taxes, to obeying traffic rules, to disposing of our waste responsibly, to speaking up when we see other people breaking the law. These are all attitudes and habits that we must imbibe on this journey to a Greater Lagos.

“On our part as government, we will continue to strive to make it easier for you to be law-abiding. We recognise that it is not enough to say the laws must be obeyed, we must also ensure that the laws are clear, fair and just. We have a duty, as government, to make it easier for taxes to be paid, and for waste to be properly disposed. If we want Lagosians to take our ‘Say Something If You See Something’ campaign serious, then we must make it easy for them to make reports, and we must guarantee quick and efficient responses. This is the beauty of a functioning society, everyone has a part to play, and everyone playing that part responsibly makes life easier and better for all. Together, we must play our part in achieving a truly Greater Lagos.”

 In response to the deluge of questions, observations, and commendations from participants, the governor emphasised that it is the constitutional responsibility of the members of the National Assembly to advocate for the special status of Lagos. In his words: “State policing is an ongoing conversation at the federal level, and we are not giving up on it, but we need to have it in mind that we are a federation and there must be a negotiation. Nobody can just make a pronouncement, there have to be constitutional changes for it to happen. We will continue to push it forward. Regarding insecurity, we are putting our destiny in our hands, we are supporting all the existing security architecture we have in the state. We have a functional Neighbourhood Watch, which is about 6,000-7,000 men, who are in the nooks and crannies of the state. We also want to increase the number because we have seen the efficiency and benefits of their work. We will fashion additional ways to ensure that we have a regular dialogue of information and engagement with traditional rulers.”

Addressing the role of LASTMA, the governor affirmed that the agency would persist in upholding high standards and discharging its responsibilities impartially. In response to a query from Pa Muhammed Hassan, a former Permanent Secretary and retired Auditor General for Local Government in the state, regarding the establishment of a state-owned airline akin to Ibom Air owned by the Akwa Ibom State government, Sanwo-Olu disclosed that the plan has been in development for several months, with the state currently finalizing the financing model for the project. According to the governor, what the state is waiting for is the Federal Government’s approval and operational contingency for the airline.

He said: “Over the last five months, Mr Deputy Governor and I have been working to put a concise plan together for the establishment of an airline, but we did not make the plan open because of the need to get adequate knowledge about the operational procedures of airlines. The business plan is viable and there is no issue about financing. The conversation has gone to an advanced stage but we need to get the proper information on operations before we go ahead to implement the plan.”

The governor announced that the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Fourth Mainland Bridge is scheduled to take place before the end of April. He outlined that the construction would occur in phases and revealed that the state government has undertaken substantial groundwork for the proposed new bridge. Sanwo-Olu mentioned that the government has reached the final stages of the construction planning, acknowledging that a few buildings would need to be demolished during the construction process. He assured that the owners of the affected properties would be duly compensated. He said: “Our project financing plan for the construction of the Fourth Mainland Bridge is being finalised. When completed, the project will be one of the longest bridges in Africa, providing a much-needed alternative to existing routes while also opening up new parts of the metropolis.”

The governor revealed plans for the state government to receive an additional 100 units of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses from the Federal Government in the first quarter of the year. He emphasized the intention to deploy these buses on designated routes, aiming to expand the fleet to around 1,000 units by the end of 2024. Sanwo-Olu highlighted the steady progress in Lagos’s zero-carbon program, with the aspiration to transform into an emission-neutral city by 2050. In addition, the governor affirmed the commitment to promoting vocational and skills acquisition as a practical strategy to alleviate poverty and enhance financial sustainability. He emphasized the administration’s dedication to investing in these programs, considering the upliftment of people from poverty and guiding them toward prosperity as a fundamental government objective. “There is no gainsaying that Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are the backbone of any economy, contributing to economic development and prosperity in many ways, chief among which is job creation of employment opportunities for people.”

The event was also marked by the expressions of gratitude from beneficiaries of the state government’s programs aimed at addressing the specific needs of vulnerable residents. Mr. Abiola Adepoju, representing the Lagos State shoemakers’ association, shared his testimonial during the event. He commended the governor for providing the opportunity to participate in the 2022 skill capacity program for artisans and tradesmen. Adepoju expressed his appreciation, stating, “This capacity building is an eye-opener and has helped me in the area of expansion. The training has equally expanded my understanding of handling my business dimension better than before. I have three students undergoing training free of charge. I appreciate the state government.”

The event witnessed heartfelt testimonials from beneficiaries, reflecting the positive impact of the state government’s programs on their lives. Mrs. Kehinde Agiri, a single mother of three and a member of the Lagos State Catering and Decoration Association, shared her story: “Though I was into catering, through the program of the state government, my business has upgraded. Since 2022, the Lagos State Government has empowered me with tools for my business. Now I am a professional caterer and also train people. I can take care of my children by myself.”

Odeyale Tolulope, a single mother with a son diagnosed with a hole in the heart, expressed gratitude for the governor’s help through civic engagement. However, she mentioned her ongoing challenges and the need for additional assistance for her son, as she feels left alone. Uche Goodson, a native of Delta State, shared, “I graduated from the higher institution with distinction but decided to do handwork. The government had a package for me, which turned out to be an oven. This transformed my life around, and today, I am an employer of labour.”

Akanimodo Bukola, from Ikoyi Obalende, spoke about her experience: “I used to have a group that takes care of physically challenged people, but now I am also physically challenged. Civic engagement took my case to the governor, and I was given a grant to help my disability. The governor gave me hope to live and continue to do the work I do for the people.”

In his closing remarks, Governor Sanwo-Olu promised to rededicate himself to the promotion of the greatness of Lagos through people-focused policies. Highlighting the promising future amid prevailing challenges, the governor affirmed the commitment to addressing the present difficulties. While acknowledging the existing challenges, he said the administration remains dedicated to transparent communication and active engagement with Lagosians, aiming to provide a clear vision for navigating towards the bright and prosperous future ahead.