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Tag: Sanwo-Olu

  • JUST IN: Construction of Fourth Mainland Bridge to begin first quarter of 2024 – Sanwo-Olu

    JUST IN: Construction of Fourth Mainland Bridge to begin first quarter of 2024 – Sanwo-Olu

    Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said that the long-awaited commencement of the construction of the Fourth Mainland Bridge would begin in the first quarter of this year.

    Sanwo-Olu disclosed this during the Lagos West Senatorial District Town Hall Meeting at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Sheraton, Ikeja.

    Emphasizing a gradual construction approach, the governor assured that tenants and landlords affected by building demolitions in the process will receive fair compensation.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu and transport infrastructure development

    He said: “We’ve done extensive work on the bridge. But we are at the crossroads of where to get the real financing for that kind of project. We’ll need to be very creative.

    “Our commitment is that within this first quarter, meaning that by the end of March or April, we should break ground to start the construction of the Fourth Mainland Bridge.”

    Details shortly…

  • JUST IN: Red Line rail to be unveiled in February – Sanwo-Olu

    JUST IN: Red Line rail to be unveiled in February – Sanwo-Olu

    The Lagos Red Line train will be launched in February, according to a statement made on Thursday, January 25, by Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the governor of Lagos State.

    Speaking during the Lagos West Senatorial District Town Hall Meeting at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Sheraton, Ikeja, the governor stated that the state government had formally notified President Bola Tinubu of the unveiling scheduled for February in a letter.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu and transport infrastructure development

    He said: “Our Red Line rail will be unveiled in February. In fact, we have written officially to Mr President to come and help us unveil it in February this year,”

    Details shortly…

  • Lagos to set up medical varsity 

    Lagos to set up medical varsity 

    Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has unfolded plans to establish a university of medical sciences.

    He said the move will fulfil the vision of expansion of medical personnel and facilities in the state.

    Sanwo-Olu spoke at the Lagos West Senatorial Town Hall Meeting, where he tendered his stewardship and laid out plans for more people-oriented projects. 

    Professional medical programmes that will be studied in the proposed university include all branches of medicine, pharmacy and pharmacology, and medical and health support courses. 

    Read Also: Japa: Lagos to build 1500-capacity medical varsity

    Sanwo-Olu was silent on where the institution will be sited, although he hinted that it would take up soon.

    The governor said plans are also on to ensure that the institution meets accreditation criteria highlighted by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

    Already, Lagos has three universities-Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, University of Education, Ijanikin and Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Ikorodu.

    Sanwo-Olu said his administration will continue to defend the heath sector with improved funding, and supply of personnel and other facilities. 

  • Sanwo-Olu and transport infrastructure development

    Sanwo-Olu and transport infrastructure development

    • By Tayo Ogunbiyi

    America has good roads, not because America is rich, but America is rich because it has good roads—J.F. Kennedy

    Globally, one major index of social change and development is infrastructure development. No society can boast of having achieved development if a large percentage of her infrastructures are comatose.

    Infrastructure development is critical to achieving human capital development. The economic impact that it has on nation building cannot be overemphasized. The growth of any country’s economy hugely depends on the status of her infrastructure. The dearth of needed infrastructure in a given society places serious limitations on human capital development.

    J.F. Kennedy, a former president of the United States of America, USA, once put the relationship between infrastructure development and economic prosperity into a proper perspective when he affirmed that: “America has good roads, not because America is rich, but America is rich because it has good roads”.

    It is in an effort to ensure accelerated development across the state that the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration in Lagos State places high premium on infrastructure development, especially in the public transport sector.  

    The administration has made transport infrastructure renewal a major preoccupation since it came on board in May, 2019.  In July 2020, the governor inaugurated four roads in Ikoyi (Thompson Avenue, Milverton, Macdonald and Lateef Jakande Roads) to boost socio-economic activities in the axis.

    Before then, he had commissioned the first phase of the newly constructed Ijede Road, Ikorodu, which cuts across four Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).

    Toward the end of last year, the administration commissioned Oyingbo, Yaba and Ikeja flyovers component of the Red Line project. The flyovers are to significantly reduce the risk of accidents and collisions between trains and vehicles.  They are also to resolve vehicular congestion and delays, hindering free movement in the vicinity.

    The first and second phases of the rebuilding and upgrading of Lekki-Epe Expressway, with a reinforced concrete solution from T-junction, Epe to Awoyaya Junction, have also been completed.  The third phase from Awoyaya Junction to Abraham Adesanya is in progress.

    Other strategic road projects such as Abiola-Onigemo road, inclusive of bridge components, in Ifako-Ijaiye LGA, is progressing and scheduled to be completed by the second quarter of this year.

    Presently, work is in going on the final details of the construction of the Fourth Mainland Bridge, which will be one of the longest bridges in Africa, when completed.

    The construction of the Opebi-Mende-Ojota Link Bridge and other arterial roads connecting the bridge is also ongoing, and will be ready for commuters by the second quarter of 2024.

    When completed, it will, in no small measure, solve major traffic issues and provide alternative routes for motorists plying Toyin, Allen, Opebi to access Ojota and those from Maryland to connect Ikeja and its environs. It will also decongest traffic on Kudirat Abiola Way and Mobolaji Bank Anthony. 

    Additional notable roads that have been developed by the government include the Oniru network of roads, Victoria Island, 30 networks of roads at Ojokoro, Pen Cinema Bridge and Oshodi/Abule-Egba BRT Corridor.

    Others are Phases 1 and 2 Badagry Expressway, Lagos-Ogun Boundary Roads and Ojota Bus Terminal, Agege/Iju Bus Terminal, NAHCO) Bus Terminal, Airport Road, six major junctions improvement (at Lekki 1 and 2, Ajah, Maryland, Ikotun and Allen Avenue).

    Road projects being undertaken by the government, especially in the Ikorodu axis, include rehabilitation of Bola Ahmed Tinubu Road in Igbogbo, upgrading of Agric-Ishawo Road and rehabilitation of Oba Sekumade Road.

    The government is also redesigning the Ikorodu Roundabout with a view to easing traffic congestion usually experienced around Ikorodu Garage.

    Following the completion of proof of concept on the feasibility of use of non-combustible engines as substitute for fuel-powered vehicles, the government will be rolling out 50 electric buses for passenger operations in pilot phase.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu appoints Opeyemi as senior aide on youth development

    This would enable the state to progress in its zero-carbon programme, with the expectation of becoming an emission-neutral city by 2050.

    In the first quarter of this year, an additional of 100 units of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-buses from the Federal Government will be received and deployed on defined routes. The goal is to raise the fleet to about 1,000 units before the end of this year.

    It must be stressed that transport infrastructure development in the state is not just about road construction/rehabilitation. The government is also developing water transport infrastructure via the construction of more jetties as well as the injection of more boats (21) into the LAGferry’s fleet.

    Jetties have been commissioned in Ilashe (Amuwo-Odofin), Liverpool and Bariga among others, while 15 more are under construction.

    One core area where the government has really made a significant impact is in rail transport development. Recall that the first phase of the Blue Line Rail was commissioned in January 2023, and has since began commercial operation with 12 trips daily. However, it is currently doing 52 trips, which will soon be increased to over 70 trips.

    Work is already in progress to ensure that the second phase of the project, from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko, is completed in the lifetime of the administration. 

    Work is also advancing on the Red Line Rail, which is a legacy project of the Sanwo-Olu administration. Very soon, Lagosians will witness the formal launch and commencement of operations of the Red Line, from Oyingbo to Agbado. 

    The Red Line, which is projected to move more than 500,000 passengers daily when it becomes operational, has eight stations at Agbado, Iju, Agege, Ikeja, Oshodi, Mushin, Yaba and Oyingbo.

    The completion of ancillary infrastructure of the Red Line is a precursor to the commencement of passenger operations of the metro line.

    The delivery of the overpass bridges, no doubt, indicated the government’s commitment to safety of Lagosians, as they will permanently resolve fatal accidents occasioned by collisions at railway crossings.

    Plans are also in top gear on the construction of the Lekki International Airport, which is expected to take pressure off the Murtala Muhammed Airport.  It’s going to be built on 5,000 hectares of land and it’s expected to take about five million passengers per year.

    It must be emphasized that all public transport infrastructure improvement projects being undertaken by the Sanwo-Olu led government were conceived to connect communities and make public transport better. The main goal is for the people to move efficiently and decently from one point of the state to the other.

    With its modest strides in the public transport sector, the Sanwo-Olu administration has, no doubt, underscored its commitment to delivering a transport system that is safe, sustainable, integrated and seamless. It is only in doing this that the state’s potential for accelerated socio-economic growth and development can be fully realised.

    • Ogunbiyi is Director (Features), Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja. 
  • Sanwo-Olu and the pursuit of a social market economy (1)

    Sanwo-Olu and the pursuit of a social market economy (1)

    My discussion about Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu must be put in the context that I met him at Saint Andrew’s Anglican Church, Okepopo, Lagos; and that was in 2003, under the vicarship of the then Reverend Canon ‘Segun Ajayi. Meeting him, I remember Sanwo-Olu as a man with a good dose of human empathy. By the time I became a member of the Christian Progressive Association (CPA) of the Church later that year, he had already completed his tenure as its President. But I can confess that this man of many parts has a human touch, one who has a heart to give.

    Sanwo-Olu is one purposeful, very accommodating and goals-delivered progressive thinker who, with ceaseless elegance and captivating conscience, understands that it’d only take a few minutes for bad leadership to destroy what a good leader has built with his sweat and blood. So, one is not surprised that this young energy has been a member of a progressive party, for he has been on ground. Since perfection doesn’t hide itself, that the once-little bird is now the eagle soaring so high does not come as a surprise.

    Babajide Sanwo-Olu has done well as Governor of Lagos State. He has done a commendable job in bringing Lagos State to where it is at the moment. But, since he can’t do another term, he should look in the direction of building legacy trust. Now that the election is effectively over, one expects him to sit down, work and reciprocate the gesture of Lagosians as reflected in his re-election on March 18, 2023. Thankfully, the governor still has time on his side. He also has justice on his side; only that he needs more political will. Yes, it’s just three years and a few months to go. But then, this period is more than enough to carry out certain impactful revolutions in the state.

    Talking specifics, successive governments in the state have concentrated too much on economic capital. As a progressive and social democrat, now is the time for Sanwo-Olu to focus on the more enduring social capital. After all, the All Progressives Congress (APC) promised in its manifesto to build a social market economy like Germany and the Scandinavian countries, which is good! Although there are competing demands, given the revenue base of Lagos State, Sanwo-Olu should focus more on the social status of inner cities while also upgrading the standard of schools, Housing, Education and the Health Sectors.

    Read Also; CBN gears up for first MPC meeting under Cardoso

    In times like this, Nigerians remember how the Lagos Executive Development Board (LEDB) played a pivotal role in the creation of a new Lagos. Though it terminated with the consolidation of Lagos, its spirit of the development of both economic and social capital and the creation of a middle class should be sustained. In doing this, it’s important to state that great city states such as Hong Kong, Singapore, and Shanghai have used the LEDB/Social Market Policy of Inclusiveness as the pathway to inclusiveness and sustainable development.

    During the tenure of former Governor Babatunde Fasola in Lagos, there was a law criminalizing land-grabbing and allied disturbances by hoodlums, frighteningly known as ‘Omo Onile’. Not long after its passage, Ogun State Government followed suit by promulgating a similar law. This led to the menace of thuggery and land-grabbing almost disappearing from the scene. It is sad to note that they’re back, this time, with fetid tenacity. So, Sanwo-Olu must revisit this issue by vitalizing, even re-engineering extant laws so as to leave a better legacy in the state.

    With the elections firmly behind us, is Lagos still a ‘no man’s land’?

    • To be continued.

  • Sanwo-Olu’s footprints in education sector

    Sanwo-Olu’s footprints in education sector

    • By Tayo Ogunbiyi

    Exciting times are here for public schools in Lagos State. The huge investments of the government’s in the sector are beginning to yield concrete dividends.  

    Since 2019, when it came on board, the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration has recruited over 10,000 teachers across primary and secondary schools. It has equally built over a thousand new classrooms, rehabilitated 322 schools; renovated and digitised 340 public school libraries; and added 2,000 new bed spaces to the boarding schools. It has also added recreational facilities like football pitches, racetracks and multipurpose courts in some schools to ensure students have total development, while others will commence soon.

    The government also delivered, in Vetland Junior School, Agege, the pilot project in its series of technology-driven schools, in which 16 teaching is now done with the aid of interactive screens and tablets for both students and teachers. This is now being replicated in other education districts.

    Through the EKO Digital Skills Initiative, 321,000 pupils in primary and secondary schools have been trained in ICT programmes such as computer basics, use of internet and cloud services among others.

    The Eko Excel Initiative (“Leave No Child Behind”), which was launched in 2020 and managed by the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB), has trained over 18,000 teachers and equipped them with teaching tablets and the skills needed to provide high-quality education. This is in addition to equipping over 500,000 pupils with personal e-learning devices and textbooks.

    Eko-Excel, an acronym for “Excellence in Child Education and Learning”, which was rolled out in phases, was designed to help head-teachers and students embrace digital teaching, using tablets and updated curriculum in line with the Sustainable Development Goal 4.

    The programme has equipped teachers with skills to deliver value, empower pupils with requisite knowledge to improve education and help in sustaining the state’s image as a leading knowledge driven city-state.

    Apart from its technological advantage, the initiative provides a multi-dimensional approach to learning, which includes character moulding of pupils from their formative stage. Thus, Character Boards are placed in all public schools to display names of well-behaved and outstanding pupils to engender progressive competition.

    In order to inspire and motivate more public school teachers to fully embrace the culture of diligence, creativity and excellence, the government has instituted a new reward system for excellence in teaching and dedication for the teachers.

    In 2022, 13 outstanding teachers, selected across the state’s six Education Districts were gifted brand new cars for their passion and deployment of modern techniques to teach pupils. The recipients were part of the finalists nominated for the Year 2021 Teachers’ Merit Award by the screening committee led by the chairperson of Association of Private Educators in Nigeria, Mrs. Lai Koiki.

    The government is also emphasizing vocational education as a means of stemming attrition. Subjects covered include Agriculture, Technology, Beauty and Fashion as well as Building and Media.

    The various efforts aimed at improving the standard of education across the state’s public primary and secondary schools have led to a significant improvement in the students pass rate in Mathematics and English Language in external examinations. For instance, performance of the state’s students in WASSCE/GCE significantly improved from 38.79% in 2020 to over 81% in 2021 with a minimum of five credits including Mathematics and English. The momentum has since been sustained.

    With a view to giving more students access to tertiary education, the state now has two new public-owned universities (Lagos State University of Science and Technology and Lagos State University of Education). This is in addition to the Lagos State University (LASU). These new institutions have since taken off and are in full operation.

    It must be stressed that the construction of an 8,272 bed space hostel at LASU is nearing completion. Upon completion, it will make LASU fully residential.

    In the last four and a half years, the annual budget for the state Ministry of Education has been bigger than the total budget of some states in the country.

    Read Also: Ibadan explosion: Sanwo-Olu extends condolence to Makinde

    The education ministry got N133.5 billion in 2020, N146.9 billion in 2021 and N173.5 billion in 2022. The progression in budgetary allocation to the sector has been consistent.  

    Critical investment in the sector is aimed at ensuring students in the public schools receive quality education in a conducive and friendly environment.

    In order to sustain the pace of development in the sector, the government has unveiled a set of technology-driven modular learning spaces, which introduces an innovation to the design of a modern classroom. The nine-classroom block was built to replace decrepit concrete structures in Vetland Junior Grammar School, a government-owned Model College in Agege Local Government Area.

    The interactive modular classrooms were improvised, using standardised reusable freight compartments, known as containers. 

    Each of the classroom compartments is adequately insulated to give comfort and create a conducive ambience for hybrid learning for students. 

    The project is completed with three laboratories and four staff rooms – all made from containers. There are also recreational facilities, including a five-aside football pitch, a multi-purpose-built court, which can be used for a variety of games, such as volleyball, long tennis, badminton, and basketball. 

    The classrooms and their ancillary facilities have their dedicated energy source, off grid; they are powered by solar panels, which guarantee constant power supply to enable teaching and learning.

    The IT-enabled modular interactive classrooms would make a lasting impact in the state’s effort to make basic education accessible. 

    The containerised structures were raised on high-density rafts carefully calculated to hold both live and dead loads.

    The floors were made of terrazzo material for durability, while 30 convenience facilities were fitted in the academic area with two composite water-free toilets built for visitors.

    The rebuilt school also has a water system fitted with a filtration compartment to deliver potable water to the pupils.

    The upgrade of the Model College is part of the strategic interventions initiated in the public school system, which have led to the rehabilitation and modernisation of over 200 public schools. 

    The government has also improved security in the public schools by installing watchtowers, perimeter fences, panic bells and floodlights. It has equally prioritised the comfort of boarding students through the provision of beddings and other necessary items.

    In another development, pioneer students of the new comprehensive school model have received e-Learning Mobile Tablets. The initiative, which has thus far benefitted 750 students from 12 pilot schools, is to enhance the learning of various vocational skills by beneficiaries.

    Each teacher and school administrator also received mobile devices that have been preloaded with curriculum content relevant.

    With his focus on educating the youth to secure the state’s future, Sanwo-Olu has demonstrated a firm commitment to Nelson Mandela’s assertion that education is the most powerful weapon that can be used to change the world.

    • Ogunbiyi is Director (Features), Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja.  
  • Sanwo-Olu, Hamzat get kudos for win

    Sanwo-Olu, Hamzat get kudos for win

    Lagos State Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Cornelius Ojelabi, has congratulated Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, on their victory at the Supreme Court.

    He described the judgment  as ‘a further testimony of the court’s belief in employing credible pronouncements and judgments to strengthen and entrench democracy in the country’.

    Ojelabi hailed APC family and Lagosians, and thanked them for their support for APC and the government of Sanwo-Olu. 

    Read Also: Cold war brewing between Wasiu Ayinde and Emmanuella?

    The chairman added that the victory reinforces that the votes of Lagosians were not a waste, ‘but for the progress and development of the state’.

    He assured Lagosians the  administration would deliver on its promises to usher in more dividends of democracy.

    Ojelabi said Lagos APC celebrates Sanwo-Olu’s victory, and described it as ‘a final settlement to the long judicial process’.

    “I congratulate Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor, Obafemi  Hamzat, for this final victory. APC in Lagos State accepts the final judgment and appreciate the due diligence and the process of rule of law.”

  • What Lagosians should expect from Sanwo-Olu in second term

    What Lagosians should expect from Sanwo-Olu in second term

    Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy Gbenga Omotoso spoke to reporters recently on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration and how it hopes to achieve its THEMES Plus Agenda for the state. OYEBOLA OWOLABI reports

    Governor Sanwo-Olu has said he will be working with the THEMES Plus Agenda in this second term. What does the ‘Plus’ entail and how will it benefit Lagosians?

    Mr Governor, in his second term inauguration speech and during the budget presentation, spoke about the THEMES Plus Agenda. It is very simple. Mr Governor felt he should add something that may not have been very well catered for in the THEMES Agenda. So, he brought on board the Plus, which is simply about social inclusion, gender equality and youth empowerment. This means that attention will be on our young people this second term. It is said that youths are the leaders of tomorrow, but this administration believes they are the leaders of today.

    In entertainment young people are leaders, in science, technology and sports, they are at the forefront. So, no serious government that wants to grow will brush aside all that the young people are doing. That is why we are giving them all the opportunities they need to thrive. In the creative industry, over six thousand of them have been trained in film editing, acting, and script writing, by some of the giants in the trade like Del-York, Ogidi, and Ebonylife. The government has about 18 vocational centres where thousands of them have been trained for free. After graduation, they are not left on their own but given start-up equipment so they can pick up immediately.

    As of now, we are building about nine mini stadia across the state where young people can display their talents in sports. We are also encouraging science and technology through the LASRIC fund, about 250 million has been put there so that young people who have ideas, and innovation and who will need to push through their dreams will have no problem sourcing funds. So everything about the THEMES Plus Agenda would be geared towards encouraging our young people, giving social inclusion to persons living with disabilities, and ensuring gender equality.  Nobody will be left behind in Lagos State.

    Some iconic projects were initiated in the first term. Should Lagosians expect more this second term?

    Many projects will be completed this year; one is the Opebi-Ojota link bridge. We were there recently to see the level of work and we saw the transformation the bridge has brought to that area. When completed, people will no longer miss their flights because it will eliminate traffic congestion in that area.

    Massey Children Hospital, which will be the biggest paediatric hospital in West Africa, if not Africa, will be completed in this second term. There is also the 500-bed Mental Health Hospital that we are building in Ketu-Ejinrin, Epe. It is both a treatment and rehabilitation centre. People do not pay so much attention to mental health; we only talk about other aspects of health that can be treated in general hospitals. But now, the Lagos State government is paying attention to this very important aspect of health because, through data, we realised it is fast becoming a big challenge in Nigeria.

    Other numerous projects like the Lekki International Airport will be built on about 3,500 hectares of land, accommodate 350 aircraft, and are expected to take about five million passengers yearly. This would take pressure off the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

    The food and logistics hub, as well as the leather hub in Mushin, are ongoing and we hope to complete them this year. There is also the Omu Cricket project which will be connecting a virgin area of Lagos to Epe, and Itoomu, among others. The proposed Fourth Mainland Bridge is also there. A contractor has been selected and, any moment from now, we will be doing the groundbreaking. The second phase of the Blue Rail Line which will run from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko will also be completed. The phase 1 has opened up that corridor and made life simpler for residents. We hope to achieve the same for the second phase.

    These projects are not just about the infrastructure; they are also avenues to create jobs for our people. The Fourth Mainland Bridge, stretching to about 37 kilometres, can generate about 10,000 jobs. It will also serve as an opportunity for our young engineers to get hands-on experience to boost their skills. Besides this, at the very heart of all of the transport initiatives is the inter-modal transportation model that we want to achieve so that people can have choices – road, rail and water so they can navigate the city seamlessly.

    When Governor Sanwo-Olu came in, there were about seven ferries, which were later increased to 14. Very soon, we will be bringing in about 12 more ferries so that water transportation can be expanded and made more popular. Another project that will be completed is the Red Rail Line, which will run from Oyingbo to Agbado in Ogun State. This will reduce a journey of about three hours to just 32 minutes thereabouts. The project will be opened in the first quarter of this year.

    The governor recently spoke of plans to build a medical university. What is the current status and where will it be sited?

    The Medical College the governor mentioned is still on the drawing board, but it’s at the heart of Mr Governor because all of us have seen what the ‘Japa’ syndrome has done to the medical sector. Doctors are running overseas but Lagos is doing all to keep its doctors by providing them with good accommodation. We are building and already completed some hostels for them so they can be as close as possible to their work, they don’t have to stress themselves and spend transport fares. We are trying to provide everything that will make them comfortable. The government also believes that we should be able to produce more First Class Doctors as Lagos has been known for, and the governor said a medical college is going to be built so that Lagosians can have more access to good health care and students can study with less stress.

    You have spoken glowingly about infrastructural projects. What plans are there for maintenance to ensure longevity?

    Every time we go on project commissioning, Mr Governor tells Lagosians to see the projects as their own and not allow vandals to touch them. The maintenance is the work of all of us, we need to protect the projects and not abuse them by dumping refuse indiscriminately. We must comport ourselves in a civilised way that Lagosians are expected to behave. I can assure you that no train station lacks maintenance because there is a company, different from LAMATA, handling the cleaning and maintenance of them.

    Most parts of the state are dark at night. Are there plans to revive the Light Up Lagos project?

    Lagos is not dark and the street lights are working. However, we cannot continue to power the street lights with diesel because we all know the cost today. Spending about N700 million monthly to power streetlights does not just make sense. So the government is looking at retrofitting. You will see that the lamps are up now and are brighter than what was obtained before. This is because we have changed all the bulbs, the ones there do not consume power like the ones we used to have and they are still brighter. We are also trying to use gas and solar to save costs and keep the environment pollution-free. We are also trying to connect some of the street lights to the public power supply so that the problem of diesel can be out of it. But these are things that cannot be done within one to five months, they take time and are gradual, so people should continue to be patient and show understanding, the government knows this and is working on it.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu congratulates Jide Kosoko on 70th birthday

    What measures are in place to overhaul the state’s security architecture in the New Year?

    You will agree with me that we do not just boast that Lagos is the most secure state in Nigeria because it is. And considering the kind of pressure we have, with people coming into the state every hour in their thousands, I think we deserve some praise for keeping the state this safe. Meanwhile, the state is safe not because we just talk about it, but because some people do not sleep while you and I do. Also, security measures are not something you put on television or splash on the pages of the newspapers; they are strategic and must be kept close to your chest.

    Security is a business of all of us, where everyone is concerned and threats are reported as soon as it is noticed. Besides, Mr Governor holds regular strategic security meetings with all security agencies in the state to ensure the synergy remains strong. This has been very effective as evident in the reduced crime rate in the state. The personnel are also encouraged and motivated to give their best at all times, including ensuring they have adequate vehicles and equipment.

  • Sanwo-Olu signs N2.267tr Appropriation Bill

    Sanwo-Olu signs N2.267tr Appropriation Bill

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has assented to the 2024 Appropriation Bill. 

    The governor on December 13, 2023 presented a N2.2 trillion ‘Budget of Renewal’ to the House of Assembly. 

    The House, however, increased the total budget size to N2.267 trillion, with N1.315 trillion allocated to capital expenditure and N952 billion allocated to recurrent expenditure. This represents a ratio of 58:42.

    Sanwo-Olu, after signing the budget, said: “The approved budget size is N21.743 billion higher than what was presented to the House of Assembly due to additional provisions to enforce completion of ongoing projects. 

    Read Also: BREAKING: Sanwo-Olu signs N2.267tr Appropriation Bill for 2024

    “The impact of this appropriation law will be determined by the effectiveness of its implementation. We are determined to ensure that the goals and objectives of this budget are maximally realised for the benefit of all Lagosians and in line with our THEMES+ development agenda. We will work assiduously to ensure the completion of ongoing projects and ensure the effective take off of new ones.

    “Let me reiterate the importance of everyone playing their roles in the successful implementation of this budget, especially the commitment of citizens to discharging their civic obligations as and when due. As a government, we will continue to be guided by the highest standards of transparency and accountability in the management of resources put in our care.

    “I thank the Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, and all members for their cooperation and commitment, which ensured the expeditious consideration and passage of the budget.”

    Present at the signing ceremony were Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, Secretary to the State Government Mrs. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, members of the State Executive Council and members of the House of Assembly led by Deputy Speaker Mrs. Mojisola Meranda. 

  • BREAKING: Sanwo-Olu signs N2.267tr Appropriation Bill for 2024

    BREAKING: Sanwo-Olu signs N2.267tr Appropriation Bill for 2024

    Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has assented to the 2024 Appropriation Bill.

    The governor had on December 13, presented a N2.2 trillion ‘Budget of Renewal’ to the House of Assembly.

    Read Also: ‘How 2024 Appropriation, two previous Supplementary Budgets will save the economy’

    The House, however, increased the total budget size to N2.267 trillion, with N1.315 trillion allocated to capital expenditure and N952 billion allocated for recurrent expenditure. This represents a ratio of 58:42.