At the first edition of the Lagos West Senatorial District Town Hall Meeting in 2024 , Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu reeled out the scorecard of the achievements recorded by his administration through the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Development Agenda. Chiemelie Ezeobi reports that while infrastructure and healthcare, security were some of the top gains of the first four years, the state government has pledged to double its strides to propel the progress of the state
“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.”
Those were the words of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State at the first edition of the Lagos Town Hall Meeting of the Lagos West Senatorial District held at Balmoral Convention Centre in Ikeja, Lagos, last week Thursday.
Acknowledging God for the unique privilege to render an account of stewardship to Lagosians since they, alongside his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat were sworn in for a second term in office, he said despite the tough and arduous journey that ended at the Supreme Court a few days ago, “it has become evident that God bestowed on us the grace to surmount all the challenges to a victory given by the popular mandate of Lagosians.
“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”.
Townhall Meetings as Fora for Account for Stewardship
Earlier, in his welcome address, the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, said the meeting was all part of the open-door policy of the administration of Mr. Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, and his ever-reliable deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat.
“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.”
Noting that while the Lagos West Senatorial District leads the way, other senatorial districts will also take their turns to engage the people and give account of stewardship, adding that it gives room to render accounts and assure their army of stakeholders and shareholders that despite any turbulence that they may have experienced, the ship of state remains steady because it is in the hands of a tested captain, who will listen and take feedback for implementation.
Transport Infrastructure
On transportation and its infrastructure, the governor said they have marched on with strides in the development of traffic infrastructure after the historic launch of commercial operations for the first phase of the Blue Line of our Lagos Rail Mass Transit.
He noted that work is already in progress to ensure that the second phase, which is the extension of the rail line from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko, is completed during the life of this administration.
Sanwo-Olu also revealed that within the next few months there will be the formal launch and commencement of operations of the much-anticipated Red Line, running between Oyingbo and Agbado, with stops in between at Iju, Agege, Ikeja, Oshodi, Mushin, and Yaba.
“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.
Stressing that all these projects being undertaken by the government was conceived to either improve connectivity between our communities or to make our public transportation more seamless and efficient, adding that this year also, they will roll out electric buses for passenger operations, following the completion of proof of concept on the feasibility of non-combustible engines as substitute for 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 surmised.
He further added that they also inaugurated the 1.6km Babs Animashaun Road in Surulere, which was also reconstructed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, from a single lane to a dualised four-lane carriageway. The road, completed with two bridge components, will improve traffic connectivity and journey time from Surulere into neighbouring Ikate and Orile areas.
Boost for Healthcare
Harping on the dividends of healthcare, the governor said he recently joined the Chief of Staff to commission the three-storey, 80-bed Femi Gbajabiamila General Hospital sited at Iyun Road in Aralile Community, Surulere, adding that the hospital, which was handed over to the state government for operation, will complement existing healthcare facilities within Surulere and surrounding areas, while raising the capacity of the state’s medical services.
In the health sector, 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, Social Protection and Poverty Alleviation
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.
Given the aforementioned, he said they have continued to encourage vocational and skills acquisition as a pragmatic approach to alleviating poverty and promoting financial sustainability.
“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 added.
As part of efforts to further cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal on the citizenry, Sanwo-Olu said they set aside the sum of N50 billion for social protection in the 2024 budget, which the State House of Assembly has graciously passed and which he has signed into law.
Tourism and Entertainment
On tourism and entertainment, the governor said they have laid the first foundation block for the development of the Lagos Film City — an ecosystem of creative cinematography, tourism, leisure, entertainment and learning.
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.
Security
On security, the governor expressed pleasure that bank robbery appears to be a thing of the past in the state going by the new record released by the State’s Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), which stated that for the fourth consecutive year, Lagos has not recorded a single incident of armed robbery affecting any financial institution – the longest period over the last two decades.
“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,” he said.
Civic Responsibility
This year, the governor said they will not condone disregard for the law, because without adherence to the rule of law, chaos and disorder are inevitable. That will not happen in Lagos, he stressed.
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.”
Harping on the promising future in spite of current challenges, the governor said while they would not shy away from acknowledging the challenging realities, they will however continue to strive to communicate and engage with Lagosians to paint a clear picture of the way out into the glorious future that beckons.
Quote
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
