We ‘ll work for greater Lagos, says Governor Sanwo-Olu

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu yesterday promised to work for a “greater Lagos” through the implementation of his “six pillars of development agenda”

The pillars, which he described as the framework that encapsulates his vision, include traffic management and transportation, health and environment, education and technology, making Lagos a 21st century economy, entertainment and tourism, as well as security and governance.

Sanwo-Olu said: “These six pillars of development represent our response to the yearnings of the people. They constitute the foundations that must be restored for future generations. Should we fulfil our promise and deliver on these pillars, we are most confident that we would have succeeded in setting Lagos on a new trajectory of economic growth and development that would be unprecedented in our entire history.”

The governor spoke at a colourful inauguration held at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Onikan, after taking the oath of office administered by Chief Judge Opeyemi Oke at 11.30 am, 15 minutes after the oath was administered on his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat.

It was a historic ceremony. Lagosians defied the morning downpour to witness the event, which kicked off around 11 am, following the opening prayers by the founder of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, Dr. Abiodun Olukoya, and the Chief Imam of Lagos, Alhaji Suleiman Abou-Nolla.

Sanwo-Olu was accompanied by his wife, Dr. Ibijoke, and children. His deputy was accompanied by his spouse, Oluremi. Sharing the joy of the ceremony were dignitaries, including Lagos State Deputy Governor Idiat Adebule, Osun State Deputy Governor Benedict Alabi, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, Lagos white cap chiefs, Bishop Ephraim Ademowo, House Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, Senator Ganiyu Solomon, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, Chief Kemi Nelson, Otunba Oladele Ajomale, and Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman Tunde Balogun.

Also there were former Inspector-General of Police Musiliu Smith, former Deputy Governors Olufemi Pedro and Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, Senator Tony Adefuye, Head of Service Muri Okunola, frontline businessman Rasak Okoya, former Governor Babatunde Fashola’s wife, Dame Abimbola, legislators, party leaders and other stakeholders.

Sanwo-Olu’s predecessor, Akinwunmi Ambode, was not at the ceremony. He had handed over to Sanwo-Olu a day to the inauguration at the Governor’s Ofice, Alausa, Ikeja.

In his speech titled: “Awakening a greater Lagos”, the governors urged Lagosians to support his administration to deliver dividends of democracy.

Noting that Lagos State has been ruled by successive progressive administrations, Sanwo-Olu promised to build on their records in the greater interest of the Centre of Excellence.

He said: “Lagos must again rise and help lead this nation to fuller progress and to a closer realisation of the greatness that exists within all Nigerians. This inauguration symbolises such an awakening.”

Paying tribute to his illustrious predecessors, Sanwo-Olu said: “We simply adhere to the tradition of enlightened government set by those who came before us. We owe a large debt of gratitude to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and to Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN.

“Asiwaju led the team that created the blueprint for development; both administrations faithfully executed that economic blueprint and established the structures and institutions of progressive governance in the process.

“Governor Akinwunmi Ambode pushed forward in a special manner. His efforts and actions shall be duly remembered.”

Sanwo-Olu promised to maintain an open-door policy, adding that he will seek the advice of the learned, the wise and the ordinary Lagosian, for in the common man resides much wisdom and fairness of thought.

“While one cannot help but hear the kind words of friends, I must pay even closer attention to the voice of my critics. In constructive criticism lies the seeds of improvement. With these things in mind, let me quickly outline my goals for a Greater Lagos.”

“On traffic management and transportation, Sanwo-Olu said: “ We must act with urgency to execute a transport master plan that will fully integrate road, rail and water transportation into a multi-modal transport system that makes commuting easy for Lagosians.

We must also ensure compliance with all traffic rules and regulations on our roads.”

Unfolding his programme in health and environment, he said his administration will emphasise on maternal healthcare, malaria and water borne diseases.

The governor also promised to invest in education through increased budgetary allocation and the empowerment of teachers to boost their capacity to deliver.

On security and governance, Sanwo-Olu said: “It is important to ensure that we set the right tone for good governance and accountability at the top. To this end, my administration will ensure that we walk the talk as far as transparency, the rule of law and fiscal discipline are concerned.

We will make sure that we create the right environment in which security and safety of lives and property are guaranteed. Our ultimate goal would be to ensure that Lagos State remains one of the top destinations on the African continent to live, work and invest in.”