GRPolitics
Babajide Sanwo-Olu to focus on 6-point THEME agenda as he is sworn-in as Lagos Governor
BY: Justice Godfry
Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has assured Lagosians to work for the progress of the mega city following the unveiling of his six (6) Pillars of Development Agenda captured by the acronym, “T.H.E.M.E.S.
He said this in his inaugural speech during the swearing-in ceremony as the Lagos State Governor.
His Speech:
PROTOCOL
1. By the grace of Almighty God and Your votes, I stand before you today as your Governor. (Pause)
This day marks the beginning of a new chapter in our journey to greatness. Today, I ask you to join me on this journey to awaken a Greater Lagos.
When we speak of a Greater Lagos, we speak not empty words. It is a deep and profound assertion we mean.
2. We intend to make history by making for ourselves and our children a better future.
Therefore, on this day, on this precious land we call our home, let us stand together in the very face of history.
Let us vow to ourselves, and to posterity that we shall not just dream of a Greater Lagos. Let us agree this day that we shall collectively rise up to build the Lagos of our dreams.
We need not be discouraged by the challenges that may be apparent. Today is an opportunity for us to forge ahead in our quest for a Greater Lagos.
It is possible!
No one should ever underestimate the spirit of Lagos and the resilience of its people. Yes, hard problems may confront us, but we will also confront them. Every problem will lose its potency to our unity.
Therefore, Lagosians, in this new chapter of our lives, we need not cry or fret. We are united by our common purpose of a Greater Lagos and fulfilling future.
Posterity has given us this day to commence our journey to greatness. We need to envision the glorious end of working together, tirelessly and committedly, towards achieving a Lagos of our dreams. By our individual and collective efforts and the Grace of God, these dreams will become a reality.
In Lagos State, our story has been of successes and achievements. Since 1999, our tradition of progressive governance has set Lagos apart and strengthened people’s belief in our ideology.
And that is the very reason I stand before you on this historic day as your Governor. While we celebrate the victory of progressive governance and democracy, tomorrow we must be ready to stand on guard and be fully vigilant.
Democracy and progressive governance hold only to the extent that we protect and nurture them. While Lagos glimmers as a beacon of progressive and quality governance, our nation now undergoes a historic battle to establish progressive and just governance.
Lagos must again rise and help lead this nation to fuller progress and to a closer realization of the greatness that exists within all Nigerians.
This inauguration symbolizes such an awakening.
Today, I stand before you as your governor, but also as your friend, brother; neighbor and your servant. I stand here to ask that you join me to script and fashion this greater Lagos with the creativity of our minds.
Let the ingenuity of our hands, the sweat of our labor and the compassion that resides in our hearts be committed to this common goal.
We are but human beings. Our time on this earth is finite, and shall one day pass. At some point, we shall all enter the book of history. This is inevitable.
But we can choose how we walk into history. Shall we do so as masters of our fate, or as slaves to things that seek to suppress us?
When the history of our moment is written, let it not be told in tears of defeat, rather let it resound with the anthem of collective victory.
Let our time be proclaimed in golden celebration of a state, and of a people who stood in unity of purpose to make their home a Greater one.
In this, 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.
As your Governor, I know fully well who I am, because I know where I am from. More importantly, I know where I am headed.
I have been a part of this progressive journey since its very inception. I know first-hand the concerted efforts that went into planning so many of the innovations we now see and enjoy.
It will be my job to continue that process by refining and perfecting the foundation laid by the preceding administrations.
In this regard, I shall forever remain loyal to the aspirations of the people and to the developmental blueprint that has brought so much success to our dear state.
The Babajide Sanwo-Olu you see today shall not change and try to become something I am not. My prayer is only that I grow and improve as your Governor to implement good policies and bring the prosperity you deserve.
On this day, I speak to the young and old, Christian and Muslim, those who trace their earliest ancestry back to this land, and to those who came last week.
I speak to the poor and to the rich. I speak to the Danfo driver as much as to the millionaire, to the fruit vendor and much as to the real estate titan.
I speak to employer and employee, I speak to teacher and student, I speak to mother and father. The civil service as well as the private sector – We are all Lagosians.
I say to you all let us explore how we can best establish a harmony of interests and avoid the growing tendency to focus on those things that differentiate and divide one Lagosian from another.
By the dint of Providence, this small tract of land intersected and surrounded by waterways and lagoons has become home to roughly 22 million people, with their various dreams and aspirations.
Not only is Lagos home to so many people and their aspirations, it is also the catalyst of economic growth for much of Nigeria.
The world outside sees Lagos as Nigeria. We are Nigeria’s door to the global economy and the global economy’s door to Nigeria.
As long as Lagos flourishes, Nigeria has more than a fair chance to enjoy the development and growth needed for its deserving population. If Lagos falters, Nigeria also stumbles.
The reality of the integral role we play in Nigeria’s ascent to national greatness coupled with the untapped potentials we hold to produce even greater wealth to improve the living conditions of our people are the things that make Lagos a magnificent place.
These strategic aspects of our current reality, and of our immediate future, bestow on me and my administration a profound responsibility.
My goal is to advance the social and economic progress of this state and its people; regardless of your faith, social class, or your origin of birth.
As long as you adopt the spirit of Lagos, Lagos in turn shall adopt you.
As I said in my acceptance speech, I am too focused on moving Lagos forward to give a second thought to where a person may have come from. As long as you are animated by the spirit of achievement, cooperation and tolerance, then you are Lagosian. This is my motto.
This is how I see our home and this is how I shall run my government. I shall select the best and most qualified people to hold positions in our government.
My door shall remain open to all. I shall 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.
The Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat and I are single-minded in our desire to bequeath to our successors a far Greater Lagos than the one we inherited today
And to do so, we have formulated a concise framework that encapsulates our collective vision for the state and ensures that our undertaking remains focused and our communication remains clear as we endeavour to build a Greater Lagos we can all be proud to call home.
The framework, as our six (6) Pillars of Development Agenda, is captured by the acronym, “T.H.E.M.E.S, which I will briefly talk about:
T – Traffic Management and Transportation
Here, we must act with urgency to execute a transport masterplan 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.
H – Health and Environment
Because we know the significance of a clean environment in preventive healthcare, we have a moral duty to provide basic health care for our people, especially those who cannot afford it. Under our comprehensive health program, we will place special emphasis on maternal healthcare, malaria and water borne diseases.
We will also focus on sanitation and waste management, by ensuring that our drainage systems are functional and kept clean.
E – Education and Technology
We will invest in the education of our children and young adults. By increasing the budgetary allocation to education, this government will empower teachers in every local government and strengthen their capacity to deliver quality education to our children.
New educational infrastructure will cultivate a learning environment that prepares our children for a new world that demands creativity, intuition and critical thinking.
We will ensure technology is integrated into our school curriculum and empower our youths with the much-needed skills for the jobs of tomorrow.
M – Making Lagos a 21st Century Economy
By investing in critical infrastructure, we will accelerate the growth of our economy and empower the private sector who are the real engines of growth.
We must break the deadlock that shackles our power distribution, provide sustainable urban settlements that addresses the current deficit; while at the same time building a smart city that achieves urban harmony and sets a new bar in our nation.
E – Entertainment and Tourism
We will nurture and showcase our cultural heritage and unique hospitality, support our entertainment, visual arts and sports sectors, and inspire the kind of creativity from our most talented individuals that will enhance our reputation at home – and abroad.
S – Security and Governance
The last of these pillars of development is Security and Governance.
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.
These six (6) Pillars of Development represent our response to the yearnings of the people. They constitute the foundations that must be restored for future generations.
And should we fulfil our promise and deliver on these pillars, we are most confident that we will have succeeded in setting Lagos on a new trajectory of economic growth and development that would be unprecedented in our entire history.
Let me also add that in doing all of these, the welfare and socio-economic well-being of our hardworking civil servants would equally be given the priority that it truly deserves.
Similarly, our youths and women would be well integrated into our governance structure to equally contribute their utmost to our developmental strides.
The mission upon which we embark today, shall happen. As we gather force and momentum, there will be no mortal power that can stop our movement towards greater prosperity, justice and hope.
I urge you all therefore to lend yourself to this excellent cause and join our march to victory over our social and economic challenges. Do not stand aside and let this good development pass you by.
The hearts and hands of the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat and myself are extended to each and every Lagosian.
Join us on this noble journey as we strive together to birth and nurture a Greater Lagos.
However, make no mistake, the success of our development agenda must be a shared and collective responsibility.
I implore us all as Lagosians to rededicate ourselves to contribute our individual quotas positively and responsibly in this new drive to reform our society and take it to a higher pedestal.
We must imbibe the spirit of being our brothers’ keeper in our daily lives at home, work, recreational places and worship centers, and most especially on our roads.
With these goals, we embark on a new social contract that will ultimately be beneficial to all; irrespective of age, religion, socio-economic status or ethnicity.
Every Lagosian has a role in this government and we will on our part, certainly walk the talk in all that we would do as your elected officials.
As I conclude, I agree that Lagos has many challenges before it, challenges that have the power to consume us.
We must therefore be prudent, yet not afraid to act, to ensure that this large population enjoys the economic prosperity and social security that our developmental agenda has to offer.
We have, without doubt, been placed here at a momentous time. Let us make the most of what God has given us. We cannot afford to do less than that.
On this day, I vow as your Governor that I will serve the public cause with my utmost ability and commitment. With your help, I know we can make Lagos Greater still.
Indeed, our best days lie ahead of us.
Thank you
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,
God bless Lagos State
God bless you all.
H.E. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu
Governor, Lagos State.
GRPolitics
2027: Nsukka Leaders Endorse Gov Mbah Over Massive Projects in the Zone
…say senatorial district highest beneficiary of Mbah’s projects, reports Ikenna Oluka
Leaders of Enugu North Senatorial District, otherwise known as Nsukka Zone, have endorsed the Enugu State governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, to continue in office beyond 2027, saying the governor has transformed the zone in less than two years of his administration.
The Nsukka leaders who convened at the Adada House, Nsukka, on Thursday, under the aegis of Enugu State Coalition for Progress, Enugu North Senatorial Zone Branch, comprised a cross section of socio-cultural groups, the academia, representatives of Traditional Rulers, captains of industry, businessmen and women, politicians, market men and women, farmers association, labour leaders, among other leaders drawn from the 6 council areas of the zone, expressed their unwavering support for the Mbah administration.
In an interactive session by a panel of discussants from the groups which was followed by a communique issued at the end of the discussion and signed by no fewer than 700 signatories including the former deputy governor, Chief Okechukwu Itanyi, Senator Chuka Utazi of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the deputy speaker of Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ezeani Ezenta, Dr. Dan Shere, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, Gen. Godwin Ugwuoke (rtd), Dr. Mike Ajogwu SAN, Chief Maxwell Ukuta, Prof Osita Ogbu, and Igwe Dr H.N Ukuta, they cited the litany of monumental infrastructural developments of the governor across the state, particularly in Nsukka Zone, as the reasons behind their endorsement.
In a resolution and vote of gratitude, the coalition commended the governor’s outstanding leadership and stellar performance since assuming office in May 2023, saying the only candidate the zone would support in 2027 is Governor Mbah.
They insisted that supporting Mbah to do 8 years in office was in the best interest of Nsukka people as his re-election would enable him finish the landmark projects initiated by his administration in the zone which were already opening Nsukka for economic development.
The coalition further praised the governor for providing peace and security in Enugu State, making it an attractive destination for investment, business, and tourism in Nigeria.
“In particular, we note with satisfaction, that the setting up of the Enugu State Command and Control Center by His Excellency at the Government House for tracking criminal activities across the state has become a model for other states of the federation. We applaud His Excellency’s holistic development agenda for Enugu State anchored on his disruptive innovation philosophy as a catalyst for positive change,” the communique read in part.
While underscoring that the senatorial district has 102 electoral wards constituting 39.2 percent of the 260 electoral wards in the state, the elated Nsukka leaders said with 102 Smart Green Schools and 102 Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centres across the six councils, the zone has become the highest beneficiary of Mbah’s stellar performance.
On the ongoing dualization of Enugu-Ugwogo Nike-Opi-Nsukka Road, the coalition described it as a critical infrastructure aimed at enhancing connectivity and boosting economic activities, adding that the reconstruction of the 44.8 km Ama Ngwo-Eke-Oghe-Iwollo-Umulokpa road and the new 40 km Owo-Ama Nkanu-Ubahu-Mbu-Neke dual carriageway would open up a new traffic and economic corridor to the senatorial zone.
It also noted that Mbah’s administration has transformed Enugu State from a civil service state to a fast-emerging industrial hub, with an unimaginable annual internally generated revenue of over N600 billion by the end of 2025. “The governor’s commitment to progress is evident in the rapid pace of development and transformation across various sectors, including roads, bridges, healthcare, security, tourism, entertainment, industries, and educational institutions.”
Throwing their weight behind the governor, Chief Ukuta said the people of the zone would not only queue behind him in the next polls, they also owed the governor apology for the herd mentality that almost led to the voting of wrong candidates.
Expressing confidence in the governor’s leadership ability, Senator Utazi said as an APC card-carrying member, he was at the meeting to particularly appreciate the good work of the governor, stressing that he deserved the unwavering support of the entire zone.
“I am a card-carrying member of APC starting from my ward in Nkpologu all the way to Abuja. I want to say that this gathering is not for PDP. It’s a gathering for every well-meaning Nsukka indigene who is appreciative of the good job the governor of Enugu State is doing in Enugu State and especially in Enugu North senatorial district. In fact, when I came back to Enugu, starting from the airport, I saw nylon roads, the type only seen in Abuja. When I visited the governor recently to discuss the police station I built there as a senator, the governor was immediately working to operationalize it, and is additionally working on the road from 9th Mile to Umulokpa. He also told me severally the things he was doing in Nsukka zone and all of them are what people can see on ground. Let’s support him to continue with his job. I want to say frankly that Nsukka people are happy with him,” the senator added.
Adding his voice, Dr. Ajogwu said the coalition had already spoken the minds of Nsukka people which was to support the governor for another term.
On his part, Hon. Ezeani, who led lawmakers from the zone, said the governor would continue to enjoy cordial relationship with the House of Assembly to ensure the continuation of the good governance in the state.
He described the Mbah administration as business unusual where new projects were springing up daily with many already completed across the state, adding that they had already declared unalloyed support and endorsement for his candidacy beyond 2027.
Lending his voice, Dr Shere lauded the governor for the transport infrastructure project which has the Nsukka Central Terminal Station, the Holy Ghost utra-modern terminal stations, Abakpa and Gariki stations in addition with the recently delivered CNG buses ordered by state government.
“You don’t need to be told that in Nsukka, we are all adopting governor Peter Mbah to complete the job he has started here. Nsukka is now looking beautiful because of what he’s contributing to our economy, infrastructure, education and transport sectors. Look at the Enugu Air, it’s a game changing moment for the state. The investment prospects will impact all the nooks and crannies of the state. Again, the International Conference Centre, the ongoing 5 star hotel, the Hotel Presidential and the 300-bed international hospital in the state will make Enugu the hub of medical tourism where robotic surgery will be conducted and thousands of jobs created,” he said.
Moving a motion for endorsement of the governor for 2027, Chief Itanyi insisted that the ongoing 43.7 km dualisation of the Penoks-Ugwogo Nike-Opi-Nsukka road was the single most costly project in the state. The motion was unanimously affirmed by voice votes by the members coalition who filled the hall.
GRPolitics
Breaking: ‘Welcome home,’ Gov Mbah Receives Edeoga Back to PDP
…‘You’re Enugu people’s choice,’ Edeoga tells governor
Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, on Wednesday, welcomed the gubernatorial candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the 2023 governorship election, Hon. Chijioke Edeoga, back into the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, fold, commending the ex-opposition flagbearer for demonstrating that politics is not a do-or-die affair.
Mbah said that Edeoga’s return to the PDP was in line with the party’s principle of reconciliation and making the people, not personal ambition, the focus of governance, urging him and his supporters to feel very much at home.
This was even as the former gubernatorial candidate endorsed Mbah as the popular choice of the people of Enugu State, stressing that he had fully aligned with that choice.
Receiving Edoega in his office, in the company of party leaders led by the state party chairman, Dr. Martin Chukwunweike, Mbah said, “Welcome back home. The symbolism of your action is a mark of the enduring bond that runs in our party. I am indeed very delighted to have you back to rejoin your family.
“What we are witnessing today is a result of fence-mending consistent with the philosophy of our party – the imperatives of reconciliation.
“It is also a demonstration on your part that politics is not a do-or-die affair; that what we are currently doing in Enugu State appeals to you and you believe that it is working for the interest of the people and you have taken that decision to say, ‘Look, let us join hands together and serve our people.’
“I commend you greatly for making such a courageous bold step. The lesson for us is quite profound, as it shows that the common denominator even when we express our aspirations on different political platforms, is all about the people and making them the centerpiece of our ambitions.
“So, we will embrace you with our arms wide open. You are going to be treated as a member of PDP, which we know you are indeed. We look forward to working with you in the service of our people.”
Edeoga, on his part, commended Governor Mbah for making his return possible, describing it as a paradigm shift from politics of animosity and winner takes all to politics of empathy and people-centred development.
“I thank Your Excellency for overseeing the process that has culminated in my return to the PDP and my visit to your office. It is easy to downplay what has happened. But something like this has not happened in the annals of politics in Enugu State. I commend your wisdom, I commend your empathy, I commend your mental sagacity.
“What has happened here today will effect a paradigm shift in the way politics is played in Enugu State. It will no longer be winner takes all or politics being seen as a hostile or brutal activity. It has restored politics as just a contest of ideas and visions. These contesting visions were thrown open to the public and the people of Enugu State have made their choice, which I completely align myself with.
“Politics should be played without bitterness; it should be played without animosity and as much humanely as possible. Once the victor has emerged, the next thing is governance. The governance is ongoing and it is going very well. When it is time for politics, people are free to pursue their dreams. For now, it is time for governance.
“Anyone, who feels annoyed or deeply angered that Edeoga has taken this step of faith, I believe with time, they will align with the superior wisdom of those who are their leaders. Leadership comes with responsibilities and one of these responsibilities is to take a step of faith.
“Again, thank you for making my return to the PDP possible. I recommit myself to the ideals of PDP. As much as possible, I will work to ensure that PDP becomes victorious going forward,” he said.
GRPolitics
Minister Commends Guards Brigade for Exceptional Service in Securing the Seat of Government
The Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has expressed profound appreciation for the unwavering commitment and exemplary efforts of the Commander, officers, and personnel of the Guards Brigade in safeguarding the Federal Capital Territory and its environs.
In his remarks as the Special Guest of Honour at the 2024 West African Social Activity (WASA 2024) held in Abuja, the Minister stated, “Your loyalty, sacrifice, and dedication in executing your Presidential security duties, coordinating ceremonial parades, and managing operational challenges are commendable. Your proactive approach in addressing security threats has ensured the safety of the Presidency as well as that of citizens, visitors, and diplomats alike. I urge you to continue embodying compassion and empathy in your operations, striving for excellence in all your responsibilities.”
The Minister highlighted that the WASA event serves as a vibrant testament to the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria, as showcased by the personnel and families of the Guards Brigade. “The traditional dances and local delicacies on display tonight not only enhance our appreciation of our diverse cultures but also play a crucial role in preserving our cultural heritage and distinct identity,” he added.
In conclusion, the Minister called upon the Guards Brigade to uphold the trust placed in them by consistently meeting the challenges of their duties and ensuring that the flag of the Nigerian Armed Forces continues to fly high.
Earlier, Major General Adebisi Onosayan, Commander of the Guards Brigade, delivered a welcome address expressing gratitude to the President for his unwavering support of the Brigade’s operations, training, and welfare. “Thank you, Your Excellency. I also wish to extend my sincere appreciation to the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Army Staff for their relentless guidance and support. We pledge our unwavering loyalty and readiness to contribute effectively to the security of lives and property in the Federal Capital Territory and its surroundings,” he emphasized.
General Onosayan further noted that the 2024 WASA highlights the social diversity, cultural identity, values, beliefs, and rich heritage of the Nigerian people, resonating with the ethos of the Nigerian Army. “This event provides an opportunity to showcase various cultural dances, traditional cuisines, languages, attire, and ethnic groups of our great nation in a relaxed atmosphere,” he stated, adding that today’s event marks the Brigade’s Grand Finale.
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