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

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.”

Subscribe ToNairalaw News!