Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Monday assured residents that best days are ahead after taking the oath of office for a second tenure.
Sanwo-Olu, who gave the assurance in his inaugural address at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, said that tasks of fulfilling the dreams of the state founding fathers was a collective one.
The governor, who was sworn-in for the second term, promised to govern with honesty, transparency, accountability and humility and inclusive
Appreciating God for the privilege to lead, Sanwo-Olu said: “Four years ago, we promised a better future for ourselves and our children. We did not think it would be easy, or effortless. In fact, we knew it would require a lot of hard work, and sacrifice, and innovative thinking.
“For us as government, I would be the first to acknowledge our own side of this social contract; the responsibility to govern honestly, transparently, humbly and with dedication.
“I can assure you that our administration will continue to foster a culture of transparency, accountability and participatory governance. Lagos, We will not let you down.
“Dear Lagosians, I can boldly say that we have had four fulfilling years. We have learnt a lot, we have made some mistakes, and we have also implemented many transformational policies and programs.
“We assure you that the progress we have made will not be reversed. We will remain steadfast in our mission to make Lagos State a model of good governance, a beacon of hope and opportunity for all. Our path is clear, and our resolve is unshakeable.”
Recounting so many unforseen circumstances like global COVID-19 health challenges, EndSARS and other disasters Sanwo-Olu noted that though the state lost tens of billions of Naira worth of public and private property, it rose above the tragedies.
Reflecting on our journey so far, Sanwo-Olu said that Lagos had grown from a humble port city into a bustling metropolis, a beacon of promise attracting individuals from far and wide who seek opportunities to fulfill their dreams.
According to him, in his first term, he as set the stage for transformative change by confronting significant challenges, improving infrastructure to ensuring adequate social services, grappling with economic downturns, navigating global pandemic a d surmounting other unforeseen challenges.
He said that his government had been busy taking action instead of merely reacting as well as writing a compelling story of deliberate progress, of action and ambition, fruitful policies, of committed governance, and of a resolute journey towards the unshakeable ideal of a truly Greater Lagos.
Sanwo-Olu, who listed his modest achievements in every sector in first term, said that everything had been the product of long planning, painstaking implementation, and the right economic terrain from 1999.
He said: “As I noted on this day four years ago, “Since 1999, our tradition of progressive governance has set Lagos apart and strengthened people’s belief in our ideology.
“That tradition of progressive governance, of enlightened leadership, has consistently yielded fruit for us, and set us up as a model for other States across Nigeria.
“It has delivered the dividends of democracy to you our people and given us the opportunity to export our public sector innovation to the rest of the country.
“But one thing we must never do is commit the error of complacency. While we have made so much progress, there is also still a long way ahead of us. “
“You, the good people of Lagos State, still expect a lot more from us, in several areas. And today is another opportunity to acknowledge your expectations, and to rededicate ourselves to meeting and surpassing those expectations,” he said.
According to him, the party will work relentlessly to make Lagos a state where economic opportunities abound, where our infrastructure is robust and resilient, and where the rule of law prevails.
The governor said that his vision for Lagos goes beyond physical infrastructure and economic indicators but to make Lagos a beacon of cultural vibrancy, intellectual prowess, and humanistic values.
He said that his vision was to create a Lagos that not only drives the economic engine of Nigeria but also enriches the soul of our nation.
“As we embark on this journey, we remember the timeless words of Mahatma Gandhi, that “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” I pledge, as your Governor, to lose myself in the service of Lagos State, to work tirelessly for the well-being of every Lagosian, and to strive for a Lagos that we can all be proud of.”
He announced that his administration would be taking its THEMES governing agenda to the next level, in the second term.
Recalled Sanwo-Olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S agenda stands for Transportation and Traffic Management; Health and Environment; Education and Technology; Making Lagos State a 21st Century Megacity, Entertainment & Tourism; and Security & Governance.
He said,” Henceforth, it will be known as “T.H.E.M.E.S+”, the “plus” representing the incorporation of an intensified focus, in these next four years, on Social Inclusion, Gender Equality and Youth. We are strengthening and reinforcing THEMES with a ‘No One Left Behind’ philosophy.
“No one will be left behind on account of their social status, gender or young age; we will design all our policies and programs to ensure that everyone is carried along and catered to. This is our solemn promise to you,” he said..
Sanwo-Olu applauded his predecessors, especially newly inaugurated President Bola Tinubu, who he said dreamed big-time, long-term and envisioned several groundbreaking visionary projects, including the Eko Atlantic City, and other projects which today is home to the Dangote Refinery and the Lekki Deep-Sea Port, among others.
Vowing not to derail, Sanwo-Olu, said: “Every day I have served as your Governor, over the last four years, I have counted my time in days, hours and minutes, and consistently and habitually done my very best to live up to this personal vow – that “I will not try to become something that I am not”.
“I have strived to serve excellently, without being addressed as “His Excellency”, I have served with humility, with compassion, with a listening ear, bending over backwards where necessary to demonstrate to you, the people of Lagos, that leadership is first and foremost servanthood.
“I have done my best at every juncture to remind Lagosians that this land belongs to all of us, and all of us who call it home must partake of its goodness.”
He urged the people of the state to continue to embrace the spirit of inclusiveness and harmonious coexistence, ” for it is this spirit that makes us truly ‘Eko’.
Sanwo-Olu promised to continued to build a Lagos that is not only a commercial nerve centre but also a hub for innovation, culture, and sustainable development.
Appreciating the collaborative efforts of the state legislature, judiciary and all stakeholders, Sanwo-Olu said that the work ahead was not for government alone, noting “It is not the exclusive responsibility of public servants, or the civil service. We all share the responsibility of our state’s future.
“The greatness and strength of Lagos lies in the collective spirit of its people; whether it is paying taxes, or treating public property with care and respect, or saying something when we see something going wrong or someone breaking the law.”
