Governor Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday reaffirmed Lagos’ commitment to inclusive governance, social protection and unity during Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
Speaking at the celebration organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Home Affairs, Sanwo-Olu stressed that the nation could only achieve lasting progress if government and citizens worked together in trust and shared responsibility.
Quoting Henry Ford, he said, “If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself. That is the spirit we must embrace as a nation.”
Highlighting his administration’s achievements, the governor noted that the expansion of the T.H.E.M.E.S agenda into T.H.E.M.E.S Plus was designed to deepen social inclusion, gender balance, and youth empowerment.
He pointed to the Lagos Social Register, which now covers over one million households across 57 councils, as a key tool for ensuring welfare benefits reach the most vulnerable groups, including widows, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
Sanwo-Olu listed interventions such as affordable healthcare through the State Health Insurance Scheme, food subsidy programmes, affordable housing, scholarships for indigent students, and empowerment through 37 skill acquisition centres.
He recalled that Lagos had maintained people-focused relief efforts during difficult periods like the COVID-19 pandemic and the removal of fuel subsidy.
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Calling for unity, he urged Nigerians to set aside political, tribal, and religious divisions in pursuit of national development.
He further advised citizens to use social media constructively, saying it should inspire and unite rather than divide.
Commending President Bola Tinubu, the governor said downward trends in inflation, exchange rates, food prices, and insecurity showed that ongoing reforms were yielding results.
“As your cheerleader in Lagos, we are resolute in working with your administration to ensure that the promises made to Nigerians are realised in real time,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu reassured investors of Lagos’ position as a peaceful and investment-friendly destination, while praising the contributions of security agencies, lawmakers, the judiciary, traditional rulers, and religious leaders in sustaining peace and progress.
“To our young people, the future is about you and for you. It is a future of prosperity, transformation and guaranteed opportunities. We will not compromise that future,” he said.
The event was attended by Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Commissioner for Home Affairs Alhaji Ibrahim Layode, First Lady Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, members of the State Executive Council, royal fathers, diplomats, and other dignitaries.
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