Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Wednesday reiterated his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, social protection, and national unity as Nigeria marked its 65th Independence Anniversary.
The celebration, organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Home Affairs, featured a parade attended by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, the First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, Commissioner for Home Affairs, Alhaji Ibrahim Layode, royal fathers, members of the diplomatic corps, legislators, the judiciary, and other dignitaries.
Sanwo-Olu said lasting national progress could only be achieved through synergy between government and the people, built on trust and shared responsibility.
“As Henry Ford once said, if everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself. That is the spirit we must embrace as a nation,” he said.
Highlighting his administration’s T.H.E.M.E.S Plus agenda, the governor said deliberate policies had been introduced to deepen inclusion, empower youth, promote gender balance, and protect the vulnerable.
According to him, no Lagos resident would be left behind in the development drive, citing the expansion of the Lagos Social Register to capture over one million households across 57 councils.
“This register has become the backbone of our welfare programmes, ensuring that support truly gets to those who need it most – from widows to the elderly, and persons with disabilities,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He listed interventions such as affordable healthcare through the State Health Insurance Scheme, food subsidy initiatives, housing projects, scholarships for indigent students, and empowerment through 37 skill acquisition centres.
The governor recalled Lagos’ resilience during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the removal of fuel subsidy, stressing that relief measures were targeted at the most vulnerable.
Calling for unity, Sanwo-Olu emphasized that national progress required collective sacrifice beyond political, tribal, and religious differences.
“Government alone cannot build this nation. It requires the commitment of every Nigerian. The task before us is to build, not tear down; to unite, not divide; to inspire, not discourage,” he said.
He also urged responsible use of social media as a tool for constructive engagement rather than division.
Commending President Bola Tinubu for his leadership, Sanwo-Olu noted that reforms were beginning to yield positive outcomes, citing downward trends in inflation, exchange rates, food prices, and insecurity.
“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.
Reassuring investors, Sanwo-Olu described Lagos as a peaceful, investment-friendly hub for business and tourism. He also commended security agencies, the legislature, judiciary, religious leaders, traditional rulers, and youths for their contributions to peace and development.
Addressing young people directly, the governor pledged that their future would remain central to his administration’s priorities.
“The future is about you and for you — a future of prosperity, transformation, and opportunities. We will not compromise that future,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu concluded with a call for renewed patriotism, hard work, and mutual respect.
“Let us all contribute to a Lagos, and indeed a Nigeria, that works for every citizen. If we hold firmly to this resolve, the peaceful and prosperous future we desire will surely be ours,” he said.
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