The All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s contribution to the infrastructure and development seen in Lagos State over the past 20 years cannot be overstated, according to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Given some skepticism in some quarters, Governor Sanwo-Olu cleared the air by stating that Tinubu was the mastermind behind the development master plan being implemented by succeeding administrations in Lagos, which has improved governance in the state.
Sanwo-Olu asserted that anyone who interacted with the former Lagos Governor frequently between 1999 and 2007 could not dispute this reality.
As a special guest on Television Continental’s (TVC) popular program Your View, Governor Sanwo-Olu discussed the accomplishments of his administration, his reelection, family values, and his relationship with the APC presidential candidate.
Lagos is frequently cited as the gold standard for innovation, infrastructure renovation, and excellent governance.
The state recently achieved a milestone that was highly hailed: it became the first sub-national body in Africa to finish modern intra-city train infrastructure without receiving funding from the federal government.
Tinubu, according to Governor Sanwo-Olu, deserves credit for the reforms that laid the course for the infrastructure projects carried out by his successors to make Lagos one of the largest economies in Africa.
The Governor emphasized that he was a direct participant in the creation of the Lagos State Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (LASEEDS) under Tinubu’s direction, noting that their working relationship had started in 2002.
According to Sanwo-Olu, the LASEEDS document was aligned with a 10-point agenda document and served as the basis for the Lagos State Development Master Plan (LSDP), which was born out of the Lagos Economic Summit (Ehingbeti) that the Tinubu administration had organized.
He stated: “I joined the Tinubu administration more than 20 years ago with the utmost humility.
Prior to joining Tinubu in November 2002, I held the position of General Manager in my bank.
I was in Tinubu’s cabinet from the very first day of my employment, thus I had firsthand knowledge of events.
“I have personally experienced Tinubu’s development vision.
We shouldn’t be talking about it because we all know it to be true.
We established the LASEEDS and SEEDS documents, which are plans for Lagos’ economic development, under Tinubu’s direction.
We also had what we called a 10-point plan, which served as the cornerstone for efforts to increase income, reform the transportation system, and update the nation’s infrastructure.
“LASEEDS and SEEDS publications served as a practical road map for change in Lagos.
We established the Ehingbeti Economic Summit to run annually, where we gather private sector inputs, flesh them out in official documents, and provide a working paper we may implement.
I was a member of the team that created the documents because I was the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget.
For instance, Tinubu established the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) in 2002 with the help of the World Bank, not just out of thin air.
One of the top transportation companies in the world, LAMATA, hired me as a member of the initial group of employees.
“We have a 20-year development plan for it, which former Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola expanded on, and that’s how the blueprint was created.
Based on the conditions of the time, he replaced some things and removed others.
Akinwunmi Ambode, a former governor, also took similar actions.
Because there is continuity, our government is acting similarly.
We made decisions based on the issues faced by previous administrations and those that we can handle swiftly.
Tinubu deserves credit for being able to assemble the first team of very intelligent individuals who collaborated with him to create a workable blueprint.
The former governor had moved to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the last six years, where he had been making his contribution to national development and strengthening the ruling party. Sanwo-Olu denied the rumors that Tinubu had been managing Lagos by proxy.
However, the Governor asserted that Tinubu’s experience in government made him the ideal candidate to receive guidance on a regular basis.
Tinubu is a parent and a someone I truly respect.
I cannot make you stop.
Critics will always have something to say, but are we focusing on the important things?
Yes.
Are we carrying out the requests of Lagosians?
Yes,” replied the Governor.
In response to the question of why Lagosians should vote for him again in the upcoming general election, Sanwo-Olu stated: “One of a leader’s strongest traits is for people to underestimate you.
To complete your job, you are not need to be in people’s faces.
Simply roll up your sleeves and do the task is all that is required.
Look at my history; I operate with integrity.
My word is always my bond because I work as a bank treasurer.
When I make promises, I follow through on those promises.
“It’s not just about me.
It is about where we are going and what kind of legacy we want to leave.
All of the items we promised to undertake in accordance with the THEMES agenda have been completed.
We have performed with a strong sense of responsibility and gained the confidence of the public.
Let’s hold hands and ride this train as a group.
What will occur in another four years is conceivable.
Lagos Has Become a Reference Point For Administrative Excellence and Visionary Leadership, According to a Methodist Prelate
According to His Eminence Oliver Aba, the Prelate of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Lagos State has earned a reputation for quality in governance and bold leadership.
The pastor made this statement while paying Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu a courtesy call at Lagos House Marina.
The Lagos Blue Line Rail is anticipated to be officially opened by President Muhammadu Buhari later this month, and Prelate Abah praised Governor Sanwo-Olu for his enormous progress in Lagos State in other important areas.
“Our overall assessment of Nigeria’s political and developmental landscape has left us in no question about the exceptional enormous strides being achieved in the leading State in Nigeria, Lagos,” the speaker remarked.
Lagos State has become the center of attention and the benchmark for administrative excellence, visionary leadership, and welfare for all Lagosians and more thanks to your administration’s vision, perspicacity, and tenacity as well as those of your predecessors.
“We want to reassure you that the church is behind you.
We have no reservations about your continuing in office through a resounding victory in the 2023 elections given the admirable succession plan in Lagos State that has ensured incremental development and progress and the enormous steps, initiatives, and vision of your administration.
We will continue to pray for divine empowerment and ennoblement so that you and everything related to you can accomplish even more than you can imagine via the enabling grace in Christ Jesus as you advance Lagos State and Nigeria!
Amen.
As you begin your second term as Governor of Lagos State and beyond, “the people called Methodists in Nigeria and in the Diasporas shall continue to have you in prayers for good health, incisive inspiration, and an exceptional team of lieutenants!
”
In order to mobilize Lagosians for progress, development, and the implementation of the admirable plans of the Lagos Project and Scheme, Aba also gave Governor Sanwo-Olu assurances about ongoing collaboration and partnership between the church and the Lagos State Government.
In response, the governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, urged religious figures, particularly the Methodist Church Nigeria’s prelate and clergy, to continue to pray for Nigeria and Lagos State as the nation gears up for the upcoming general elections.
He asserted that this is a moment of great need for the prayers and guidance of religious leaders, particularly as the nation gears up for the general elections scheduled for February 25 and March 11.
Additionally, he urged Nigerians to act in a style and manner that would maintain the nation’s peace and security.
Governor Sanwo-Olu advocated for ongoing cooperation, partnership, and the relationship between the church and the government while congratulating Aba on becoming the Prelate of the Methodist Church of Nigeria.
“It’s the start of a new year, and we anticipate that a lot will happen in our nation throughout the year, including the upcoming elections,” he said.
Therefore, there is never a better time to keep up your prayers for this nation and state in order to make sure that the desires of the people are carried out.
We don’t have any other place, and each of us has a responsibility to ensure that we use our space wisely as community members and leaders so that, at the end of the day, we still have a nation, a state, and people to lead because we are in a position of leadership and God will richly bless all of us.
Your prayers and counsel will be most needed at this time.”