Tinubu at 73, a Rare Gift to Humanity, Says Sanwo-Olu

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated President Bola Tinubu on his 73rd birthday, describing him as a rare gift to humanity. He said President Tinubu at 73 deserves all the commendation for his contribution to politics, governance, economy and the development of Lagos State and now, Nigeria. Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a congratulatory message issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, described President Tinubu as an enigmatic, tested and trusted politician and a democrat whose democratic credentials are materials for research in academic circles. He said: “On behalf of my wife, Ibijoke, family, the government and people of Lagos State, as well as the entire leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, I congratulate our leader and benefactor, President Bola Tinubu, on his 73rd birthday. “President Tinubu donated the greater part of his adult life for service to humanity, Lagos State and Nigeria in particular. He is passionate about the growth and development of the country. He is a democrat and an advocate of good governance, who always teams up with other pro-democracy groups and individuals for positive change and the development of Nigeria’s democracy. “He is undoubtedly the father of modern Lagos. His tenure as the first Governor in the present Fourth Republic changed the story of Lagos positively. Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s financial engineering and economic intellect, which he put to good use as the Governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007, have taken our dear state to a greater height. Today, Lagos is the pride of Nigeria, occupying an enviable position as Africa’s second-largest city in economy, with a GDP of $259 billion. “President Tinubu is a detribalised Nigerian whose heart accommodates every section of the country. In his less than two years as President, he has delivered dividends of democracy and good governance in every part of Nigeria through his Renewed Hope Agenda. “Since assuming office, the President has demonstrated unparalleled patriotism, integrity, honesty, and courage in the task of nation building, steering the ship of Nigeria in the right direction. He has provided honest and transparent leadership in Nigeria by taking bold and audacious decisions and implementing the right policies to address the country’s economic challenges. “As our leader turns 73, we pray that God will continue to give him strength, wisdom and good health to continue to serve and direct the affairs of our country towards political and economic prosperity.”

Read More

Sanwo-Olu appoints PR Professional as Tourism’s new Perm Sec 

The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture now has a new Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olanrewaju Bajulaiye, following his swearing-in alongside seven other newly appointed Permanent Secretaries by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at Lagos House, Ikeja.  His appointment is part of the Lagos State Government’s commitment to strengthening public service leadership and ensuring the effective implementation of the THEMES Plus Agenda. With a dynamic arts scene, a rich cultural heritage, and a thriving entertainment industry, Lagos is a leading hub for tourism and creative excellence and Bajuilaye’s appointment is expected to inject fresh energy and strategic direction into the Ministry, reinforcing Lagos State’s position as a premier cultural and tourism destination. With him coming on board, the Ministry is poised to deepen collaborations between the government, private sector stakeholders, and cultural practitioners to foster policies that attract investment, boost cultural tourism, and promote indigenous creativity. Bajulaiye brings a wealth of experience from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.  Prior to this appointment, he served as the Director of Public Affairs at the Ministry of Home Affairs. A seasoned public relations professional, he is a distinguished member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and a respected leader within the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ). His appointment is expected to usher in a new phase of growth and transformation for the Ministry, ensuring that Lagos remains at the forefront of tourism, arts, and culture in Nigeria and beyond.

Read More

Sanwo-Olu gives contractor 12 months to complete 280-bed Ojo General Hospital

The pace of work on the General Hospital project being constructed in Ojo town in Lagos State may improve rapidly, given Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s renewed commitment to push the project to completion. The Governor, on Tuesday, gave a 12-month deadline to the contractor handling the project when he led an on-the-spot tour of the project site to assess the progress of the construction work. Besides, the Governor also flagged off the construction of 27-block shopping complex along LASU-Iyana Iba Road. Sanwo-Olu, accompanied on the tour by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat and members of the State cabinet, was received by Ojo residents led by their traditional leaders. Sited on 6.5 hectares along Lagos-Badagry corridor, the Ojo General Hospital is a 280-bed infrastructure being developed by the Sanwo-Olu administration to ramp up medical care in Lagos West Senatorial District. When completed, the multi-specialist hospital will be the biggest healthcare facility in the district, complementing other primary and secondary care facilities operating in the zone. The hospital borders Ojo military cantonment, Lagos State University and also Lagos Rail Mass Transit (BLUE LINE) infrastructure. Sanwo-Olu said the hospital was being developed to address inadequate medical facilities in the area, stressing that the infrastructure would bring about a new care experience for residents in the area. He said: “We have just taken a tour to see the construction work being carried out on this hospital project. Our word here is to encourage the contractor, who, we believe, is dealing with a big task, given the magnitude of the project. We will give the contractor all the support and encourage them to give their best. Whatever is to be done on our own part, we will fulfil our obligations. “Based on the pace of work, we are hoping the project should have been completed in the next 12 months, which means that the contractor should hand over the project by the end of the year. We will push everything to ensure that this task becomes a reality in the next 12 months. We extend our appreciation to stakeholders in the community for being part of this journey but we urge them to be patient while the construction continues.” Sanwo-Olu said when the project is completed, the hospital would be part of the infrastructure initiated by his administration to bring improvements to the Ojo area. Listing other ongoing projects in the area, the Governor noted that the hospital project had been sited in front of the Blue Line which will terminate at Okokomaiko. “There is a complete renewal of infrastructure in this axis, which shows that our Government is working to fulfil its promises to our residents in Ojo and Badagry Division,” Sanwo-Olu said. Aside from the medical departments, the project is being developed with four blocks of Doctors’ residence. The semi-detached accommodation comprises eight units of three-bedroom apartment in each block, making a total of 64 apartments. Facilities in the main hospital building will include delivery theatre and wards, paediatrics, pharmacy, Oncology and Gynaecology, Accident and Emergency, Intensive Care Unit, surgical wards, dialysis centre, administrative unit, and outpatient department The ancillary facilities include morgue, central laboratory, equipment storage facility, laundry, bank, engineering department and parking lot. Turning the sod to flag off the construction of the Platinum Shopping Complex, Sanwo-Olu said: “This is an attempt to achieve regeneration not only to improve infrastructure but also to reclaim the aesthetic properties of the environment and improve people’s lifestyles. All the infrastructure projects being sited in this area are designed to improve the socio-economic power of our citizens in this corridor.” The shopping complex is being developed by Almera Global Investment Services — a private developer— in collaboration with Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC), and Ojo Local Government Areas. The project will be constructed in four phases. Each block will have 30 shops, resulting in a total of 1,500 shops.

Read More

Sanwo-Olu to commission Old Ojo Road, three others

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is set to hand over yet another set of projects to Lagosians, with the formal commissioning of Old Ojo (Phase 1) Road in Oriade LCDA of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area, on Tuesday. Also to be commissioned are three other roads Irede, Navy Town, and Mumuni Adio (Buba Marwa)Roads, all in the Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area. The projects will be inaugurated on Tuesday 28th, January 2025. The formal handing over further attests to Governor Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to the realization of the Transportation Pillar of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu administration’s THEMES+ Agenda with the provision of roads as a critical infrastructure that will support economic activities. Irede, Navy Town, Mumuni Adio (Buba Marwa), and Old Ojo (Phase 1) Roads provide a link to both the Lagos Blue Line Rail on the Lagos Badagry Expressway and the Water component of the multi-modal transportation initiative with many jetties along the axis. The 10.1km newly reconstructed roads connect the rail component on the Lagos Badagry Expressway to the Inland Waterways terminal with major linkages to residential and commercial areas. Irede Road is a 2.20km road off the Lagos-Badagry Expressway and terminates at the Irede Jetty for water transportation to the riverine communities of Ibasa, Ibeshe, Ilashe, and Imoore in Amuwo OdofinLocal Government Area. Mumuni Adio Road serves as the major arterial that provides access from and into Tank Farms and Industries in Ijegun Egba, a major petroleum products depot within the corridor, was constructed as a semi-urban road about 40 years ago. Navy Town Road leads to Ijegun Imoren Jetty and also connects the Old Ojo Road to Central Bank Estate, Training School, and Navy Town. First constructed in the early Sixties (1960s), the Old Ojo Road was a Single-carriageway with dilapidated pavement with an average width of 10m and ineffective drains. Given the strategic economic importance of these roads, the administration of Mr. Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, approved their rehabilitation and upgrade to a standard that will stand the test of time Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration will continue to upgrade old roads and build new ones for the benefit of residents in fulfilment of his promise to Lagosians.

Read More

Lagos reaffirms strong ties with India at Republic Day Celebration

The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has reiterated the commitment of the State Government to strengthening the long-standing economic and cultural ties between Nigeria and India. Mr. Governor stated this in his goodwill message delivered on his behalf by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barrister Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin at the India Republic Day celebration held recently in Lagos. He commended the Indian business community for its significant contributions to Lagos’ economy, adding that Indian companies, with many headquartered in Lagos, remain some of the largest employers of labour in Nigeria after the Federal Government. Sanwo-Olu stated that their involvement in sectors such as manufacturing, retailing of consumer goods, construction, and air services has solidified India’s position as a major player in the Nigerian economy. “Our administration is committed to further enhancing this mutually beneficial economic partnership. We will continue to promote and provide an enabling environment for investment, trade, and economic development”, he assured. Beyond economic cooperation, Mr. Governor highlighted the robust cultural exchange between Nigeria and India. He applauded the influence of Indian culture in Nigeria, particularly through Bollywood cinema, music, and cuisine. While noting the growing appreciation of Nigerian arts, music, and literature in India, he described this cultural synergy as fostering greater understanding and stronger people-to-people connections between the two nations while praising the Consulate of India in Lagos for its efforts in promoting cultural exchanges and bilateral relations. “The potential for further collaboration between Nigeria and India is immense. We must continue to work together in areas such as agriculture, technology, renewable energy, education, and health care to address shared challenges and achieve common goals. By strengthening our partnership, we can create a brighter future for our citizens and contribute to a more prosperous and stable world,” Sanwo-Olu said. The Governor extended heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Chandramouli Kumar Khan and the entire Indian community in Lagos on India’s Republic Day. He expressed optimism for a brighter and more inclusive future for both Lagos State and India.

Read More

Prerogative of Mercy: Sanwo-Olu pardons 52, commutes death sentences to life imprisonment

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu recently, and on the recommendations of the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, approved the release of 52 inmates from various correctional facilities across the State and the commutal of six death row inmates to Life Imprisonment. According to a statement signed by Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, the order was for the immediate release of 35 inmates while others are to be released after serving additional terms of three – six months. According to him, the Prerogative of Mercy is in line with Mr. Governors’ powers under Section 212 (1) & (2) of the 1999 Constitution of The Federal Republic of Nigeria (As amended) and the commitment of the present administration to decongest correctional facilities in Lagos State as part of the Justice Sector Reforms in the State. The Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy in reaching its recommendations exercised due diligence in its deliberation of the applications brought before it in line with the applicable guidelines with information provided by the Authority of the correctional facilities, the nature of offence the inmate was convicted for, period of incarceration, age, health condition and the behavioural conduct of the inmate. Before their release, the correctional centres are to confirm that arrangements have been put in place for the rehabilitation and integration into the society of the convicted inmates recommended for release. While admonishing the inmates to be of good behaviour, the Commissioner said Mr. Governor’s release order is to be complied with after completion of the administrative process by the correctional facilities.

Read More

Gov. Sanwo-Olu signs N3.366trn budget into law

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday signed the 2025 Appropriation Bill tagged “Budget of Sustainability.” Sanwo-Olu signed the budget, which is N3.366 trillion, at the Lagos House, Ikeja, during a ceremony attended by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hazmat; Secretary to the Lagos State Government (SSG), Barr (Mrs.) Bimbola Salu-Hudeyin; members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, led by the Chairman of the Joint Committee on Appropriation and Finance, Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh; and members of the State Executive Council, among others. Speaking after signing of the 2025 Appropriation Bill, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the budget was structured around five key pillars, which are Infrastructure Sustainability; Economic Diversification; Social Inclusion and Human Capital Development; Environmental Sustainability; and Governance and Institutional Reforms. The Governor urged Lagos residents to join hands with his administration as it deploys resources in line with the provisions of the budget. He said, “It is with a deep sense of responsibility that I perform this task of signing the budget into law. This is the second of four budgets that I will have the honour of assenting to during my second term, and it represents another opportunity to advance our vision of a Greater Lagos for the benefit of all Lagosians and Nigeria at large. “As I noted during my budget presentation speech in November 2025, the Lagos State Budget is structured around five pillars: Infrastructure Sustainability; Economic Diversification; Social Inclusion and Human Capital Development; Environmental Sustainability; and Governance and Institutional Reforms. These five pillars fully capture our determination to build on the gains of the past and scale up impact for the future. “I would like to call for continued collaboration between the Executive, who will implement the budget, and the Legislature, who will provide the much-needed monitoring and oversight and ensure that we achieve the greatest good for the greatest number of our people with the limited resources available to us. “On our part as the Lagos State Government, we will also live up to the responsibility of delivering governance that is respectful of and responsive to the people at all times. I am charging the civil service and all other concerned stakeholders to once again deliver an impressive level of budget implementation in 2025.” Sanwo-Olu commended the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, the state lawmakers, unseen heroes, and everybody who participated from the preparation of the budget to the presentation, the passage, and the signing of the Appropriation Bill. Also speaking, the Chairman of the House of Assembly Joint Committee on Appropriation and Finance, Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh, said the budget will focus on the development of Lagos State. He said, “I want to say categorically that the THEMES agenda in the first term of Mr. Governor and the THEMES+ agenda have been meticulously packaged, and Lagosians have been benefitting from the agenda of Mr. Governor. “We can see that Lagos is the first in almost everything that is done in this country. For the first term, our internal revenue service has crossed the N1 trillion mark in terms of IGR. That tells the dedication and purposefulness in your (Governor Sanwo-Olu) leadership, and I want to celebrate you. “I want to also celebrate your excellent relationship with the House of Assembly. The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has always been in the forefront of ensuring that whatever Mr. Governor wants the House to do, it is done, and we will continue to do that to ensure that Lagos moves forward. “This budget was meticulously looked through during the budget defence period. Everything we did, we did it together to ensure that we got to where we are. We have carefully looked into the Electricity Bill. We have looked into the issue of variation, and we have looked into so many things that are dear to the government. We celebrate you and appreciate what you have done in terms of road infrastructure, and we want to pray that you continue in this light.” Speaking earlier, the Lagos State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Ope George, said the budget is not only the largest in history but also positions Lagos as the first sub-national government in Nigeria to pass a budget of the magnitude. George said the 2025 budget reflects the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration unwavering commitment to economic growth, infrastructural development, and the welfare of all Lagosians. He said: “This historic budget underscores our commitment to prioritising infrastructure with 62 percent allocated to capital expenditure and 38 percent to recurrent spending. This allocation represents our focus on driving long-term investments while maintaining efficient delivery of essential services. “Our revenue framework, which projects N2.342 trillion from total Internally Generated Revenue and N626.137 billion from federal transfers, is anchored on innovation, accountability, and fiscal sustainability. A deficit financing of N398.662 billion has also been carefully structured to ensure financial prudence.” It would be recalled that the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday approved a budget of N3.366 trillion for the 2025 fiscal year, injecting an additional N360.88 billion into Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s initial proposal of N3.005 trillion. The budget allocates N1.3 trillion for recurrent expenditure and N2.07 trillion for capital projects, with the financial year ending on 31st December 2025.

Read More

Burna Boy, Wizkid, Olamide, Tiwa Savage for Lagos concert

Afrobeat stars, Burna Boy, Wizkid and Olamide have listed for the Greater Lagos musical concert at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos on Tuesday. Also listed to perform on the New Year’s eve are; Adewale Ayuba, Seyi Vibez, Lojay, Adekunle Gold, BNXN, Niniola, 9ice and Qing Madi. Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu via his official x handle assured that it would be a night to remember. “This December, Lagos welcomed the world, and now we’re ready to host the biggest countdown event in Africa. “The Greater Lagos Countdown 2025 will feature the continent’s biggest music superstars; Burna Boy, Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Olamide, and Seyi Vibez; all gathered for a night to remember. “Tonight, Lagos will come alive with electrifying performances across these five locations – Ikorodu, Badagry, Ikeja, Lagos Island, and Epe. “The Greater Lagos Countdown is more than just a concert, it’s a celebration of our vibrant culture, our unity, and the indomitable Lagos spirit. “Join us for a night of music, cultural showcases, and unmatched Lagos energy as we welcome 2025 the Lagos way – in grand style. “This is Lagos. We’re different,” the Governor stated.

Read More