How Sanwo-Olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S+ agenda has helped reshape Lagos in 2024
By Sodiq Adelakun
lt is no doubt that Lagos State has continued to stand tall, and this remained true in 2024. It stands as an image of resilience, growth, and transformation, credits to the forward-thinking leadership of ‘Mr. Sellable’ (as he is fondly called), Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
His second-term agenda, known as the T.H.E.M.E.S+ initiative, has breathed new life into the city’s infrastructure, governance, and social fabric, among other areas.
The six-pillar framework — T.H.E.M.E.S, an acronym for Traffic Management and Transportation, Health and Environment, Education and Technology, Making Lagos a 21st Century Megacity, Entertainment and Tourism, and Security and Governance, has evolved into a comprehensive framework for sustainable urban growth and citizen well-being.
Far from just a catchphrase, this agenda has cultivated substantial progress, reshaping Lagos’ microscopic view and charting a new course for the future.
Together, these pillars have not only addressed the pressing needs of the state but have redefined Lagos’ future, positioning it as a city on the brink of greatness.
In a city where traffic jams have been as iconic as its skyline, the Sanwo-Olu administration has taken deliberate steps to change the narrative.
Through the completion of crucial infrastructure projects, like inauguration of the Babafemi Dada with a bridge and the Yinka Folarin, Jamiu Lawal and Shalom Academy network of roads in the Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos,Sanwo-Olu Supports LSPWC in Fixing 459 Roads Across Lagos.
Sanwo-Olu, alongside his deputy, Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, provided strong support to the Lagos State Public Works Corporation (LSPWC) to carry out significant road interventions.
The Corporation worked on 459 roads across the state, completing 316 and ongoing repairs on 143.
The interventions included full rehabilitations, sectional repairs, and routine maintenance.
The LSPWC also desilted 433 kilometers of drains and repaired nearly a kilometer of drainage systems.
Some completed projects include the rehabilitation of Eluku Street in Epe and the reconstruction of Hydraulic Structures in Oshodi and Surulere.
The agency also promised smoother travel for the public during the festive season, addressing potholes and road damages across the city.
The project, alongside the completion of the first phase of the Lagos Red Rail Line from Agbado to Oyingbo and the Lagos Blue Line Rail spanning from Mile 2 to Marina.
The administration has also launched LagRide with 1,000 units of SUVs and employed over 2,000 LASTMA officers to manage traffic.
Strategic deployment of traffic lights and CCTV cameras, the introduction of 500 First and Last Mile (FLM) buses, and the addition of 560 high-medium capacity buses for standard routes are all part of the comprehensive traffic management strategy among other notable Infrastructural development.
Also, Governor Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to health and environmental sustainability has resulted in a cleaner, greener Lagos.
The city’s sanitation infrastructure has been revamped to reduce flooding and create a healthier, more livable urban environment.
Sanwo-Olu, launched the ILERA EKO Standard Jaara Health Insurance Plan and commissioned five ILERA EKO Virtual Health Booths.
As Lagos positions itself to compete globally, education and technology are pivotal in its strategy.
Sanwo-Olu has been unwavering in his vision to integrate technology into education.
2024 Graduation of Technical College Students of Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board (LASTVEB), EKOEXCEL has systematically improved the foundational literacy and numeracy skills of pupils, empowering them with the tools needed for future academic success.
The programme is managed by the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB) in partnership with NewGlobe, a technical partner renowned for its innovative, technology-driven educational solutions.
Meanwhile, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been lauded for his contributions to education and technology under his THEMES agenda at the National Parliamentary Summit held at Lagos State University, Ojo.
The event, organised by the Students’ Parliamentary Council of the Lagos State University Students’ Union, was attended by notable figures including Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende, the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development.
Opeyemi Eniola, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Basic and Secondary Education, highlighted the governor’s efforts in improving educational infrastructure and quality, as well as promoting technology to drive economic growth.
He urged students to protect the state’s heritage and contribute positively to its development.
Whether it’s through the establishment of tech hubs or the incorporation of digital skills into the curriculum, Lagos is nurturing the next generation of innovators.
The introduction of smart classrooms and digital learning platforms has made education in Lagos not just a necessity, but a dynamic journey into the future.
These projects not only promise to ease congestion but will open up new opportunities for commerce, tourism, and international trade.
The drive for economic diversification through technology and manufacturing has attracted global corporations, solidifying Lagos as the epicenter of innovation in Africa.
Through strategic investments in tourism and the creative industries, Governor Sanwo-Olu has created a vibrant ecosystem where creativity thrives, and Lagosians can benefit from the cultural renaissance taking place on their doorstep.
The Lagos State Government launched new tourism initiatives aimed at attracting over one million local and international tourists during the fourth quarter of 2024.
These programs, focused on family-friendly events and activities, aim to position Lagos as one of the top 10 global destinations for tourism and entertainment.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Idris Aregbe, revealed that the events will include children’s activities, family festivals, interactive workshops, and showcases of the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Security, the bedrock of any thriving society, has been a cornerstone of the T.H.E.M.E.S agenda. Sanwo-Olu’s administration has worked tirelessly to ensure that Lagos remains one of the safest states in Nigeria.
The establishment of security trust funds, coupled with improved community policing and strategic partnerships with federal agencies, has resulted in a steady decline in violent crimes.
