Lagos defies sub-national status, competes with African countries in development — Sanwo-Olu’s aide
By Sodiq Adelakun
In a display of growth and development, Lagos State has transcended its peers in Nigeria, with its achievements now being compared to those of prominent African countries.
This assertion was made by Gboyega Akosile, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Media and Publicity, on Sunday during a live interview on News Central Television’s Breakfast Xtra programme.
Akosile attributed this feat to the impressive strides made by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, which has implemented numerous projects and initiatives aligned with the THEMES+ developmental agenda.
He highlighted the administration’s notable achievements in infrastructure development, traffic management, healthcare, education, technology, economy, entertainment, tourism, security, and governance.
According to Akosile, Lagos State’s remarkable progress has drawn comparisons with countries like Ethiopia, Morocco, and South Africa, demonstrating the state’s emergence as a leader in Africa’s development landscape.
In his words, “Everything he (Governor Sanwo-Olu) has done is key and paramount to the living standard of Lagosians. All the areas that we have touched on in the last five years are key. Do you remember what COVID did to us in the world? Do you want to talk about how Mr. Governor tackled COVID head-on? How he rescued Nigeria and not just Lagos.
“In fact, he helped some neighbouring countries around us, like Ghana, Benin, and the rest of them, curtailed the spread of COVID-19 in the region. That is a monumental and huge achievement, and it shot us up in the global rankings.
“With other health initiatives of the Governor and the current administration, Lagos State is occupying an enviable space within the African rankings of the 10 best health facilities in Africa. What that tells us is that we are not competing with states in Nigeria; we are competing with countries in Africa.
“This is what a lot of people don’t take note of when they are comparing. They don’t compare Lagos with states; they compare Lagos with countries. They compare us with South Africa, Morocco, and Egypt, and those are countries. When people compare our rail projects, they compare us with Ethiopia, whereas Ethiopia is a sovereign country and Lagos is a state among 36 states. That shows that Lagos is not here to joke.”
Akosile also revealed that the Red and Blue rail lines launched by Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration are a significant breakthrough.
He said that the administration inherited the Blue line rail project, completed its first phase, and is currently working on the second phase.
