We’ll do twice as fast, twice as better than ever in 2024 — Sanwo-Olu
By Moses Adeniyi
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said that his administration would work “twice as fast, twice as better in 2024” than ever experienced in the past years of his government.
”We will do twice as fast, twice as better in 2024,” Sanwo-Olu said in his new year message to Lagosians at the state’s 24th Annual Thanksgiving Service with the First Family of Lagos State, themed, “The Righteous Shall Praise Your Name” as found in the book of Psalms. Chapter 140 verse 13, held at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos Island on Sunday.
Sanwo-Olu said his government will be more committed to the well being of the citizens, giving attention to equity fairness, tranquility and transparency.
Speaking of the past achievements of his administration, Sanwo-Olu whose second term in office clocked 221 days, about 15.1percent of the term while he gave the address, said, “This is just the beginning of bigger and better things that will happen in our State.”
He noted that iconic projects such as establishing the biggest logistics market in West Africa, biggest film city in Subsaharan Africa, among other projects have started taking shape and his administration in its second term would drive them with profound execution.
He mentioned that THEMES+ Agenda, his administration’s second term policy thrust , is a working document, promising that the 2024 budget has been well crafted to impact on the lives of citizens in the State.
Sanwo-Olu said his administration is dedicated to the successful implementation of pivotal projects to foster the robust growth of the State and ensure the well-being of its citizens.
He said the Year 2024 will be an important one for his administration in terms of enforcement of the various laws and regulations that have been meticulously crafted to safeguard the lives and property of residents of the State, noting that “Without adherence to the rule of law, no society can guarantee progress and prosperity.”
He also disclosed that he will sign into law this week the 2024 Lagos State Appropriation Bill, passed a few days ago by the Lagos State House of Assembly, saying the signing of the Budget will mark an important milestone in the delivery of all that his administration has promised the people of Lagos, this year.
The service was attended by Governor Sanwo-Olu and his wife, Ibijoke; Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat and his wife, Oluremi; the immediate past Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode and wife, Bolanle; Ogun State First Lady, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun; Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, represented by the Chairman of House on Home Affairs, Hon. Jubril Abdulkareem; Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba, former deputy governors, religious and traditional leaders, public office holders and politicians, among others.
He said, “As a Government, we are resolutely committed to fostering the robust growth of our State and ensuring the well-being of its citizens. We are unwaveringly dedicated to the successful implementation of pivotal projects.
”In every sector, we have major projects ongoing that will define the legacy of our administration, and positively transform the economy and the landscape of Lagos State.
”This week, by the special grace of God, I will sign into law the 2024 Lagos State Appropriation Bill, passed a few days ago by our hardworking and committed Lagos House of Assembly. The signing of that Budget will mark an important milestone in the delivery of all that we have promised you the people of Lagos, this year.
”Indeed, all Lagosians have so much to look forward to this year 2024, which is also the first full year of our second and final term in office. You are already familiar with our T.H.E.M.E.S+ development agenda, which will guide and propel all that we do for the progress and development of Lagos State.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu stressed that “This year will also be an important one for us in terms of enforcement of the various laws and regulations that have been meticulously crafted to safeguard our lives and property. Without adherence to the rule of law, no society can guarantee progress and prosperity.
”I, therefore, want to implore each and every one of us, as Lagosians, to play our part in respecting and obeying the laws of the land. From paying our taxes to obeying traffic rules to disposing of our waste responsibly to speaking up when we see other people breaking the law. These are all responsibilities that we carry as good people of Lagos State.
”On our part, as Government, we will continue to strive to make it easier for you to be law-abiding. Our transport reforms are all aimed at improving the commuting experience for all Lagosians, just as our Emergency Hotlines are there to make it easy for you to ‘say something if you see something!’
”In the same way, we have in place various reforms aimed at making it easier for you to pay your taxes, and generally making Lagos a more enabling place for business and investment. Together, we can all play our part in achieving a truly Greater Lagos.”
Speaking on the significance of the Thanksgiving Service, Governor Sanwo-Olu said there is, indeed, so much to be grateful for and therefore urged people as they raise their voices in praise, adoration and supplication, to commit Lagos State and Nigeria to God, for his guidance, and His mercies.
He said, “As a people, we have every reason to praise God, most especially for the preservation of our lives to witness this year; for His mercies, protection, provisions, providence, love, grace, favour, compassion, deliverance and numerous blessings.
”We have every reason to give all the glory and thanks to the Almighty God because He has been faithful in the affairs of our dear State. He has granted us great achievements and testimonies; he has given us peace and security; and mightily blessed the work of our hands.
”He has granted us the privilege of seeing yet another edition of this annual Thanksgiving Service, organised in keeping with Lagos State’s tradition of starting every New Year in thanksgiving to God and in acknowledgment of the fact that in Him we live and move and have our being. This is the fifth one so far since I assumed office as Governor, and the first one since the start of our second term.”
In his exhortation, the Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rt. Revd Stephen Adegbite said there is a need to appreciate God who answers prayers for the election of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as President and the re-election of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat during last year’s general elections.
He said God is good to Lagos State and the State will continue to hold the Annual Thanksgiving Service to appreciate God for the continuous peace, growth and development in the State.
In his remarks, the Commissioner of Home Affairs, Lagos State, Hon. Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode, noted that “the administration of Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu is leaving no stone unturned at ensuring ease of living for every resident of Lagos State.”
While noting that 2023 witnessed commissioning of people-oriented and impactful projects by the administration of Governor Sanwo-Olu, including the Blue Rail Line project, newly constructed bridges in Oyingbo and Yaba axis respectively, the training of over 4,593 graduates in vocational skills across the State, the delivery of Housing Projects to alleviate the housing deficit in Lagos State, the ground-breaking of the Lagos Film City Project in Ejinrin and the commissioning of the Imota Rice Mill, among others, he assured of more grand projects in 2024.
“I can boldly assure you that the coming years are loaded with more developmental projects, life-changing policies that will bring prosperity to the economy of Lagos State as the Mr. Governor has set parameters and conducive investment haven in motion to attract foreign direct investment to the State,” he said.
He implored Lagosians “to continue to be law abiding, do due diligence in carrying out our civic responsibilities and also ensure that we continue to be our brothers’ keeper while partnering with the Government in making the State an livable place for all.”
