Lagos Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called on residents to recommit themselves to the values that unite them, such as hard work, resilience, and a shared belief in a brighter tomorrow, saying they should rise above their differences and distrust.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, gave the charge on Tuesday, in his address at the Government House, Marina, during an event to mark Nigeria’s 64th Independence anniversary, noting that Lagos thrives when all the people thrive, “come together as one people, one city, one Nigeria.”
The governor said that the event to mark the country’s Independence Anniversary was to reflect on her journey as a nation, her trials, triumphs, and challenges, noting that there was equally the need, more than ever, to confront an unsettling reality, including a growing sense of apathy, distrust, and restiveness among the citizens both in Lagos and across Nigeria.
“Today, we stand at the dawn of Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary. A moment to reflect on our journey as a nation—its trials, triumphs, and challenges. But today, more than ever, we must also confront an unsettling reality: a growing sense of apathy, distrust, and restiveness among our citizens, here in Lagos and across Nigeria.
“I understand the sentiments of frustration many of you feel. The challenges we face seem endless: insecurity, economic hardship, and distrust in leadership. These are not just statistics or talking points—they are the lived experiences of Lagosians, the heart and soul of our great state,” Sanwo-Olu said.
The governor, while acknowledging the strength, resilience, and creativity that defined Lagos and its people as well as the state being a trailblazer, however, assured that his government was committed to tackling insecurity and economic hardship, which, according to him, are real issues that demand real solutions.
He said his administration was working tirelessly to ensure the safety and prosperity of every Lagosian, expressing confidence that with collaboration between the government and the people “a Lagos and a Nigeria that fulfills the dreams of every citizen” can be built.
“We are working tirelessly to ensure the safety and prosperity of every Lagosian.
“As your governor, my commitment is to ensure that Lagos continues to be a beacon of hope, not just for Nigerians but for Africa and the world. But I cannot do this alone.
“No government can. We need your trust. And I know trust is earned through action, not words. That is why, in the coming months, my administration will be more transparent than ever before. We will strengthen channels of communication with you, the people. We will make our plans and progress known, and we will listen—truly listen—to your concerns, feedback, and ideas.
“We are not just building roads, schools, and hospitals—we are building relationships. Relationships are built on mutual respect, accountability, and partnership.
“Insecurity and economic hardship are real issues that demand real solutions, and we are working tirelessly to ensure the safety and prosperity of every Lagosian. We are investing in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and technology, but we are also investing in you. In your future. In your children’s future.
“To the youth of Lagos, I hear you. I see you. Your energy, your passion, and your desire for a better Nigeria are not in vain. You are not just the future; you are the present. We need your ideas, your innovations, your leadership. Together, we will create opportunities where there seem to be none. We will build a Lagos that you can be proud of, where your talents are celebrated and rewarded,” Governor Sanwo-Olu assured.
“My fellow Lagosians, this is not just a time for celebration, but for renewed commitment. We are in this together. I will continue to serve with all my heart, but I need your partnership, your trust, and your hope. We can make Lagos a model for Nigeria—a place where every citizen feels valued, secure, and empowered.
“Let us rise, Lagos, and show the world the strength of our unity and the power of our shared vision,” he concluded.
The State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ibrahim Layode, in his remark, said that Nigeria’s 64th Anniversary was a call to serve the nation and exhibit patriotism towards a greater nation.
Layode said the ministry was working in tandem with the THEMES Plus Agenda of the state government to ensure religious tolerance and youth inclusivity were achieved at all levels, stressing that the state, in the coming years, would continue to develop strategies that would improve well being of the residents.
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