GOOD GOVERNANCE IN LAGOS: THE PATHWAY FOR GOVERNOR BABAJIDE SANWO-OLU TO RIDE AGAIN IN 2023

 

Lagos State has often been described as lucky by most political analysts in the country.Lagosians are quite luckier to have an efficient, able and committed Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the front seat in driving the state towards development and prosperity.

 

Consistent with its slogan “Centre of Excellence”, the state has enjoyed excellent leadership over the years. From the legendary Baba Jakande to the millennial governors, high performance is a norm, much so that every new administration has been burdened with the need to fit into the big shoes of their predecessors. Whereas in other states, few roads, bridges, school and hospital buildings here and there would cut as exceptional performance. But in Lagos, such is seen as below minimum standard. Lagos is often focused on quality, continuity and dream-concierge.

 

This entrenched culture of excellent performance over the years has built the politics of the state. Beyond orientating it towards the people, it has deconstructed every aspect of its make-up into a performance checklist for appraising a leader for future relevance, starting with a second-term ticket. It goes beyond endearing the people with laudable projects;performance must align with a perfectly orchestrated blueprint and masterplan already designed to make Lagos a mega city. There is also a figurative big picture of Lagos that most Lagosians hold up to sight whenever it comes to judging a governor’s performance. As it turns out, Lagos being the most populated cosmopolitan city in Africa is home to the very best of us – dreamers, hustlers, hard workers, self-achievers, builders, leaders, travelers and inquirers. Therefore, nothing runs aloof without a prying public eye and political participation of majority of the people either through the ballot or through their wallets!

 

Lagos politics is made up of four players - The Passive Deciders (business men with deep pocket who are not active politicians but fund promoters of their interests), The Active Deciders (career politicians with strong grassroots support), Active Promoters (card-carrying members who do the political legwork) and the Passive Promoters (non-partisan citizens who horn support for their candidates within their circles of influence). There is practically no silent inactive resident in Lagos; everyone is involved one way or the other.

 

Babajide Sanwo-Olu is past the half-mark with 2023 just around the corner and with his recent winning of the APC flagbearer for second term, we take a look at his administration’s efforts at realizing his dream for a Greater Lagos .

 

A.    Empathy, Communications and Association with the people

 

Until he became governor and the people got the chance of experiencing the person of Babajide Sanwo-Olu, he was only defined by the words of the political class, mostly his party chieftains. And that reputation was purely ambiguous. A set extolled his virtues and capabilities, but the other painted the picture of a junky, gutless errand boy that the cabal wanted to force on the people. Many Lagosians were apprehensive of him and what would become the experience of Lagos for the next four years. If there is any litmus test Sanwo-Olu has passed, it is the sanity check! In fact, the governor, through his frequent association with the masses, has demonstrated high level emotional intelligence, power of articulation and depth of understanding. Give it to Sanwo-Olu, he has never struck as clueless or classless. Even though he has exposed himself to a lot of public inquisitions, Sanwo-Olu always provided robust responses, demonstrating a deep understanding of the economy, governance, the people’s expectations and desires.This is something Lagosians would want to continue to enjoy in 2023.

 

The public has come to relate with a man they fondly call MrGovernor, as a listening leader. His quarterly briefings, active use of the social media for feedbacks and orientation, the several town halls and live-streamed Lagos events, prompt responses to concerns and requests of random citizens have taken away the elitist image the people have of the office of the governor of Lagos state.The EndSARS protest was a litmus test of the stuff Sanwo-Olu is made of.

 

Despite the political backlash, he went all out to associate with the youth, managed the fallouts and followed through with his promise to offer his shoulders, through prompt visits to victims on their hospital beds, settling bills, constituting the first and perhaps the only genuine panel of inquiry, etc.It was a tough call for those who understand the inner workings of federal and state politics, but the conscientious MrGovernor never faltered nor failed.

 

Planning and Strategy

 

When Sanwo-Olu filtered into the polity in the build up to the Lagos Gubernatorial Election of 2019,  someparty stalwarts spoke about him, emphasized his excellent planning and strategic thinking abilities. He was accredited for a lot of excellent policies that boosted the state’s IGR and the brilliant Lagos Security Trust Fund that solved the funding problem and elevated the security operations and apparatus of the state. It was also noted that he led the publication of the Lagos State Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (LASEEDS). Well, over two years down the line, he has proven his prowess.

 

Take for instance, the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund. Within the last three years of this administration, this organization had greatly impacted the economy and social security of the state. It is a strategic way of addressing unemployment, women and youth empowerment and insecurity. Over 14,000 businesses have been funded to the tune of 9billion, over 6,500 have been trained and placed in jobs, workspaces insured for startup businesses in tech, created 197,000 jobs and added 57,000 new tax payers.

 

Administration and Continuity

 

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has no doubt fulfilled one of his campaign promises by fully filling his cabinet and setting up the structure to immediately run this progress agenda within the first few weeks in office. He quickly restored the Lagos waste management system and the mounting trash vanished across the state. He resuscitated the Lagos State Public Works Corporation, invested heavily in equipment and allocated required funding. Within the last three years, most of Lagos roads have been repaired, upgraded and some still under construction by the Corporation.

 

Governor OlusholaSanwo-Olu spent the first two years of his first term completing numerous projects of his predecessor, according him full credit and not minding the public backslash that would follow. To him, every good Lagos dream deserves to be realized regardless of the name tag on it. That is the character of the man Lagosians would want to keep come 2023.

 

COVID-19 Pandemic

 

One of the biggest problem any government around the world has faced in the last 100 years is the COVID-19 pandemic. How it was handled has caused several world leaders their position from presidents to governors, to even city mayors, COVID-19 pandemic management was all the people needed to judge them. If that is what the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu would be evaluated by, he will eternally remain relevant in the Nigerian political sphere; he did excellently well!

 

Recently, the World Health Organization rated Nigeria 4th in the world in handling of the pandemic. Without equivocation, that credit almost completely goes to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu . We all know Lagos is the heart of the nation as over 12% of the nation resides in Lagos State. More so, it is Nigeria’s number one gateway to the world and its inhabitants are the most traveled and tightly settled. If Lagos had gotten it wrong, the entire country would have been in a total mess.

 

The initial projection for Lagos by world health authorities was several millions of infections and hundreds of thousands of deaths. But it came at a wrong time, when an astute strategic planner and thinker who understands crisis management is at the helms of affairs.

 

First, Governor Sanwo-Olu was the Incident Commander who put himself at the frontline of the the fight against the pandemic. He also practically commanded the implementation of a well-articulated stemming plan. His government was the first to swing into action and locked down the state. He activated all the state apparatus – media, security, public health, emergency management, etc. He worked with the private sector to pull together resources and encourage the acceptance of the lockdown protocol. His years of experience in the private sector came handy and he quickly worked with major players to set up isolation centres. The government within few weeks upgraded facilities to create Infectious Disease Centres, helped with logistical problems of health workers and enforced movement restrictions across the state. He quickly mobilized the equipping of all government buildings, including thousands of Lagos schools with prevention and testing facilities.

 

The education ministry partnered state media companies to air educational materials, to make up for educational losses caused by the lockdown and all primary and secondary students benefited.

 

Most importantly, his perspicacity in the formation of his cabinet came to positive light in the face of the pandemic, when his choice of the commissioner for health became pivotal to the fight; a professor who intelligently and actively managed the pandemic and turned[f1] [VA2] [VA3] [VA4]  down the hand of the curve. Prof. Akin Abayomi, who recently got an award as the most responsive COVID-19 State Government of the Year at the Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Award 2021, was just a timely round peg in round hole. The perfection of this administration at this time saved thousands of lives and possible economic collapse that shocked even the developed nations of the world and global public health experts.

 

Conclusion

 

Governor Sanwo-Olu has impacted all major areas of development that will be too numerous to list – built and upgraded over 1,071 schools, launched the Lagos Health Insurance Scheme (costs only N40,000 a year for a family to get from primary to tertiary health care), completed several housing projects, fixed traffic bottlenecks, added hundreds of public buses, etc. How Governor Sanwo-Olu raised the finances for the Lagos Blueline Rail project in the midst of a pandemic and economic slowdown has been a wonder to the book makers and economists. Again, he is forging ahead with gusto to commence work on the 4th Mainland Bridge. These are some of the projects Governor Sanwo-Olu fittingly described in his State of the State Address titled, "Glimpse of a Greater Lagos".

 

 

At the last SUN Newspaper Awards of Excellence, GovernorSanwo-Olu was unanimously announced as the Best Governor of the Year, to add to the list of manyhonourary and meritorious awards he has received since he became governor well over three years ago.

 

The wise, they say, count the cost before building. For 2023 elections in Lagos State, the wisdom remains energy conserved in-house to support an efficient servant leader for continuity and greater progress.

 

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Hon. Khairat Animashaun-Ajiboye Congratulates Tinubu, Says-You Are Not Just For APC, But You Are For All Nigerians.

 

 

Hon. (Mrs.) Khairat Animashaun-Ajiboye, a former GubernatoriaI aspirant for Lagos State congratulates the outstanding Leader and APC Presidential Candidate, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his epic win at the special world class APC presidential primary election in Abuja.

At the recent media parley held at the prestigious Excellence Hotel in Lagos, for the advancement of her pet project Khairat Animashaun Initiative (KAI) positioned for the empowerment of the youths and general masses in Lagos State; she stated that  "I rejoice with all good hearted leaders and celebrate with everyone else from every shade of every colour, that our country Nigeria will see better days. 

And, I am very happy to associate with our unusual leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his victory at our party primary and his emergence as the presidential flag bearer of our great party - All Progressives Congress (APC) for the forthcoming presidential election in 2023.

His land slide win at the presidential primary is a pathway for our democracy and the much awaited positive progress of our great nation, Nigeria.

No doubt, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu had proven over the years through Lagos State and beyond as the person that started the revolution of diversifying the Internal Revenue Generation that has made Lagos the darling of Nigeria, he was the one who worked hard to improve the internal security system of Lagos, he reformed the Judiciary, as well as identified and groomed leaders. He also made reputable individuals who would never have thought that they could become affluent within a short time. 

He is a good man who identifies talents and who says the truth anytime he sees it. 

These traits and many more will be brought to bare with the emergence of Jagaban as the next president of Nigeria.

On behalf of my family and Khairat Animashaun Initiative (KAI), God bless the poor and the rich people of Nigeria, God bless APC and God bless Nigeria. 

I heartily Congratulate our dear uncommon and unusual leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Continuity Counts! Governor Sanwo-Olu Is Set To Take Lagosians To The Promised Land

   

The government of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu in Lagos State has continued to inaugurate massive projects in all sectors for the betterment of the residents of the state in a manner that has never been seen before.

The whole infrastructural developmental plan started shortly after Sanwo-Olu was sworn into office as Governor on May 29, 2019 and it has been no stopping for the people's Governor, who has not just finished uncompleted projects of the immediate past two administrations in the state, but started and completed new ones for the benefit of the people.

In the last three years, in spite of the effects of COVID-19, which began unexpectedly towards the end of 2019 into Year 2020, and its massive economic and social impact on the entire world, the administration of Governor Sanwo-Olu  embarked on and continued  the rehabilitation and construction of roads, railways, classrooms and good transport networks and other government facilities more than any other state in Nigeria.

The government of Lagos State under the able leadership of Mr. Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has completed several capital projects such as the Agege Pen Cinema Bridge, upgrading and construction of road infrastructures in and around Somolu, Mushin, Badagry, Ikeja, Epe, Lekki, Ikorodu, Lagos Island and several other parts of Lagos.

However, one of the most recognizable achievements of the Governor is in the area of infrastructural development. More than 59 major capital projects including the Agege Pen Cinema fly over, ramp and road networks, Lagos-Ogun Boundary roads Phase II, Lekki Oniru Traffic Circulation Projects, network of roads in Ojokoro, Somolu and Ikoyi, among others have been undertaken by the Governor. Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration also constructed and rehabilitated 326 inner roads in the 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state. It also commissioned the Oshodi-Abule Egba BRT lane, while the Eleko junction to Epe concrete pavement road construction is ongoing. These road projects were executed to bring comfort and succor to the people of the state. 

For the records, Lagos State has witnessed the birth of various highly commendable projects and initiatives; the state government has rehabilitated and constructed old and new classrooms across all the local government areas, and improved water and rail transport systems. All these were achieved  through the focused leadership style of Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his team.

Indeed ’Governance is about performance, and the recent infrastructural transformation in Lagos State is commendable’. To state the least, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is an achiever and a performer with good and very commendable track records. Nevertheless, there is nothing stopping those in the know to give commendations, where necessary after an objective and critical analysis or assessment of the leadership and governing styles of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. 

This commendation was indeed recognized recently by The Sun Newspapers, which awarded him as “Governor of the Year.” Our Governor has indeed excelled in the discharge of his duties as the arrow head in Lagos State, but he will still do more if given the chance to continue the good works he started in the state three years ago.

Checks in the media revealed that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in the last three years, graced the front pages of major national dailies and weekly magazines for various positive achievements, one of which is his outstanding performance since his assumption of office as the Executive Governor of Lagos State.  

While the state is known by its slogan as the "Center of Excellence," it has indeed shown itself as a state worthy to be emulated as it has established itself as a leading state in terms of growth, development and progress. All thanks to the excellent array of Governors the state has been blessed with in the past that made Lagos the true CENTER OF EXCELLENCE.Sanwo-Olu is a performer, an actualizer, who took after his mentor, and the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in thinking outside the box and turning Lagos State into the envy of others states through creative thinking and progressive initiatives, projects and programmes that can stand the test of time. Lagosians and Nigerians generally will not forget in a hurry the gallant performance of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on the management of the outbreak of COVID-19 in the state.  

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was able to lead a formidable and efficient team, which saw to the effective management of the situation, thereby curtailing what could have led to a devastating health issue in the state.Without any iota of doubt, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has gainfully used the T.H.E.M.E.S template to transform Lagos State beyond the expectations of many Lagosians, making Lagos a modern Megacity with a 21st century economy supported by a world class infrastructure and other social amenities.  The acronym T.H.E.M.E.S, which means:  

Traffic Management and Transportation, Health and Environment, Education and Technology, Making Lagos State a 21st Century Economy, Entertainment and Tourism, Security and Governance have been taken to the level of a sublime degree of functionality within an extraordinarily short space of time in Lagos.In the Agricultural sector, through the Agricultural Value Chains Enterprise Activation Programme, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has trained many youths in various agricultural endeavours, which has tremendously given them support and means of livelihood.The state government has trained over 14,500 women, while thousands of youths in the state have been empowered across several value chains.

The Lagos State Government has also continued to ensure the training and facilitation of more women and youths to become self-reliant.Also adding to this long list of achievements, are positive activities in the Environmental sector. In order to secure a clean Lagos, Governor Sanwo-Olu donated 30 units of 12-cubic meter trucks, 60 units of 24-cubic meter trucks and 12 hook loaders, which are expected to complement over 850 PSP compactor trucks to enhance service delivery in underserved communities across the state.In the area of public transportation, the integrated mass transportation initiative of the state government has recorded huge progress with the successful completion of the elevated seas crossing track of the blue line mass transit project, while the state government has recruited 1,517 LASTMA officers to ease traffic flow. 

The State Government has availed itself of the three modes of transportation of roads, rail and waterways to boost public transportation in the highly populated areas.Under social welfare programs, the Governor has continued to reach out to the people with various incentives to boost their standards of living. Notable in this category is the payment of monthly allowances to 4,000 unemployed graduates, including some direct gratification to widows.Grants have also been made available to business owners in the state to provide much needed financial supports and assistance for their various business enterprises, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which negatively impacted many businesses including MSME as well as the nation’s economy.In the area of sports, Governor Sanwo-Olu supported the sector  and also donated a three-bedroom apartment to sport icon, Chioma Ajunwa in Lagos as a fulfilment of the house reward promised her for winning the Long Jump event in the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, USA.

This is apart from several sporting activities being sponsored by the state government through the relevant sport agencies in the state. It is encouraging that most of these achievements took place within the first half of Sanwo-Olu's first term as the Executive Governor of the state. We will still strongly exhort this simple, humble, but administratively efficient Governor of Lagos state not to rest on his oars or lower his standard in the direction he has chosen for himself for the benefit of the citizens of Lagos state.

We need not say more but, we will enjoin the Governor to improve on his unequalled record performances and achievements so that from 2023 Lagos will continue to be ranked among the very best megacities in the world and he can continue to take the state to a greater level. Indeed, we stand on the mandate of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu to lead us to the Promised Land from Year 2023 and beyond as nobody can do it better.

 

CONGRATS! KING SAM MIRACLE AND OTHERS STAND-OUT AT THE KSM FANS & AWARD NIGHT 2022 IN TEXAS

 

The 1^ST edition of the reputable KSM Fans Appreciation & Award Night was a colourful event with glitz and glamour like never before and the presence of the awardees that were honoured made it remarkable like no other.

 

The event tagged King Sam Miracle (KSM) Fans Appreciation & Awards Night is an annual event to honour the loyal and dedicated fans and supporters of King Sam Miracle music to gain strong recognition and network opportunities all over the world.

 

The talk of the town event packaged by reputable Impeccable African Image Concept in-conjunction with Afro Rock Entertainment took place on Saturday April 16, 2022 at the prestigious JK Event Centre, 701E Pioneer Pkwy, Arlington Texas 76010 starting with the Red Carpet by 6pm and the Award proper by 7pm prompt.

 

No doubt KSM Fans Appreciation & Award Night was an attraction of the centre stage as a spectacular event for all tradition, all costumes and all glamour in grand style with great performance from the dazzling host cum MC, Elegant and Ola Ogunkoya.

 

The laudable event- KSM Fans Appreciation & Award Night with limitless imagination and bold execution to foster unity and to soar the awardees beyond known boundaries was definitely an event in April to beat and copy.

 

To crown the event witnessed by who-is-who in Texas, King Sam Miracle was confirmed by Impeccable African Image Concept USA as the New Paramount King of Entertainment World Wide at the award ceremony and his latest title now is Paramount King Sam Miracle (PKSM.

 

The awardees/recipients at the 1^st edition of KSM Fans Appreciation & Award Night are; Mr. Toye Elewode, Mummy Destiny, Mr. Tayo Iwatuje, Mr. Idowu (ID Dj Sound), Mr. Peter Adeisa, Mr. Bode & Mrs Kemi Olufemi, Mrs. Bukola Akinwunmi, Mrs. Titi Oshinowo; Award dedicated to late Rotimi Oshinowo, Paul Alabi, Mrs. Molayo Koleade, Mr. Emmanuel Ogoleh,  Mr. Olayinka Adeyemi, Mr. Abiodun Omisore, Mr. Kolade Olaoye, Mr. Yele Fadayomi (Genesis Motors), Mr. Debo Alpha Omega, Mr. Sukanmi Fadipę (Ęma Gbadun), Mr. Wale Abonde, Mr. Tunde Versace (Tunla Motors), Mr. Jide Ogunwuyi, Bose Ilekę, Mr. Mayowa Akinkoye (Canada), Mr. Usman, Mrs. Olamide Ewebiyi, Mr. Kunle Quadree, Mrs. Mofuluke Abbey, Rhemy Grace LLC, Mr. Gbenga Agbabiaka,  SG Entertainment: Any Atawewe, Yeyeoge Olubunmi, Walls Auto, Mr. Iwaęni Copa LLC, Alhaji Muyideen Agbolagade, Mr. Taiwo Faleke, Babajide Oladipupo (Impeccable African Image Concept USA).

 

The Advisory Board and its reputable Awardees’ Selection Panel with the Executive Producer of KSM Fans Appreciation & Award Night, King Sam Miracle are very thankful and appreciate the numerous individuals, brands, organizations and the awardees that made the event a huge success and he looks ahead to a rewarding bigger and better edition in 2023.

 

 

 

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW! BABAJIDE SANWO-OLU IS A PERFORMER WITH T.H.E.M.E.S AGENDA IN LAGOS STATE

 

From the beginning, Governor Babajide Olusola.Sanwo-Olu revealed his plans to transform Lagos State with his T.H.E.M.E.S AGENDA, which is the acronym for 6 pillars in activating outstanding growth and development in the state for the benefits of the people.The Governor, through this unique agenda, has demonstrated high level of purpose of achieving greatness and depth of understanding towards good governance like his predecessors, who have ruled the state in the past. For better understanding of why Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu should be given a chance to continue the good works he started in Lagos through T.H.E.M.E,S here is an outline that explains the 6 pillars of creativity and strategic deliverables attached to making Lagos a true Centre of Excellence in Nigeria.

T- Traffic Management and Transportation: The Lagos State government, under the leadership of Governor Sanwo-Olu has integrated road, rail and water transportation systems, and continuously rehabilitated the bad roads and expanded the road infrastructures around all the 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development  Areas (LCDAs) in the state. 

There has been tremendous improvement in navigation on the Lagos waterways to facilitate water transportation, and efforts are being made to complete the Blue Line rail and begin the Red Line rail immediately. The administration has launched hundreds of Lagos Taxis Cars and Mini Buses to support the masses with better and affordable means of transportation.

Traffic management is number one on the to-do list of the state government, hence the government has a robust plan to alleviate the traffic challenges in the state as a metropolitan city and an emerging megacity with all the accompanying facilities found in most developed cities in the world such as Dubai, New York, Paris, Amsterdam, London and others.

H- Healthcare and Environment: The healthcare system in Lagos State has been anchored on a comprehensive health insurance scheme for all residents to make healthcare accessible and affordable. And the state government has ensured that most healthcare institutions; primary, secondary and tertiary are fully equipped, well managed and operational. This is seen in prompt healthcare delivery now found in most government hospitals all over the city.To keep our environment clean and sustainable, the Lagos State Government has provided better waste management and disposal facilities.  The waste management system has also intensified drive on waste disposal, where people who properly sort their waste for collection are rewarded.

E- Education and Technology: The Lagos State Government has planned to increase access to public education in Lagos, especially primary and secondary schools. The state government has embarked on immediate and mass renovation of public schools in the state to make them conducive for learning in all the Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).Teachers have been trained and retrained to upskill them for modern teaching methodology. The government has also engaged and encouraged tech start-ups to flourish and ensure that the children are in tune with the technological advancements found in most parts of the world.

M- Making Lagos State a 21st Century Economy: Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s government has identified the private sector as the main driver for the growth of the economy, so the government has helped tremendously in boosting the private sector through the provision of an enabling environment for business to thrive in Lagos State. 

The state government established the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), which had created more than 400,000 new jobs and also added 150,000 new taxpayers to the tax bracket.

It had also supported about 200,000 businesses till date.

MSME Loan Programmes: the fund aims to promote entrepreneurship in Lagos State by improving access to finance and strengthening the institutional capacity of MSMEs. The loan scheme, which attracts only 5% interest rate per annum, is available to business owners who are registered residents of Lagos State. 

LSETF Employability Support Project: The LSETF Employability Support Project, is designed to help tackle the unemployment scourge among the youths by helping them gain requisite knowledge and skill through vocational trainings and subsequently helping them get job placements. It aims to train 10,000 young people to gain skills in 6 sectors namely – Manufacturing, Hospitality, Entertainment, Construction, Health and Garment Making that will help place them in line for immediate employment.

Lagos Innovates: Lagos Innovates, is a series of programs designed for the benefit of technology- and innovation-driven startups in Lagos State. By providing access to high quality infrastructure, learning, capital and networks, Lagos Innovates hopes to cement Lagos’ position as the leading destination for startups in Africa

LSETF Achievements:

MSME Loan Programmes: 11,027 businesses have been funded to the tune of 7.20 billion naira.

LSETF Employability Support Project: Trained 5,403 beneficiaries and placed 2,587 in jobs.

Lagos Innovates: Issued 97 workspace to startup businesses in the tech space, created over 97,000 new jobs and added over 48,000 new taxpayers to the bracket.

The government has also simplified access to government services to make the sector thrive. Power supply and Housing are issues that are already on the front burner for the Lagos State government to deal with. These are being achieved through strategic policies, proper planning and required efforts that will manifest in the nearest future.

E- Entertainment and Tourism: We all know that Lagos is the hub of culture and entertainment. The state government has created a viable and vibrant economy with tourism and entertainment. Over time, Lagos State have organized Greater Lagos Fiesta,  Lagos Digital Party, Lagos Comedy Show and many more. The government has developed all tourism sites and assets in Lagos state and created a tourism calendar around  important events such as the Eyo Festival, Lagos Global World Theatre Day, Eko Film Festival and Lagos Fishing Festival and Lagos Cultural Day such that it will attract local and international tourists.

The state government is already working with the entertainment and fashion industry; and also working with the private sector to have world class production outfits in Lagos, where producers won't need to travel for post- production works.

S- Security and Governance: An integral part of the T.H.E.M.E.S agenda is upholding of law and order which is captured under Security and Governance. The Lagos State government has laid down solid plan to clamp down on criminals, land grabbers and other trouble makers to reduce crime and all form of security threat to the bearest minimum. No doubt, Governor Sanwo-Olu administration has zero tolerance  for criminals, and it is poised to ensure that the poor and downtrodden in the society have access to justice through good governance in the state.

More so, looking at the successes of the current government, you would surely agree with millions of Lagosians that governance is a continuum; and the best way forward is to give Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu the deserved chance to be re-elected as the Governor of Lagos State in 2023 as T.H.E.M.E.S is the KEY  progress drivers for desired growth and development to make Lagos the 21st Century economy against all odds.Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has proven to be a round peg in a round hole. 

He is a compassionate leader, a man of his words; who has never left any stone unturned in his determination to ensure that Lagos State maintains its position as the centre of excellence, where things are happening and the best place to be in Nigeria. Moving forward, Governor Sanwo-Olu deserves a second term, not for self aggrandizement, but it is a way to show that he can do it again bigger and better and that a winning team should be encouraged to continue what they have started.

#DareToBeUnconventional: Khairat Animashaun-Ajiboye Joins The Gubernatorial Race In Lagos State.

 

  

Hon. Khairat Animashaun-Ajiboye

Black and beautiful with brain, Hon. Khairat Animashaun-Ajiboye, a member of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and a reputable public administrator of note has concluded plans with her satire team to make Lagos a better place for all, as she declared to take over the driving seat of power in Lagos State from the incumbent governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu. She prepares to make Lagosians, the residents and the electorates see her as the best option for forthcoming gubernatorial election in 2023.

 

The renowned politician and activist with outstanding records in the game since her involvement in the Student Union Government in her tertiary institution days in Lagos State, has said that she is coming out to make the dreams of Lagosians and residents come true.

 

Khairat Animashaun-Ajiboye the promoter of the #DareToBeUnconventional is leaving up to her dreams to do the right thing for her generation and those that are yet unborn through good governance and all-inclusive leadership in Lagos State for all and sundry.

 

The proud mother and a caring house-wife is fully dedicated to her mission with her team to bring to live her vision to create a more sustainable socio-political, economic, cultural and physical environment for Lagosians and all who reside in Lagos State at large.

 

Khairat, the goal-getter has expressed her willingness to transform the fortune of Lagos State when she assumes the office of Governor in 2023.

 

Those in the know squealed that ‘it is high time we do something different in Lagos and the Nigerian politics today in order to get better results from what we have been experiencing over the years of our democracy’.

 

Further checks confirmed that even the political space watchers have disclosed that women in politics in Nigeria of today are equally good in handling public affairs like the men in politics. So, there is nothing stopping Lagosians, the residents and the electorates to give Hon. Khairat Animashaun-Ajiboye a chance to take Lagos State to the desired greater height in 2023, disclosed a staunch politician in Lagos State.

 

In her words, the fearless and outspoken servant leader said “most of the people in power in Lagos State know me and they know that I always say the truth no matter what because I strongly believe in one united Lagos State irrespective of the tribe, ethnicity or religion”.

 

At the Media Parley/Conference held in Lagos on Thursday, March 24, 2022 with selected journalists, she simply squealed that “Lagos needs me” and she is ever ready to serve as a servant leader for the common good of Lagosians and the people that reside in the centre of excellence.

 

Read and enjoy the full text of her press statement below:

 

WELCOME ADDRESS BY HONOURABLE KHAIRAT ANIMASHAUN -AJIBOYE AT THE MEDIA PARLEY/CONFERENCE ENGAGEMENT IN EXCELLENCE HOTEL & CONFERENCE HALL

 

Good morning, distinguished members of the Fourth Estate. I welcome you all to this Media Parley/Conference engagement with my humble self as I thank you all for participating in this strategic interaction for good governance that will benefit many, in our great Centre of Excellence - Lagos State. Greetings to our special guests, ladies and gentlemen.

 

I want to start by greeting the general populace of Lagos State that resides here and that are parts of other communities in Nigeria and All over the world. I greet our mothers, our fathers, our Old, our Young, our females, our males, our elders, the owners of this land and the visitors in this land and at last I greet our leaders and All that are being led (followers)!  It is a blessing to be among you this morning. My name is Khairat Animashaun-Ajiboye. 

 

Without wasting much of your time, I would like you to listen to me with a clear mind. I have grown through the same social political system that every normal child went through, I attended a public primary and secondary school; I attended public college and University, I was a public servant who plies public buses as source of transportation. I was that child who will wake up very early to help her mother fetch source of livelihood and still walk to school every morning. I was that child who was vulnerable to the system yet brilliant in mind and soul as majority of our children, our aunties, our young ladies. I have been there, done that! Though, I also had the privilege of travelling abroad to further my studies with 2 masters and other endeavors, I have remained consistent in my attitudes, general outlook, and knack for service to humanity. I have taken my time to tell you this just to prove that I am just like every Bukky, Joe, Abdullahi, Omolara, Chidinma, and Janet in the streets that believes that where the opportunities presents itself, I can strive to become a better person and member of our society at large.

Yes! I am a woman, A youth, An Aworian, thanks to my Long-Standing Lagos Island roots, A Surulerian and A Lagos Westerner by tradition. I am also the convener of Khairat Animashaun Initiative (KAI), A self-driven individual with the tenacity, discipline, network, humility, and good appreciating heart to drive the seat of power in Lagos State by becoming your next Executive Governor, God willing. I crave your indulgence to promote our dear Lagos so we can entrench fairness and goodwill by supporting my intention - running for the exalted office of Lagos State Governor under the All Peoples Congress (APC) political party. 

 

My Vision is to create a more sustainable social-political, economic, cultural and physical environment for all. The mission is for every LAGOSIAN, regardless of your color or breed, to accept this noble LAGOSIAN, to promote LAGOS into a more functional state without any gender barrier, with flexibility, and thoroughness. As a true campaigner of good and responsible leadership, who believes in pragmatism of leadership, it is my hope that you the technocrats, the marketers, the corporate society, the students, the socialites, the youths, the women and men will heed my clarion call more for a Lagos that works for ALL because “Correcting what is around us will  largely correct other wrongs about our larger environment! A change in mindset from us all can make that difference we seek. 

 

If given this rare privilege and opportunity to lead, I wish to correct many things in this great state, such as:

 

1. Cancel the Lekki toll gate; Move toll gates to other strategic parts of Lagos State especially the border lines of our state to help the ease of movement for all and sundry and reduce the transferred burden on the ordinary Lagos traders, workers and students. 

 

2. Increase subvention for the universities to help with improved capacities, professionalism and elevate the quality of education. No More ASUU Problem in Lagos State (considering my Lagos State University -LASU- student leadership experience, where I met Governors like Otedola of blessed memory, Governor Oyinlola and the Governor Marwa). Staying longer in school more than necessary can derail the goal of national development. Proper, welfare, monitoring and fair evaluation of our lecturers should help of achieve this goal for the fact that I had the rare priviliedge to have met 3 past governors of Lagos State due to the same Old story of ASUU strike LASUSUG experience).

 

3. Augment the Lagos State LASRA Card’s benefits, where we ensure that those benefits are implemented should come with benefits and such benefits should be implemented. In some international communities for example, having been a resident of a state gives you the privilege of less tuition and much more to have benefits and it should be implemented.

 

4. STOP the consistent bullying, maiming, and killing of our women and youths. I will lead the campaign on our streets to explain the importance of promoting confident residents, tweaking the cultural decadence we are experiencing especially one that sees the woman as an object and not as a person created by God. We will promote arm our departments dealing with domestic violence against women.

 

5. Create youth engagement and empowerment programmes; Provision of Social Servies and systemic partnership with the international communities and the business communities alike. We will provide hope to our teaming communities’ members while we expect each one of us to take collective responsibilities for a more sustainable economy, sustainable environment, and more secured alleys.

 

6. Capitalize on our water ways, for proper utilization and movement of freight and human. 

 

7. Re-enact zero tolerance for dirty environment, clogged drainages, and flagrant display of   indiscipline acts.

 

8. Utilize technology to attract goodwill and then improve upon community-based security to curb insecurities which may have stemmed from the nagging impoverishment of our people. It is on record that Lagos State invests billions in Lagos Security Trust Fund, as we seek a more engaging provision of service to our people. Utilize Technology to attract new jobs for our teaming youths.

 

9. Free Education for our primary school children is attainable. I was one of those who received free books during my public-school days during the era of Governor Jakande of blessed memories. We can curate healthy collaboration across the private and public sectors to make this happen despite our souring debt profile. 

 

10. Educating members of our communities is a job for all! Fair wages and better standards of living will enhance the continuous education we pass on to our motorists, drivers, teachers, students, parents and the children.

 

The new beginning starts now. It is not just about blowing my own trumpet but even the political space watchers can testify that women are as good as men in politics. I am a public- spirited woman of goodwill who is inspired in my belief, my experience and in the high purpose of my creator. This is not for my personal profits but to champion the common good for the masses, electorates, and our people of status in Lagos State.

 

The clarion call for a new beginning is the advancement of the common goods towards commitment to a better and united Lagos State, justice, fairness, equity, open structure and the development of Lagos State at large. And, an ideal transformation leadership, particularly in a multi-faceted and multi-ethnic state like Lagos is surely needed across all levels of government and spheres of society, as the primary focus in the pursuit of the common good is to ensure that we do not only unite the people but that they are governed by the right Governor.

 

Spread this news with the Words of Mouth (WOM), supporting and letting the general populace in Lagos know about me, Khairat Animashaun-Ajiboye, and my desire is simply to serve you. If we get into power in Lagos State, I assure you all of supporting the building of credible institution of justice where the rule of law and orderly society would be crucial expressions of the pursuit of the common good for the masses like never seen before in our dear Lagos State. Don't be deceived. I am positioned  for transformation leadership because it is critical to our state of life and it will spit and spell positive changes across all sectors and sphere of our society in Lagos State. With all modesty, I am set to operate by serving and uplifting the masses because I am bent on the principle of "servant leadership" for the anticipated new beginning. It is not as easy as it sounds but it's my desire to do the right things and make Lagos State better than ever.

 

I cannot finish this parley without mentioning Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, another former Governor of our dear State, and his successes so far. I acknowledge that it was Asiwaju who started the revolution of diversifying the Internal Revenue Generation that has made Lagos the darling of Nigeria, it was Asiwaju that worked hard to improve the Internal Security of Lagos, Asiwaju also Reformed the Judiciary, as well as identifying and grooming leaders. He also made reputable individuals who would never have thought that they could become affluent within a short time. He identifies the truth when he sees it too. These are some of the many good things about Asiwaju Bola Ahmaed Tinubu. Though I know that no human is perfect as I know that the people around you can sometimes make you what you are not; I however also know that Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu needs to improve in other areas! One is to empower me by ensuring that I become the next governor of Lagos and also to empower other good women who will work with women and who will do the right thing no matter what. Women who are flexible and who are not afraid to lay the cards on the table, women who are not rude and who enjoy balancing work and family, afterall your excellency, the purpose of power is service. I will retain the other part of my advice later. The legacy Asiwaju has created resides within some individuals, we can move ahead by multiplying these and making Lagos and her residents great again! Uplifting and empowering multitudes will make the difference at this junction of our socio-political growth, with due respect, your excellency. 

 

For your information Lagosians, I have been walking the talk and consulting with different electorates, ethnic groups and key decision makers in Lagos State with a positive view of getting their blessings to be the reputable governorship candidate in the next election in 2023. Lagos electorates, we need to change the narrative by coming together to build and retain formidable foot soldiers and polling booth lieutenants in the forthcoming election in Lagos State.

 

It is very instructive for the electorates in Lagos State to have Lagos of their dreams and the masses to live and run the affair in the state with an all-inclusive government to make the state politically stable and united with all the residents benefitting genuinely from a true government committed to a better Lagos State for all.

 

Lagos State can't continue with I don't care administration and government in the driving seat. I just pray and want you our dear electorates to get ready when the campaign starts in full force to be the real decision makers by supporting me, your servant leader that is ready to serve the masses and the good residents and Lagosians in the state.

 

I have to be honest with you, any emotional impact or tension you may feel while listening to this my welcome address is totally welcomed, and some of you in the audience may feel momentary unease at the boldness by a young woman like me coming to take the driving wheel in Lagos State, I can only tell you to be rest assured that it is all for the good reasons that I come with an open mind and open hands to further learn of the challenges that bedevils us as a people and that we will all benefit from it working together. 

 

Before I go, I have something to share with you; I told my mother about my plans to be the next governor of Lagos State and she said to me, you have always been like this my daughter since you were a child, your teachers always wanted to take you away from me because of the love they had for your brilliance, you have a kind heart and will help the people. I pray that All mothers of the world come out to support you and that God grants you longer life in good health. My father said to me to trust God and my husband Deji said to me, “you have my 110% support”. My friends and colleagues said that Khairat you have been consistent with this attitude of wanting to do right and helping people along your way! If the girl child and the woman are well cared for, our communities will be better for it! Widows, the young pregnant woman, the working-class woman, the everyday woman who strives hard to make ends meet as well as our brothers and husbands, I humbly ask for your mighty pens and undoubted moral, financial, spiritual and ideological support for a good cause the Lagosians deserve through me – Khairat Animashaun-Ajiboye.

 

        #DareToBeUnconventional