By Oluwatoyin Mathnuel
The Lagos state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso has reeled out the achievement of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s administration as he assured Lagosians of more mouthwatering dividend of democracy at The Citizens, Media Forum, organized by the Lagos State Ministry of Information, Alausa- Ikeja, on Friday.
Omotoso in his speech agreed ‘No Ross without thorns’ ; despite challenges face by the Lagos state government , Gov. Sanwo-Olu has remain focused withTheme ‘Development Agenda for the betterment of Lagos residents.
His words;
‘ Kindly permit me to briefly reflect on the several strides of your people-oriented government in the previous year as well as the plans for the New Year. In 2024, we navigated challenges, achieved historic milestones, and set new benchmarks for governance, infrastructure, and social development excellence.
Last year, Lagos rose to new heights—launching transformative projects like the Red Line Rail, expanding our Blue Line operations, and delivering groundbreaking initiatives in health, education, and youth empowerment.
We became a beacon for progress and an example of what’s possible when leadership and people align.
This did not come by accident. It came through deliberate plans and actions aimed at making life more meaningful for our people. For instance, in 2024, we completed 36 road projects, including bridges, link bridges, and pedestrian infrastructure. We also have over 51 other road projects that are at various stages of development, across all five divisions of the State.
These include Arowojobe Link Bridge and Approach Road, Mende, Maryland, Sand Zero Road, Oyingbo, Platinum Road, Igbokusu, Babafemi Dada Bridge and adjoining roads: Yinka Folarin, Jamiu Lawal, and Shalom Academy Road Network, Samuel Ekundayo Road, and Abaranje Road.
Others are Eluku Street/Mosafejo, Agbowa Ikosi, Adamo-Akanun-Agunfoye Lugbusi Roads, Oba Dosunmu Road, Ikeja GRA, Oduduwa Way and Oduduwa Crescent, Ikeja GRA, Sasegbon Street, Ikeja GRA, Alternative Route to Admiralty Circle Toll Plaza, Sobo Arobiodu Street, Ikeja GRA and Lekki-Epe Expressway( Phase IIA and Phase IIB).
Under our Bus Reform Initiative (BRI), we are developing new BRT Bus terminals, with ongoing projects at various stages of completion. The detailed engineering design and construction of the Abule Egba Bus Terminal are progressing well.
Similarly, work on the Iyana Ipaja Bus Terminal is advancing, while the Ajah Bus Terminals & Depots, along with the Addo Road Junction Improvement and Pedestrian Bridge, are nearing completion.
Additionally, the construction of BRT infrastructure along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway is progressing, with the section from Doyin Orile to Mile 2 currently under development.
History was made last year with the completion and commissioning of the first phase of the 27-kilometer Red Line rail. This rail line, on which passenger operations commenced on October 15, 2024, is expected to serve 500,000 passengers per day.
This initial phase covers a 27-kilometer stretch from Agbado in Ogun State to Oyingbo in Lagos, with eight stations at key areas (Agbado, Iju, Agege, Ikeja, Oshodi, Mushin, Yaba, and Oyingbo), 4 vehicular Overpasses, 3 Pedestrian Bridges, and integration with Ikeja, Oshodi, Yaba and Oyingbo Bus Terminals, among other features.
We plan to connect the Red Line with the Blue Line, another part of the LRMT system. Work has also commenced on the second phase of the Blue Line, which will extend it from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko.
The government has also signed an MOU with the Federal Government’s Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) to kickstart exploratory work on the development of the 68km Green Line, which will connect Marina to the Lekki Free Trade Zone, along one of the fastest-growing industrial corridors on the continent.
To improve water transportation, the Lagos Ferry Services (LAGFERRY) currently operates on 24 routes, utilizing 16 terminals/jetties, deploying 20 commercial boats.
Construction is at an advanced stage on 13 new jetties across the State, in addition to the upgrade works ongoing at existing jetties. In May 2024, we launched 15 new high-capacity ferries, fabricated and assembled in Lagos; and we intend to launch a second batch of 10 very soon, bringing the total number to 25.
On housing, through the Egan-Igando Mixed Housing Scheme in Igando-Ikotun LCDA, we delivered 270 housing units. This is a testament to our commitment to sustainable development and enhancing the well-being of Lagosians.
In Amuwo-Odofin, we commissioned the Rising Lagos Apartments and the LBIC/WGC Greater Lagos Flats, adding 204 units of 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom apartments. These projects, executed through a Public-Private Partnership, not only increase the housing stock but also promote inclusivity and economic integration.
A historic milestone was also achieved in Agboyi-Ketu LCDA with the completion and commission of Raymond Estate and Sterling Heights under the Akanimodo Housing Scheme. These estates, offering 170 units of diverse housing types, represent the first residential developments independently delivered by a local government under a PPP model in Nigeria.
These initiatives go beyond housing—they embody progress, social equity, and the promise of a better future for all Lagosians. Through these efforts, we continue to transform lives and build a resilient and thriving state.
As part of plans to offer the citizenry unhindered access to a quality health care system, the New Massey Street Children’s Hospital, on which construction started in 2021, and which will be the biggest pediatric facility in West Africa, is set for completion in 2025.
The construction of a 280-bed General Hospital in Ojo, and a Psychiatric Hospital in Ketu Ejinrin, are also well underway. Infrastructure upgrades at Ibeju Lekki General Hospital and Lagos General Hospital are also progressing steadily.
To improve education, we have completed the construction of new classroom blocks at various schools across the State, including in Alimosho, Ojodu, Apapa, and Ojo; while construction is ongoing at schools in Apapa, Ajah, Itire, Mushin, Agege, and other areas.
This year, our vision remains clear: to build a Greater Lagos that works for all. We will focus on sustainable infrastructure, drive economic growth, and deepen community impact through innovative programs.
The Greater Lagos we envision will emerge on the back of high-quality infrastructure that keeps pace with population growth. Our focus is, therefore, on ensuring the durability, functionality, and adaptability of our physical assets to meet the ever-growing demands of our people.
In 2025, we will be prioritizing the maintenance, upgrade, and expansion of existing road networks, bridges, rail systems, and drainage infrastructure, to enhance mobility and mitigate the impact of climate change.
In line with our vision for a truly 21st-century megacity, we will continue our program aimed at enhancing digital infrastructure
We will also reduce over-reliance on any single sector. Hence, we are emphasizing the development of non-oil sectors such as technology, agribusiness, manufacturing, creative industries, entertainment, and tourism.
Through our Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) and other initiatives, we will support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with financing, training, and market linkages. This strategy will not only create jobs but also enhance local production, thereby reducing dependency on imports, strengthening our supply chains, and enriching our local communities.
We will also focus on tourism development, using our rich culture and historical landmarks will boost revenues, attract foreign exchange, and position Lagos as a truly competitive global destination.
This year will also witness a noticeable expansion in access to quality education and healthcare. We shall achieve this by constructing more facilities, equipping them, and hiring and motivating qualified personnel.
Furthermore, our targeted programs will address the needs of vulnerable groups, including women, children, and persons living with disabilities, providing a safety net for the most disadvantaged in our society.
Distinguished guests, part of our core goals this year is also to sustain our policies and programs aimed at environmental regeneration. As a coastal state, Lagos is uniquely vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Therefore, we will continue to implement initiatives such as the Lagos State Climate Adaptation Resilience Plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote renewable energy.
Our waste-to-wealth initiatives will not only create jobs but also ensure a cleaner environment. Additionally, we are implementing tree-planting campaigns, and investing in flood management infrastructure to protect lives and properties.
In 2025, we will sustain our leveraging of technology to improve the efficiency of our operations through e-governance systems. The continued reform of revenue collection systems will eliminate leakages, ensuring that every naira is used for the benefit of the people.
Additionally, we will deepen citizen engagement through town hall meetings and other feedback channels, ensuring that government remains responsive and accountable to the people.
In the education sector, we hope to sustain our focus on creating specialized learning spaces to create a solid foundation for the educational advancement of our young people. In doing this, our long-term goal is to ensure that every child has access to modern and well-equipped facilities conducive to academic excellence.
Under our watch, Lagos State has gone from one state-owned University to three, with the establishment of the Lagos State University of Education, and the Lagos State University of Science and Technology.
This year, more significant resources will be invested into ensuring that these Universities operate as centers of educational excellence, building the next generation of professionals who will take Lagos State to the next level.
We will also sustain our youth empowerment initiatives through programs like Lagos Innovates under LSETF, and the Lagos State Employability Support Project, young entrepreneurs receive funding, training, and microcredit support to scale their ideas into viable businesses. Initiatives like the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy and international leadership training programs will continue to underscore our commitment to grooming future leaders.
On food security, we will continue to empower farmers and drive economic growth through initiatives such as our Agri-Innovation Clubs, Agrithon Grants, Youth Homestead Farming projects across 57 LCDAs, Agricultural Scholars Programme, the Lagos Agripreneurship Programme (L.A.P.), Lagos Butchers Academy, Eko Fresh, Cattle Feedlot Project, and our Discount Food Markets.
We will also invest more in bolstering our position as Africa’s tech hub and startup capital. As one of only two African cities ranked in the Global 100 Cities for vibrant startup ecosystems, we will continue to sustain our investment in this sector.
This year, we are focused on making significant progress in revitalizing cultural, religious, and recreational infrastructure across the state. Therefore, we will sustain efforts to restore the historic Elemoro Palace in Ibeju-Lekki, and the Princess Erelu Kuti Tomb, commemorating one of Lagos’ most prominent historical figures.
Through these projects, we hope to sustain our dedication to preserving the State’s history, promoting the creative arts, and enhancing tourism as a driver of economic growth and community development.
In our commitment to safeguarding lives and maintaining order, we will intensify the enforcement of safety and environmental laws. This is to ensure that previously lighted areas characterized by illegal trading and environmental infractions are transformed into serene and secure spaces for recreation and leisure.
More key locations across the State will be landscaped and beautified to create vibrant spaces for sports, relaxation, and community engagement.
The progress of a megacity like ours depends on the collaboration between the public and private sectors. To this end, we will remain committed to leveraging public-private partnerships to deliver infrastructure, enhance social services, and turn challenges into opportunities despite limited resources.
We deeply appreciate the organized private sector for consistently answering our call for collaboration and demonstrating exceptional civic responsibility. The private sector remains a key driver of our shared progress.
The future of Lagos is bold, inclusive, and limitless. Lagos is not just a city; it is an energy, a movement, and a promise. In 2025, we will continue to lead, inspire, and deliver on the trust you have placed in us. Together, we will build a prosperous and secure state for all ‘ Mr Gbenga Omotosho Commissioner for information in Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu administration concluded.
Media practitioners in their inquisitive nature contributed by asking questions on vital issues and challenges facing Lagosians, the honorable commissioner left no stone unturned as he gave perfected, satisfied response to questions been raised.
