2021: Lagos State Governor assures residents of better living standards

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has assured residents of improved living standards with the provision of more groundbreaking infrastructure in 2021.

Sanwo-Olu says major projects designed to uplift the welfare of the people would be unveiled this year.

The Governor, who spoke at a special hybrid New Year thanksgiving service held at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, said that despite the challenges faced in Y2020, the State remained stronger and better.

“Starting this month, Lagosians are going to see renewed efforts that have been put into uplifting their welfare and living standards.

“Over the next few months, we have 377 projects slated for commissioning in various sectors, across the State, all embarked upon to positively impact the lives of every resident of Lagos State,” he said

He listed some of the projects to include the 52 Tonne Per Hour Imota Rice Mill in Ikorodu, Pen Cinema Junction Flyover and Ramp in Agege, Glover Memorial Hall in Marina, Ariyo (Mile 10) – Ira – Muwo Bridge Phase 1 road in Ojo, and the remodelled Youth Center in Abesan, Ipaja.

Others are the Lagos State Affordable Public Housing Scheme in Idle, Badagry, comprising 252 units of 2-bedroom bungalows; the LagosHOMS Housing Project in Iponri, comprising 132 housing units; the LagosHOMS Housing Project in Lekki Phase 2, comprising 84 housing units; and the LagosHOMS Housing Project Phase 2B in Igbogbo, comprising 84 housing units, among others.

The Governor, who recently signed the 2021 Lagos State Appropriation Bill into law, said that the budget was now ready for implementation.

Thanksgiving service

On the Thanksgiving service with the themed – “In Everything Give Thanks.”, the Governor said it was important to return all glory to God for seeing the state through despite the turbulent challenges witnessed in 2020.

He said: “There is no doubt that when we cast our minds back and reflect deeply on all that transpired in the just concluded the year 2020, we would see very clearly that our God is indeed faithful and worthy of all our praise and our thanksgiving. Indeed, if it had not been for the Lord who was on our side, the waters would have overwhelmed us, the stream would have gone over our soul. Our help is indeed in the name of the Lord, who made Heaven and Earth.

“As a State, we cannot but give unending praise to God, especially considering all the blows dealt to us last year. First, there was the Coronavirus pandemic, of which our dear State has been the national epicentre, and then there was the incalculable violence and destruction we suffered during the course of hijacked protests in October 2020.

“Either one of these two tragedies could have completely disrupted and crippled our economy and existence, but we survived both of them. And we did not only survive, we triumphed, and we can look back and say that we emerged from 2020 stronger and more confident about the inherent greatness and resilience of our State.”

He expressed profound appreciation to members of the State Executive Council, the Legislature and the Judiciary for their cooperation and support for the T.H.E.M.E.S agenda, which is the driving force behind the vision of his administration for a Greater Lagos, hinged on six strategic pillars of development.

Besides, Sanwo-Olu urged residents to continue to adhere strictly to Covid-19 protocols, expressing optimism that the virus would be put behind soon, just as he commended religious leaders for their prayers and support for the peace, progress and prosperity of the state.

Zainab Sa’id