Four years ago on this day, I stood before you for the first time as Governor, to ask you to join me on the journey to a Greater Lagos. Four very eventful years have since passed, and here I am again, privileged beyond measure, to take a second and final oath of office as your Governor.
Immense gratitude goes to the Almighty God for He alone deserves all the thanksgiving for sparing our lives to see this day, and for making it a joyful day, and a day to celebrate the gains of the last four years.
Four years ago, we promised a better future for ourselves and our children. We did not think it would be easy, or effortless. In fact, we knew it would require a lot of hard work, sacrifice, and innovative thinking. There were also many things we did not expect or anticipate. Nobody could have foreseen that just ahead of us lay the most disruptive and devastating global health challenge of our lifetime.
And yet, we saw the triumphant spirit of Lagos shine through. We saw a people that cannot be defined by the tragedies that confront us. We saw a city that proudly wore its resilience and had mastered the art of bouncing back, regardless of what it faced. That is our Lagos, our home, our city, our pride.
Dear Lagos! We promise not to let you down.
Four years ago, I remember assuring you, that, “It is possible!” Indeed, it is possible. It is always possible. I can assure you that our administration will continue to foster a culture of transparency, accountability and participatory governance. We are confident, as we have always been, that even if you do not believe what we say, you will not disbelieve what we do, because it will be as clear as day. It is in line with this resolve that I am pleased to announce that we are taking our THEMES governing agenda to the next level.
T.H.E.M.E.S, as you already know, stands for Transportation and Traffic Management; Health and Environment; Education and Technology; Making Lagos State a 21st Century Megacity, Entertainment & Tourism; and Security & Governance.
Henceforth, it will be known as “T.H.E.M.E.S+”, the “plus” representing the incorporation of an intensified focus, in these next four years, on Social Inclusion, Gender Equality and Youth.
In other words, we are strengthening and reinforcing THEMES with a ‘No One Left Behind’ philosophy. No one will be left behind on account of their social status, gender or age; we will design all our policies and programs to ensure that everyone is carried along and catered to.
This is our solemn promise to you.
To my hardworking, dedicated, and loyal Deputy Governor of Lagos State, @drobafemihamzat who has been my friend and partner-in-progress for the last four years, I say Thank You! I equally acknowledge Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat who has been a dependable partner and pillar of strength to her dear husband. Your invaluable contribution, grace and dedication are not lost on us.
To my darling wife, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, I thank you from the bottom of my heart, for being a sure source of support, strength, and inspiration.
To all the proud and resilient people of Lagos State, I am pleased to inform you all that indeed, our best days lie ahead of us.
Let us take this message and be inspired by it and let these words be heard loud and clear, in every nook and cranny of this land; from Ijegun-Egba to Abule-Egba; from Orile to Onipetesi, Olowogbowo to Igbogbo; from Ilashe to Ibeshe; from Okota to Ikota; from Amukoko to Okoko-maiko; from Bariga to Agege; Agbowa Ikosi to Ikosi Ejirin, Alagbado to Alakuko; Ajeromi Ifelodun and all other parts of our dear state that our best days truly lie ahead of us.
And May the Almighty God grant us the grace to truly believe in, and pursue this best, every waking moment of our lives. Amen.
Thank you, and God bless Lagos State.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
God bless you all.
Send Us News, Gist, more... to citypeopleng@gmail.com | Twitter: @CitypeopleMagz