Some great men are not interested in politics, yet nature destined them to toe the path of public service. Planned or unplanned, the wind f destiny keeps guiding their paths to fulfill certain human needs. Such can be said of Governor BabajideSanwo-Olu. A meek governor, accessible to the people of the state, humble before the common people and never seek publicity. While many governors are busy seeking cheap media publicity with shenanigan politics, BabajideSanwo-Olu barely has time for media stunt neither does he shown interest in praise singing.
The media and every concerned groups who have been following Governor Sanwo-Olu’s activities since his inauguration would attest to the fact that he has been preoccupied with the development of Lagos and works around the clock.
While he was still taking stock of the state and mapping out plans, the global pandemic struck in the first quarter of this year, reconfiguring the entire world economic system. In spite of the untold negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, BabajideSanwo-Olu has been on top of the situation on daily basis, accessing the situation, collaborating with experts and coordinating the state affairs with fervent vigour and equanimity.
While the press has the liberty to criticize public figures and governments, the rules of editorial writing also bequeath them the moral obligation to praise the government or any public group who has done well on behalf of the society. Upon the latter principle, Oriwu Sun has been closely following the activities of Governor BabajideSanwo-Olu and has prepared a temporary scorecard for this administration.
The governor, unlike most of his counterparts, is not seeking media publicity nor any form of praise singing from people. He is absorbed in his executive duties and barely draws attention to his one year achievements in office. The rate and manner of action the governor has been putting into public service, if continued in the next three years, there is no doubt that by the time he will complete his first term of four years, Lagos will have a true feel of a 21st century smart city.
A quick glance at some of the public services he has overseen in recent time, reveal a vista of hope for Lagos. Within one year, we can point to a couple of infrastructures, social programmes, public amenities and landmark structures Sanwo-Olu has initiated. While fighting to contain the corona virus widespread in the vulnerable state of Lagos, he is still pursuing developmental projects with all intent to bring prosperity and progress to Lagos. The governor and his amiable deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, are by no means technocrats. The kind of duo classical Greek philosophers described as the formidable team of progress.
This administration understands the traffic challenges of Lagos metropolis and has made move to ameliorate the situation. They have not only employed over one thousand LASTMA officers to join the traffic control forces, but they have also doubled the officials’ allowances. To empower the traffic agents, the governor acquired a fleet of 10 brand new patrol vehicles and 26 motorbikes to the traffic enforcement team.
On the water transport, the government commissioned 8 new ferries and launched a mobile application designed to facilitate easy access to water transportation. While launching a Clean-up Campaign on waterways, his administration has also continued work on the Lagos light rail project.
Knowing full well that good roads are pertinent to mass movement within a megacity, Sanwo-Olu’ administration has started new road constructions, and has completed some. After improving popular junctions and roundabouts like Allen, Lekki, Ikotun and Maryland roundabouts, his administration has commissioned thirty-one road networks in Ojokoro LCDA; completed first phase of Lagos-Badagry Expressway; rehabilitated 116 inner roads and upgraded over 364 major roads. Many road constructions and upgrading are massively ongoing. The Itama-Ewuelepe road, Owutu-Agric-Ishawo and Bola Tinubu-Igbogbo roads in Ikorodu are in steady progress. The 13.68kilometers Oshodi-AbuleEgba BRT corridor is also undergoing rehabilitation.
BabajideSanwo-Olu has not only rehabilitate health centres in key areas across the state, he has established standard isolation centres for Covid-19 treatments in virtually all the local government areas. Multiple jetty projects are currently ongoing and many infrastructural projects which are near completion. Some public schools in areas like Maya-Ikorodu, Bariga, Egbe, Shomolu, have gotten 18 blocks of classrooms, while places like Ifako, Epe, have 20 and 6 blocks of classrooms, respectively.
Over three thousand teachers have also been recruited into the secondary and primary education system. Advance teaching and monitoring programmes have been launched in the first quarter of 2020, where teachers were equipped with modern techs to deliver their duties with ease and precision.
Other sectors including entertainment, tourism, and security and safety measures are also parts of the governor’s plan. Housing scheme and empowerment programmes for Lagos residents are being unveiled at different time and places.
It is never too early to announce that Sanwo-Olu is doing exceedingly well in the litmus test, because his achievements are glaring. He might not be the type who seek media attention and public praise, however, it is only proper for the press to take stock of his developmental efforts.