by Abiodun JIMOH
The Lagos State Government, led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is making significant strides in improving the lives of its residents through transformative projects in healthcare, water supply, infrastructure, and transportation. At the Citizens’ Engagement Forum held on January 24, 2025, at the STO Resource Centre in Alausa, Ikeja, the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, outlined the administration’s achievements and future plans.
Revolutionizing Healthcare for Lagosians
As part of the THEMES+ Development Agenda, healthcare has taken center stage in Governor Sanwo-Olu’s vision for a better Lagos. Mr. Omotoso announced the imminent commissioning of a new general hospital in Ojo, describing it as “the first general hospital Lagos State is building in a decade.” This facility, he said, will provide residents with access to quality medical care closer to home.
Another groundbreaking initiative is the Mental Health Institute and Psychiatric Rehabilitation Centre in Ketu-Ejirin, Epe. “This facility will be the largest of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa,” Omotoso revealed. “It will boast a 500-bed capacity, consultation rooms, living quarters, and other essential facilities, all spread across 25 hectares of land. This is a formidable attempt to address mental health, an issue often neglected in society.”
To further enhance maternal and child healthcare, the Massey Street Children’s Hospital is undergoing a complete transformation. According to Omotoso, “The hospital will be the best in sub-Saharan Africa. It is aimed at reducing infant mortality and addressing challenges faced by women during childbirth. Our women and children deserve better, and this administration is committed to delivering just that.”
Clean Water for All
In addressing the long-standing challenge of providing clean and reliable water, the Lagos State Government has partnered with Ogun State to access water from the Adiyan reservoir. “We have paid ₦600 million to Ogun State to secure 70 million gallons of water daily for Lagosians,” Omotoso stated. Despite hurdles, he assured residents that the government is making “frantic efforts” to deliver sustainable pipe-borne water to homes and businesses across the state.
Transforming Transportation
Transportation is another area where the Sanwo-Olu administration is making a significant impact. Omotoso highlighted the commissioning of 15 locally built ferries, with 10 more set to launch soon. “These ferries, built by young Lagos engineers, are comparable to any in the world,” he said. “They symbolize what is possible in Nigeria and Lagos.”
Additionally, the state has completed 16 new jetties and continued progress on the Red and Blue Rail Lines. “The Red Line’s coming on board is one of the most exciting developments,” Omotoso said. “We are committed to developing all three modes of transportation: water, rail, and road.”
Road infrastructure is also receiving attention, with ongoing repairs and expansions to improve connectivity. Furthermore, the government has installed 2,000 solar-powered streetlights to enhance safety and sustainability. “When this administration came on board, we were spending ₦600 million monthly to power generators for streetlights. That was unsustainable, so we turned to solar,” Omotoso explained.
Food Security and Economic Growth
The Epe Food Logistics Hub is another transformative project poised to benefit millions of Lagosians. Omotoso described the facility as “the largest in sub-Saharan Africa,” designed to store food for up to five million people every three months. “This initiative will help stabilize food prices, especially during periods of inflation, and ensure food security for Lagosians,” he added.
A Legacy of Transformation
Mr. Omotoso lauded the governor’s comprehensive approach to governance, emphasizing that every project is designed to improve the quality of life for Lagosians. “Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration is focused on creating a Lagos that works for everyone,” he said.
The Citizens’ Engagement Forum, organized by the Ministry of Information and Strategy, serves as a platform for dialogue and collaboration between the government and residents. It reinforces the administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and transparency in implementing its development agenda.
With healthcare, water, transportation, and economic initiatives underway, Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration is leaving a legacy of transformation and hope for millions in Lagos State.
