Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to good governance remains unwavering, says Omotoso

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Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, says Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration remains unwavering in its commitment to order, security and infrastructural growth across the state.

Omotoso, speaking with Government House correspondents on Sunday, revealed that the state’s 2025 budget of N3.366 trillion has achieved a remarkable 80 per cent performance, indicating substantial progress across all sectors.

“As of September, the budget performance was about 79 per cent, but it has now exceeded 80 per cent. In revenue and capital projects, we are doing very well.

“There is no community in Lagos that has not felt the positive impact of this administration,” he said.

Omotoso highlighted the soon-to-be-inaugurated Opebi-Mende Link Bridge, describing it as one of the administration’s signature infrastructure projects that will ease gridlock around Opebi, Ojota, and Maryland corridors, and improve connectivity within the metropolis.

“The Opebi-Mende Bridge will be inaugurated before the end of the year.

“It’s a game changer that will drastically reduce travel time and open up new economic opportunities for thousands of Lagosians,” he said.

Omotoso noted that the state’s development approach had been community-centred, with projects jointly executed by the state and local governments to deepen growth at the grassroots.

“When we had the Community Day celebration, the excitement on people’s faces said it all.

“People are happy to live in Badagry, Ikorodu, and Igbogbo because of new roads, schools and housing projects,” he added.

He explained that the government had built more than 15 jetties, easing transportation for commuters travelling between Ikorodu and Lagos Island, and had continued to expand the housing sector to accommodate the growing population.

Omotoso addressed worries about the recent demolition at the Trade Fair Complex, stating that claims of the exercise being targeted at specific groups were unfounded.

“It’s absurd to suggest discrimination. Governor Sanwo-Olu has governed Lagos for about six years without any bias in religion, ethnicity or class. Lagosians are one people,” he said.

The commissioner stressed that the government’s enforcement actions were guided by law and urban order, citing a 2003 Supreme Court judgment that affirmed states’ authority to issue building permits.

“How can you build without a permit? It’s not done anywhere in the world. If care is not taken, people will start building on Third Mainland Bridge.

“The idea that people can construct skyscrapers without documentation is unacceptable. Government must protect lives by enforcing order,” he said.

On compensation for residents affected by development projects, Omotoso revealed that the state government had begun another round of payments, with several beneficiaries already received their cheques.

“Government understands the emotional and financial value of every property. The exercise started yesterday and is ongoing. We are determined to reach every rightful beneficiary,” he said.

He clarified that the funds for the payments were drawn from both last year’s and the current fiscal year’s allocations, stressing that what mattered most was timely and fair compensation.

Commending the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA) for its transparency in the process, Omotoso said Gov. Sanwo-Olu had directed that no resident should be shortchanged.

“The governor has given clear instructions that everyone entitled to compensation must be paid. Lagos is a compassionate government that stands by its people,” he said.

Omotoso reaffirmed that despite economic headwinds, the government had maintained a steady pace in road construction, housing delivery and urban regeneration projects.

On security ahead of Yuletide, the commissioner said all hands were on deck between all security agencies and parastatals in the state to ensure that residents and visitors have a fun-filled holiday.

“All hands are on deck, celebrating Christmas in Lagos has become a global event. As we speak, most hotels and Air B n B are fully booked and we are equally prepared to ensure they have fun without any interference.

“We are hospitable people and I’m sure that Nigerians in the diaspora and our foreign visitors will have good tales to tell,” he said.

On the surge and return of “Area Boys” on Oshodi bridge, the commissioner said that security personnel will beam their searchlight on the spot.

On waste management, the commissioner said that most of the problem of improper waste management were man-made.

“Our people need to do better, we cannot continue to throw dirts inside our gutters when it’s raining, as residents we need to do better, government has its role, citizens also have their civic responsibilities.

“We need to hold ourselves accountable and do the needful,” he said.(NAN)