LAGOS STATE HIGHLIGHTS TRANSFORMATIONAL PROJECTS AT CITIZEN/MEDIA ENGAGEMENT FORUM

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By Oduola F.A

On Friday, January 24, 2025, the Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy hosted the Joint Citizen/Media Engagement Forum at the Resource Center, Alausa, Ikeja. The event brought together government officials, media practitioners, and residents to discuss the achievements, challenges, and future plans of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.

The forum opened with a documentary that highlighted key projects across education, healthcare, transportation, and power infrastructure. The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr. Olumide Sogunle, set the tone with a welcoming address, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to improving the lives of Lagosians.

Delivering the keynote address, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, outlined the administration’s major achievements and ongoing initiatives. He described the event as an opportunity for dialogue, transparency, and collaboration between the government and its citizens.

Among the achievements highlighted was the administration’s revolutionary approach to healthcare. The Ojo General Hospital, a 280-bed facility currently under construction, will be the first general hospital built by the state in decades. Strategically located near Lagos State University and the Ojo military cantonment, the hospital will serve as a healthcare hub for underserved communities. Omotoso also noted that the Massey Street Children’s Hospital on Lagos Island, currently under development, is poised to become the best pediatric hospital in Sub-Saharan Africa, while a 500-bed health center is being constructed at Ikosi Ejinrin. A new Mental Health Centre in Epe was also described as a significant step toward addressing mental health concerns, which have often been overlooked.

The Commissioner also detailed progress in the transportation sector, where the administration is integrating road, rail, and water transportation systems. Following the successful completion of the Blue Line Rail, work is advancing on the Red Line, which is set to ease the daily commute for thousands of Lagosians. The state will soon commission ten new ferries, bringing the total fleet to 25, while 16 jetties in locations such as Ibeshe and Ilashe are ready for launch. Investments in these areas are aimed at reducing traffic congestion and enhancing the overall quality of life in the state.

In addressing water supply challenges, Omotoso reassured residents that the administration is making headway. He announced plans to provide 70 million gallons of pipe-borne water daily through an agreement with Ogun State, supported by a N600 million payment for water sourced from the Adiyan reservoir. This is part of the state’s broader effort to modernize essential services for its citizens.

The forum also touched on other key initiatives, such as the installation of 2,000 solar-powered streetlights, significantly reducing the state’s dependence on costly diesel-powered generators, and the construction of the Lekki International Airport, which aims to alleviate congestion at Murtala Muhammed International Airport. Additionally, the government has continued its commitment to infrastructure development by inaugurating 35 roads and five bridges, while advancing the Lagos Logistics Hub project, set to be the largest in Sub-Saharan Africa.

During the interactive session, Omotoso fielded questions from journalists and residents, addressing concerns and providing clarity on various initiatives. He praised the media for their role in fostering dialogue and accountability, emphasizing that the government remains committed to transparency and collaboration.

The forum concluded with a vote of thanks, underscoring the administration’s determination to deliver on its promises and create a Lagos that works for everyone. From healthcare and transportation to power and infrastructure, the Sanwo-Olu administration is laying the foundation for a more inclusive, efficient, and prosperous mega-city.