Given Nigeria’s history, is it sensible to have a Lagosian as President while Lagos remains in opposition? Let’s examine the facts.
In the past, Lagos’ development projects were halted due to opposition from the ruling federal government. However, with the first Lagosian President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces set to take office on May 29th, 2023, it is crucial that Lagos benefits from the progressive coalition government.
Despite the conflicting nature of Nigeria’s federation, citizens desire federal-state cooperation to achieve unprecedented developmental initiatives, such as the construction of new bridges and transportation services, redesign of streets and parks, and spatial reconfiguration of Lagos State.
Furthermore, with a population exceeding 22 million, Lagos requires world-class tertiary health facilities and a target physician density of 50:10,000 or lower, with at least a thousand primary and secondary healthcare facilities to accommodate the healthcare needs of its inhabitants.
While the list of desired improvements in Lagos is extensive, their realization is contingent upon the federal government’s cooperation. Development partners and financial institutions often require sovereign guarantees by the national government before investing in third world countries.
As a Lagosian stakeholder, I believe that a redeveloped and rebranded Lagos with modern healthcare, education, security, and social amenities would serve as an inspiration to the black race.
Therefore, we must take advantage of the upcoming tenancy of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Aso Rock in the next 4 years and re-elect Babajide Sanwo-Olu as Governor of Lagos State on Saturday. Let us shun divisive politics and envy-inspired hatred and strive for a better future.