(Opinion) Babajide Sanwo-olu: A Man Working for Tomorrow

 

By Salako 'Tobi

(Oshodi-Isolo Local Govt.)

Getting to the pinnacle of ones career, especially being bestowed with overwhelming support and a mandate to led the people doesn't always come easy. Before one would be single out by the party to be it's flag bearer, such an individual must have possessed the sterling qualities that would set him aside from other aspirants. After being appointed by the party, navigating through the troubled water of elections is often another Herculean task that usually swallow some candidates. By and large, getting the nod of not only party faithfuls but the general populace in a polity like Lagos State is not a child's play. 

Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu has exemplified himself, he has so far written his name in gold in the areas of good governance, infrastructures, humility and his ability to seamlessly resolved challenging tasks associated to his office as the governor of most heterogeneous and diversified state in Nigeria. He has been able to drive home policies and programs that have endeared him to all and continue to project Lagos State as the pace setter within Nigeria.

Majority of the projects he completed, initiated and executed are long term projects that would benefit generations yet unborn if properly managed and judiciously used. A classical example is the dual Blue and Red light train that is about 80-85% completed, upon the completion of this lofty project, Lagos State will boast of the fastest train in the whole of Africa and it will tremendously impact the movement of people, goods and their services across the state. It will also open up certain areas that hitter-to were not properly opened for commercial activities. Generations unborn will benefit from this project and it's multiplying effects. Through his vision and foresight, he has also opened up and equipped Lagos waterways that had been moribund. His efforts on modes of transportation are road, rail and water.

In furtherance to his sterling performance, he  has done more than 51 major Infrastructural projects that have positively impacted on the living standards of Lagosians and ease movement of goods and services. Such projects include the Pen Cinema fly over bridge, Lagos-Ogun Boundary roads Phase II, Lekki-Oniru traffic circulation project, commissioning of Oshodi-Abule Egba BRT lane, to mention but a few. His administration has also done 301 inner roads in the 20 Local Governments and 37 LCDAs in Lagos, according to The Vanguard Newspaper of 4th Sept., 2021. All these projects were executed to bring peace, normalcy, comfort and succour to the people of Lagos State. Worthy of commendation is the launching and donation of 30 units of 12-cubic meter trucks, 60 units of 24-cubic meter trucks and 12 hook loaders which is expected to compliment over 850 PSP compactor trucks operating in Lagos. The aim is to ensure a cleaner, neater, healthier and ecological friendly Lagos atmosphere.

There are so many low hanging fruits Governor Sanwo-Olu could have embarked upon but his vision, foresight and futuristic disposition compelled him to embark on projects that will outlived him and his administration. To a greater extend, he's been able to translate his THEMES template into an actionable plan that cut across all the sectors. Without any iota of doubt, one can say that Babajide Olusola Sanwo-olu is a man that is indeed working for tomorrow.