…Vows more transformational projects across key sectors as Lagos thanksgiving service holds
…Assures of accelerated devt in his final full year in office
BENJAMIN OMOIKE
LAGOS, Nigeria – Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has assured residents that the year 2026 will witness an accelerated delivery of transformational projects across critical sectors of the state’s economy, describing the year as particularly significant because it represents his last full year in office.
The Governor said he is deeply driven and compelled to make the year count deliberately and decisively, with a renewed focus on people-centred development, infrastructure delivery and improved quality of life for Lagosians.
Sanwo-Olu gave the assurance on Sunday during the 26th Lagos State Annual Thanksgiving Service, themed “Grateful for Unfailing Mercies,” drawn from Lamentations 3:22–23. The service was held at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos Island.
The interdenominational thanksgiving service attracted a high-powered gathering of government officials, political leaders and other dignitaries, including the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, and his wife, Oluremi; Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa; Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Tayo Ayinde; former Deputy Governor, Mr. Femi Pedro; former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Mr. Adeyemi Ikuforiji; and Mrs. Bimbola Jakande, wife of the late former Governor of Lagos State.
Also present were the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin; a member of the House of Representatives representing Ikeja Federal Constituency, Mr. James Faleke; members of the State Executive Council and House of Assembly; heads of security agencies; as well as political, religious and traditional leaders from across the state.
In his address, Governor Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to completing and inaugurating all ongoing infrastructural projects across the five IBILE divisions of the state within the year, noting that development under his leadership remains inclusive, strategic and people-focused.
He said Lagos has continued to record steady progress despite prevailing economic and social challenges, attributing the state’s resilience to effective planning, institutional continuity and the unwavering support of residents and successive administrations.
The Governor further reaffirmed the alignment of his administration’s THEMES Plus Agenda with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that sustained collaboration between the federal and subnational governments remains critical to ensuring that the dividends of democracy reach Nigerians at the grassroots.
Sanwo-Olu expressed gratitude to God for His mercies over Lagos State and appreciated President Tinubu for policy interventions under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said are already yielding positive results across the country.
Reflecting on events in the past year, the Governor commiserated with families who lost loved ones to various tragedies and disasters, including fires and floods. He cited the Christmas Eve fire outbreak at the Great Nigeria Insurance House on Lagos Island and the September fire at Afriland Towers as some of the major incidents recorded in 2025.
He praised the courage, professionalism and swift response of first responders and emergency agencies, while also commending religious and traditional leaders for their prayers, mediation and roles in sustaining peace and unity in the state.
Sanwo-Olu urged leaders at all levels to rally behind the Tinubu-led Federal Government to ensure national stability and prosperity. He also called on residents to support the All Progressives Congress (APC) at both state and federal levels and encouraged Lagosians to participate in the forthcoming electronic party registration exercise.
According to the Governor, “The year 2026 is particularly significant for me, as it marks my last full year as Governor of Lagos State. For this reason, I am deeply driven and compelled to make this year count — deliberately and decisively. It must be a year of extraordinary meaning, significance and benefit for all of us.”
He disclosed that several landmark projects would be completed and commissioned during the year, including the Ojo General Hospital; the Odo Iya-Alaro Link Bridge; the new Massey Children’s Hospital; the Central Food Security Systems and Logistics Hub in Epe; the Psychiatric Hospital in Ketu-Ereyun, Epe; and a new multi-storey office complex in Alausa.
Clergymen at the event offered prayers for President Tinubu and his family, Governor Sanwo-Olu and his administration, the executive, legislative and judicial arms of government, as well as peace, security and divine protection for Lagos State and Nigeria.
The thanksgiving service was further enlivened by soul-stirring performances from renowned gospel artistes, including Yinka Alaseyori and Kunle Adeolu, to the delight of thousands of worshippers in attendance.
