The campaign train of the Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) rolled into Ikorodu Division, where traditional rulers, community leaders and residents vowed to support the governorship candidate, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat.
Led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the team, which included the party chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, the Director-General of the KOH Campaign Team, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, and other prominent party leaders, were received received at the Palace of the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabir Shotobi.
Thousands of party faithful gathered to sheer the candidate, assuring the campaign team of their readiness to vote for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Hamzat and his running mate, Princess Damilola Sonayon-James, during the elections.
The monarchs expressed their support for the continuity of the progressive administration in Lagos and at the federal level.
Hamzat expressed his appreciation to the traditional rulers and urging them to mobilise their subjects and vote for APC candidates.
He said the re-election of President Tinubu is crucial to the continued progress of the country, adding that failure to return the President for a second term and ensure victory for the APC in Lagos would be a political tragedy for Nigeria.
Hamzat said President Tinubu deserves a second term because he has demonstrated courage, experience and fulfilled his campaign promises.
He stressed: ‘President Bola Ahmed Tinubu deserves a second term because he has lived up to expectations by fulfilling campaign promises, showing courage and displaying rich experience in the national interest.’
He also said Lagosians had confidence in the party because of its record of achievements and visible development.
Hamzat commended the Sanwo-Olu administration for its achievements in transportation, technology, healthcare and education through the THEMES+ Agenda, stressing that continuity remained the most sensible option for Lagos.
He added: ‘Lagos is too vital a state to be experimented with.’
Senator Tokunbo Abiru (Lagos East) urged APC members and supporters not to underestimate the opposition, noting that taking voters for granted could produce unintended consequences.
He expressed confidence in the capacity of Hamzat, describing him as experienced, capable, humble and a man of integrity.
House of Representatives member from Ikorodu Constituency Jimi Benson called on residents of the division to vote for APC candidates.
Ojelabi stressed the importance of effective mobilisation, particularly the involvement of youths and canvassers, ahead of the 2027 elections.
He said the election as crucial, urging party members to approach it with seriousness and determination by mobilising voters to come out in large numbers.
Oba Shotobi commended Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat for the cordial relationship between them.
He urged the duo to sustain the relationship for as long as possible, saying they are worthy of emulation ‘as far as political relationships is concerned’.
At the palace were former Works Minister Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, former Agriculture Commissioner Asipa Kaoli Olusanya and Second Republic Secretary to State Government Baba Aladura Reuben Olorunfunmi Bashorun.
How I will govern Lagos, by Hamzat
Hamzat promised to build a more interconnected Lagos, decentralise government services, and develop the distinctive economic advantages of the five divisions of the state, namely: Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos Island and Epe (IBILE).
Speaking on IKD106.1 FM titled: ‘KOH Unscripted in Ikorodu,’ he said the growth of the state should be driven by a deliberate effort to harness the comparative advantages of each division, adding that his vision is to create a Lagos where residents would not have to travel to Alausa for services that could be provided within their respective divisions.
Hamzat said strategic government presence in Ikorodu, Epe, and other divisions would bring governance closer to the people and make public services more accessible.
He said residents should have easier access to government services, efficient transportation, and other essential infrastructure closer to their communities.
Hamzat stressed: ‘We must decentralise Lagos. Alausa should not be the only place where people can access government services. We should have mini-secretariats in Ikorodu, Badagry, and Epe, so that perhaps 80 per cent of the services people need can be resolved within their divisions, while matters requiring further attention can be escalated to Alausa.
‘Also, each division of the state needs to develop around its unique economic strengths, and government must deliberately ‘plug into’ the opportunities available in different parts of Lagos.’
Hamzat identified Ikorodu’s potential in agriculture, food processing and transportation, promising to develop infrastructure around emerging institutions and economic activities in other divisions.
He emphasised the importance of organisation within the state, noting that reorganisation of local government administration must cover both physical and financial structures, with effective systems put in place to improve accountability, eliminate leakages and identify issues such as ghost workers.
The Deputy Governor further stressed the importance of planning Lagos as a borderless metropolitan city, noting that residents of neighbouring states also depend heavily on the State’s infrastructure and public services. He cited the example of Orile Agege General Hospital, where a significant proportion of patients come from outside Lagos, saying such realities must be taken into account in planning healthcare, transportation, water and other public infrastructure.
Hamzat assured stakeholders that the development of the State must remain inclusive, with the specific needs and opportunities of each division reflected in government planning.
While outlining plans for major transport interchanges within the state with connectivity between buses, rail and ferries, the Deputy Governor stated that such facilities would make it easier for residents in the hinterlands to move across the State and access economic opportunities. He added that Lagos, being a city blessed with water, must maximise its waterways alongside road and rail infrastructure to create a truly integrated transport system.
Hamzat further disclosed that 77 electric buses, including 30- and 40-seater models, were being introduced into the State’s transport system, stating that the use of electric vehicles would help reduce operating costs associated with diesel and petrol and could ultimately contribute to more affordable transportation for commuters.
He proposed a transport network that would connect strategic routes and terminals across the State, including Ikorodu, Badore, Victoria Island, Marina and other areas, while the expansion of rail and water transportation would provide residents with more options for daily commuting.
On healthcare, Hamzat said the growing population of the state required a corresponding expansion of healthcare infrastructure, highlighting that the Ikorodu General Hospital and other major hospitals in the State would be expanded to cope with increasing demand.
The deputy governor explained that such expansion would go beyond buildings to include providing adequate accommodation for doctors, nurses and other health workers, underscoring that healthcare facilities must be positioned to provide quality and accessible services to residents.
On water supply, he acknowledged the challenges confronting residents and explained that Lagos’ dependence on water sources located in neighbouring Ogun State required cooperation and compensation arrangements.
Hamzat said the completion of the Adiyan water project and associated pipeline infrastructure would significantly increase the State’s water supply capacity and extend access to millions more residents.
The Deputy Governor also called for greater citizen participation in the development of Lagos, accentuating that government alone could not build every institution or solve every problem. He cited that ‘Individuals and organisations in developed countries contribute to education and other areas of development. So we as citizens of this great nation must see ourselves as partners in building a better society.’