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Tag: Gov Babajide Sanwo-Olu

  • Lagos sees surge in public school enrolment as Sanwo-Olu prioritizes education

    Lagos sees surge in public school enrolment as Sanwo-Olu prioritizes education

    The Lagos State Government has reported a significant increase in student enrolment in public schools, as many parents are now withdrawing their children from private institutions and opting for state-run schools.

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to education, emphasizing its crucial role in driving the state’s 2050 economic agenda. He made this known on Wednesday during the inauguration of Keme Balogun Senior and Junior Colleges in Ibeshe, Ikorodu, marking the commencement of other school projects across the state.

    Other newly constructed and rehabilitated schools include Awori Junior College, Ojo; Euba Junior High School, Mushin; Ipara Junior College, Majiyagbe; Mainland Junior Secondary School, Fadeyi; St. Luke Junior Secondary School, Bariga; State Junior High School, Ibereko, Badagry; and Thogli Community Grammar School, also in Badagry.

    During a drive-through inspection of the Ultra-Modern Block of Classrooms at Ajegunle Junior High School in Kosofe Local Government Area, Sanwo-Olu highlighted the transformative power of education.

    “Education is the cornerstone of our THEMES+ agenda—it drives economic growth, reduces inequality, and empowers individuals to break the cycle of poverty. Investing in these schools means investing in the socio-economic development of our communities,” he stated.

    He added that the construction of an 18-classroom block, alongside renovations and additional modern facilities such as a food canteen, Intro-Tech block, and sports fields, would provide an environment conducive to academic, social, and physical development.

    “These projects have not only created jobs during construction but will also enhance the quality of education, increase enrolment, and contribute to a skilled workforce that drives innovation and economic progress,” Sanwo-Olu added.

    Hakeem Smith, Chairman of the Special Committee on the Repair of Public Schools (SCRPS), noted that the deteriorating condition of some schools caught the governor’s attention, prompting immediate intervention.

    “The governor ordered repairs as soon as he learned about the poor state of the school. A soil test was conducted to ensure a solid foundation, and necessary reconstruction was carried out,” Smith explained.

    He further noted that the surge in public school enrolment reflects confidence in the state’s commitment to education.

    Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, highlighted that the simultaneous commissioning of 16 new school blocks underscores the governor’s dedication to providing quality education.

    “This initiative is a testament to the administration’s commitment to student welfare, creating a conducive learning environment, and equipping students with the skills needed for success,” he stated.

  • Sanwo-Olu calls for collective action against malaria

    Sanwo-Olu calls for collective action against malaria

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, alongside the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, on Tuesday, launched the Pathway to Malaria Pre-Elimination and Digitisation Programme in Lagos.

    The initiative aims to revolutionize malaria control in the state through digital innovation and strategic public-private partnerships. Addressing a distinguished audience of global partners, policymakers, health practitioners, and pharmaceutical stakeholders, Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized the socioeconomic burden of malaria, noting that it hampers productivity, drains household incomes, and disrupts education, particularly among low-income earners.

    Sanwo-Olu underscored the economic necessity of malaria eradication, stating that eliminating the disease could significantly boost Lagos’ GDP. He urged residents to adopt a “test-before-treatment” approach, warning against self-diagnosis and the assumption that all fevers are malaria-related. He also praised the integration of digital tools in the program, which will enable real-time tracking of malaria cases, thereby enhancing intervention efficiency.

    The Governor called on government agencies, healthcare providers, community leaders, and citizens to collaborate in the fight against malaria. While acknowledging that success may not come overnight, he expressed confidence that sustained efforts would lead to a malaria-free Lagos.

    He commended the Lagos State Ministry of Health and its partners for their transparent data presentation and ongoing efforts to meet the 2025 malaria elimination targets. Stressing the importance of community engagement, Sanwo-Olu encouraged residents to become advocates for the program by spreading awareness on preventive measures and the need for proper testing before treatment.

    “This fight belongs to all of us. We must embrace preventive measures like eliminating mosquito breeding sites and adopt a test-before-treatment approach to ensure accurate diagnoses. Together, we can rewrite Lagos’ malaria story, turning it into one of triumph and progress.”

    The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, applauded Lagos State’s innovative approach to malaria control. Recalling the state’s early leadership in malaria case management under former Governor and current President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he praised the new program for aligning with the Federal Ministry of Health’s ‘Rethinking Malaria’ initiative, launched in April 2024.

    Dr. Salako highlighted Lagos’ low malaria prevalence rate (2%)—the lowest in Nigeria—and expressed confidence that with sustained efforts, the state could achieve pre-elimination status, serving as a model for the nation.

    He emphasized the crucial role of the private sector in malaria control, noting that 50-60% of Nigerians first seek treatment in private health facilities. He stressed the need for public-private partnerships to enhance diagnostic accuracy and improve malaria-negative fever protocols.

    Salako reassured stakeholders that recent global health funding changes would not hinder Nigeria’s malaria elimination efforts, affirming the federal government’s commitment to securing adequate, cost-effective funding for public health initiatives.

    In his presentation titled “Winning the Fight Against Malaria in Lagos State,” Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, described malaria as a major public health challenge contributing to mortality, economic burdens, and reduced human capital development.

    He noted that Nigeria bears 27% of global malaria cases, yet Lagos State has successfully reduced its prevalence to 2.6%, placing it in the low-transmission category. This progress, he said, is due to sustained interventions, private-sector partnerships, and digital health innovations.

    Abayomi emphasized the need for continuous efforts in:

    Early diagnosis and effective treatment

    Vector control measures like indoor residual spraying and larviciding

    Community education and engagement

    Digital health tracking for real-time data collection

    He also stressed the shift from presumptive treatment to a “test, treat, and track” approach, which would improve diagnostic accuracy, ensure appropriate use of anti-malarial drugs, and prevent drug resistance.

    Dr. Kazadi Walter Mulombo, WHO Country Representative for Nigeria, hailed Lagos as a model for urban malaria control. He emphasized the importance of evidence-based interventions, private-sector collaboration, and government commitment to achieving malaria elimination.

    Dr. Ndiame Diop, World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, noted the economic impact of malaria, linking it to 30% of under-five deaths and 60% of outpatient visits in Nigeria. He urged increased funding, public-private partnerships, and community-led interventions.

    Dr. Omokhudu Idogho, Managing Director, the Society for Family Health (SFH), emphasized the role of digital technology in malaria tracking and surveillance, highlighting its importance in accelerating elimination efforts.

    With collective action, innovative solutions, and sustained commitment, Lagos is on track to becoming malaria-free. The newly launched digital malaria control initiative sets the stage for a transformational shift in disease management, ensuring a healthier and more prosperous future for all Lagosians.

  • Lagos targets 8,500mw to meet 12,000mw industrial electricity supply

    Lagos targets 8,500mw to meet 12,000mw industrial electricity supply

    Lagos State Government said with a power demand of 12,000 megawatts electricity and a current supply of just 3,500MW, it aimed to bridge a shortage of 8,500MW supply for its industrial growth.

    However, Lagos has a startup ecosystem valued at over $9 billion, and the State has produced some of Africa’s most successful unicorns.

    The State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperative, Trade and Investment, Mrs Folashade Ambrose, disclosed this during the Lagos State Industrial Policy Consultative Assembly and Validation Workshop in Ikeja.

    Representatives of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, members of the Organized Private Sector, and Chambers of Commerce attended the event.

    According to the Commissioner, the validation of the Lagos State Industrial Policy (2025–2030) is a defining moment that signals readiness to elevate Lagos into a hub of industrial excellence where businesses can thrive, investments can flourish, and job creation can be maximized.

    Ambrose says, “Since energy security remains a top priority, the State is pioneering renewable energy investments, including solar mini-grids, waste-to-energy initiatives, and gas-to-power projects.

    “Also, the state government is actively working to decentralize electricity generation through Independent Power Projects (IPPs) to support industrial zones and commercial hubs.

    She added, “Today marks a significant milestone in our collective journey towards transforming Lagos into Africa’s premier industrial hub.

    “Your presence here underscores the commitment we all share in fostering a vibrant and sustainable industrial landscape for Lagos State — one that is resilient, inclusive, and positioned to compete on a global scale.

    “Lagos State has long been the cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic advancement, acting as the gateway to trade, commerce, and industrialization for the nation and beyond.

    “Our State’s dynamism is a reflection of the entrepreneurial spirit of our people, the innovation embedded in our industries, and the strategic foresight of successive administrations in shaping a business-friendly environment.

    “However, as the world transitions towards a new era of economic modernization driven by technology, sustainability, and global competitiveness, it is imperative that we recalibrate our industrial policies to align with both domestic imperatives and international best practices.

    “This consultative assembly is not just another meeting; it is a call to action. It is a platform for us to deliberate on policies that will define the future of Lagos’ industrial sector, ensuring that we are not just keeping pace with change but actively driving it.

    “The importance of industrialization cannot be overstated. A robust industrial sector is fundamental to achieving economic diversification, reducing dependence on imports, fostering innovation, and accelerating wealth creation.”

    Ambrose stressed that the State is a major financial hub, hosting the headquarters of Nigeria’s largest banks, insurance companies, and investment firms, saying, “The Lagos International Financial Centre is being positioned as a strategic global financial hub, further solidifying Lagos’ place in the international investment ecosystem.”

    She added, “Lagos is the tech capital of Africa, accounting for over 60 percent of Nigeria’s technology startups and housing the continent’s largest innovation clusters, including Yaba’s Silicon Valley.

    “With the rise of Fintech, blockchain, artificial intelligence, and e-commerce, Lagos has become a global hotspot for technology investments.

    “The startup ecosystem is valued at over $9 billion, and the State has produced some of Africa’s most successful unicorns, including Flutterwave, Paystack, and Opay

    “The government’s Smart City initiative and investments in broadband expansion, digital literacy, and e-government services are creating a digitally inclusive society, fostering innovation, and attracting venture capital to Lagos’ thriving tech sector.

    “Lagos is the industrial backbone of Nigeria, hosting over 70% of the country’s manufacturing activity. The State’s industrial zones — including the Lekki Economic Zone — are home to multinational manufacturing firms in key sectors such as automotive, pharmaceuticals, food processing, construction materials, and petrochemicals.

    “With the Lagos Industrial Policy (2025–2030), we aim to deepen industrialization by leveraging public-private partnerships (PPPs), creating dedicated power solutions for industries, and improving logistics infrastructure to reduce production costs.”

    Speaking on real estate and housing, the commissioner stated, “Lagos’ rapid urbanization has fueled an ever-growing demand for housing, commercial properties, and transport infrastructure.

    “The State’s real estate sector presents an investment opportunity valued at over $40 billion, with a current housing deficit of 3 million units.

    “In response, the government is driving affordable housing projects, urban renewal programs, and private sector-led housing developments to bridge the gap.”

    She highlighted some of the infrastructural expansion, including the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (Blue and Red Lines), 4th Mainland Bridge, Opebi-Mende Link Bridge, and major road rehabilitation project, which, according to her, is positioning Lagos as a truly modern, smart, and resilient city.

    “These projects will significantly improve mobility, reduce congestion, and enhance the ease of doing business in the state,” Ambrose added.

    In addition, the commissioner noted, “With a power demand of 12,000MW and a supply of just 3,500MW, Lagos is targeting 8,500mw to meet up with industrial needs as energy security remains a top priority.

    “Lagos is pioneering renewable energy investments, including solar mini-grids, waste-to-energy initiatives, and gas-to-power projects.

    “The state government is actively working to decentralize electricity generation through independent power projects (IPPs) to support industrial zones and commercial hubs.”

    She reiterated that the Lagos State Development Plan (LSDP 2052) sets ambitious goals to make Lagos a globally competitive industrial hub, a technology-driven economic powerhouse, a sustainable and climate-resilient mega city, and a financial and commercial epicenter for Africa.

    “With these strategic initiatives in place, Lagos is on track to become Africa’s most prosperous and industrially advanced State. The validation of our Industrial Policy (2025–2030) today is crucial in actualizing these aspirations.”