Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, has dismissed widespread misconceptions about Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, assuring residents that the government is not slowing down as it enters its final phase of its tenure
Speaking on Governance Corner by Ask Lagos—a podcast focused on governance, policy, and development in the state—Omotoso addressed a wide range of issues, including accountability, the THEMES+ Agenda, waste management, and the rationale behind choosing Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat as Sanwo-Olu’s successor.
Omotoso emphasized that the current administration operates with strict transparency and accountability. He noted that Governor Sanwo-Olu is deeply intentional about governance, regularly providing periodic performance reports to the public, and highlighted the complete digitization of the state’s payment systems as a major transparency milestone.
Outlining the administration’s developmental strides under the THEMES and THEMES+ agendas, the Commissioner pointed to ongoing landmark projects. These include extensive road networks, the ongoing 150-bed Massey Children’s Hospital—which is billed to be the largest in Africa—the construction of 27 new schools, and a seamless intermodal transportation system driven by new rail lines and water transport infrastructure.
Addressing environmental concerns, Omotoso pushed back against claims that the government has failed in waste management. He revealed that the state is actively acquiring more waste truck compactors and establishing additional dumpsites. However, he urged Lagosians to collaborate with the government by embracing the “waste-to-wealth” initiative, noting that the state is stepping up advocacy to encourage residents to sort their waste properly.
“Lagosians need to collaborate with the government by buying into its policies,” Omotoso said, urging residents to secure proper building permits and obey traffic laws to maintain orderliness in the metropolis.
Contrary to public opinion that the administration is winding down its activities, Omotoso assured Residents that the government is gearing up for a strong finish. He revealed that the state is set to commission several landmark projects, including new Roads, Schools and Housing Estates in the near future.
The Commissioner also addressed the big political question of the day- the choice of Dr. Obafemi Hamzat as the administration’s preferred successor. Expressing absolute confidence in the Deputy Governor, Omotoso described Hamzat as a man of deep character, competence and trust.
Dismissing the political cliché that Deputy Governors are merely “spare tyres,” Omotoso stressed that Hamzat has continually distinguished himself as an active and capable partner in the state’s development. He expressed confidence that Lagosians will vote massively for Hamzat at the polls, noting that the state is simply awaiting clearance from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to officially kick off the campaign.
