Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been praised for promoting democratic values and ideals through transformation, innovation, and relentless commitment to people-centered governance in the last six years which the struggles of “June 12” represent.
The duo of Defend Nigeria Movement (DNM) and Nigeria’s Unite for Democracy (NUD) in commemoration of Democracy Day 2025, asserted on Sunday after a robust assessment of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s accomplishments in over half a decade.
According to the Coalition, the June 12, 1993, presidential election remains one of the most poignant chapters in Nigeria’s democratic history and not merely an election.
The Convener of the coalition, Comrade Razaq Olokooba going down memory lane said late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (M.K.O.) Abiola and others who fought for June 12 fought for equity, prosperity, dignity, and good governance which Sanwo-Olu’s administration has exemplified over the years.
Olokooba stressed that apart from the Lagos governor respecting the rule of law to the latter, he has shown exceptional quality in infrastructural development and providing governance that is touching the lives of Nigerians beyond the state.
He disclosed that who used the celebration of this year’s democracy day celebration to unveil a series of infrastructural projects in Ibeju-Lekki, is further evidence of his administration’s commitment to grassroots development and inclusive governance.
“What democracy without development? What is the June 12 struggle and movement if states in the country do not develop? This is why Governor Sanwo-Olu is a shining light today.
“The struggle for June 12 is all about democracy and the promotion of democratic ideals entails providing good governance through infrastructure, human capital development, provision of a fair ground for everyone to thrive, and respecting the rule of law – and all these attributes we can gladly say Sanwo-Olu has been outstanding in all”.
Highlighting other areas of achievement under Governor Sanwo-Olu, the coalition had these to say: “In these years, transportation in Lagos has experienced a metamorphosis. Where traffic congestion once choked productivity, the government has made movement and mobility easy with the Lagos Blue Line Rail.
“The Red Line Rail is completed, moving over half a million commuters daily, easing pressure on roads and transforming lives in ways that asphalt alone never could. The government of Lagos rehabilitated and constructed over 970 roads, built interchanges, flyovers, and launched water terminals that have opened our waterways as viable transport channels.
“Healthcare in Lagos today is amazing. From the General Hospitals that have been reborn with new infrastructure to the Mother and Child Centres built in underserved communities.
“In education, over 1,400 public schools have received infrastructural upgrades bringing them to what it means to learn in a 21st-century city.
“With the Eko Excel programme, thousands of public primary school teachers are now armed with digital tablets, delivering data-driven instructions to pupils eager to learn. And through the Eko Digital Initiative, students are trained in coding, robotics, and AI.
“The environment is getting its deserved attention. We are planting not just trees, but legacies of sustainability. Through enhanced waste management systems, drain de-silting efforts, and the revitalization of green spaces, Lagos is turning the page to a cleaner, greener chapter.
“In these six years, Governor Sanwo-Olu have laid over 2,700 kilometres of fibre optic cables, part of the larger 6,000 km Metro Fibre project that powers the broadband future of Lagos state.
“The state’s Art of Technology (AOT) conference birthed the Lagos Innovation Master Plan, which now supports startups, promotes civic tech, and has made Lagos the epicenter of Africa’s digital surge. Global tech giants Microsoft, Google, Meta, and others now see Lagos not as a footnote, but as a frontier.
“And as food security grows more globally, Lagos government have moved to feed the future with action, not rhetoric. The Lagos Rice Mill, Imota is Africa’s largest – now hums with activity, turning paddy into prosperity. The Lagos Food Logistics Hub in Epe is reimagining how agricultural produce is preserved, processed, and delivered. With over 20,000 farmers empowered.
“Commerce, industry, and investment have found a new rhythm in Lagos. The Lekki Deep Sea Port, the largest in West Africa, now stands as a gateway to the world, unlocking trade corridors and employment. With over $1.5 billion in foreign direct investment in just three years.
“In Job creation and wealth redistribution through the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), over 250,000 women and young people have been trained, financed, and mentored into viable livelihoods.
“In the area of Youth Development, the state created centres for fashion, tech, agriculture, or filmmaking and not forgetting Over 17,000 housing units delivered in cities within the city; Ikorodu, Lekki, Badagry, Surulere – all rising to meet the demand for dignity in dwelling,” the statement read.
