LAGOS: 377 projects to be commissioned this quarter, says Sanwo-Olu

• Agege Pen-cinema bridge, Imota Rice Mill,  Glover Memorial Hall, LagosHOMS Housing Project units, others on the list

GOVERNOR Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Sunday, said residents  of the state Sanwo-Olu said starting this month, especially as the 2021 budget has been passed, Lagosians are going to see renewed effort at uplifting their welfare and living standards. 

Speaking at 2021 Lagos State annual Thanksgiving service, Sanwo-Olu, who urged the residents to be thankful to God for His mercies throughout a grossly challenging 2020, disclosed that: “Over the next few months we have 377 projects slated for Commissioning across the state, in various sectors, all embarked upon to positively impact the lives of every resident of Lagos State,” stated the governor.

He listed the projects to include: the 52 Tonne Per Hour Imota Rice Mill, in Ikorodu, Pen Cinema Junction Flyover and Ramp in Agege, Restored Glover Memorial Hall, Marina, Lagos Island, Ariyo (Mile 10) – Ira – Muwo Bridge Phase 1 in Ojo, Remodeled Youth Center in Abesan, Ipaja; Lagos State Affordable Public Housing Scheme in Idale, Badagry, comprising 252 units of 2-bedroom bungalows; the LagosHOMS Housing Project in Iponri, comprising 132 housing units; the LagosHOMS Housing Project in Lekki Phase 2, comprising 84 housing units and the LagosHOMS Housing Project Phase 2B in Igbogbo, comprising 84 housing units.

Sanwo-Olu said the state and its residents need to thank God for His mercies that made it possible to overcome the first wave of Coronavirus and #EndSARs protests. 

“As a State, we cannot but give unending praise to God, especially considering all the blows dealt to us last year. First there was the Coronavirus pandemic, of which our dear State has been the national epicenter, and then there was the incalculable violence and destruction we suffered during the course of protests hijacked protests in October 2020. 

“Either one of these two tragedies could have completely disrupted and crippled our economy and existence, but we survived both of them. And we did not only survive, we triumphed, and we can look back and say that we emerged from 2020 stronger and more confident about the inherent greatness and resilience of our State.”

He said the need to thank God despite the calamities was why the theme of this year’s thanksgiving service, ‘In Everything Give Thanks’ was picked and was inspired by Psalms 50 verse 23, which says, ‘Whoever offers praise glorifies Me; And to him who orders his conduct aright I will show the salvation of God.” 

 “Let me take the opportunity to appreciate all religious organizations, institutions, schools, business ventures, and also individuals who have complied with our COVID-19 guidelines and protocols. The effort you have all put in thus far is accountable for the victories we have so far recorded against the virus. 

“And to the rest, I charge you to, in this new year, borrow a leaf from the compliant organizations. As I have said repeatedly, in this fight against COVID-19, we are only as strong as our weakest links. 

“I urge us to strictly follow these guidelines, even as we deal with the challenges of a second wave of the pandemic. Let us continue with the regular washing of hands, the mandatory use of facemasks, maintenance of the required social distance, and avoidance of unnecessary and non-essential gatherings. 

  “It is my hope and prayer that this time next year we would have fully put the COVID-19 pandemic behind us, and will be able to gather in person for the 2022 Thanksgiving Service. 

My unreserved appreciation goes to our Fathers in the Lord who have availed us of their presence, in person and virtually. We are grateful for the prayers, wise counsel and spiritual covering you provide to us as a State;     “I pray that the Almighty God will continue to strengthen and bless you all.

“It is on this note that I ask you my fellow Lagosians, those of you present here, and all of you who are following us virtually, to continue to pray for the peace, prosperity and continuous growth of our beloved State. Let us remember that when it is well with Lagos, it is well with us.”

 Sanwo-Olu further said there is no doubt that when residents cast their minds back and reflect deeply on all that transpired in the just concluded year 2020, they would see very clearly that God is indeed faithful and worthy of all praise and thanksgiving. 

  “Indeed, if it had not been for the Lord who was on our side, the waters would have overwhelmed us, the stream would have gone over our soul. Our help is indeed in the name of the Lord, who made Heaven and Earth.

 “We are grateful not because everything has happened the way we would like it, but because in all things it is our responsibility to show gratitude. We have gone through a very difficult year, battled a pandemic, lost loved ones, lost valuable property, been deprived of enormous economic opportunity, but we have come out on the other side, alive and inspired to face the future with faith and positive expectation. 

 “We have therefore resolved, as the Psalmist says in Psalm 69 verse 30, that we will praise the name of God in song and magnify Him with thanksgiving.”

   The governor thanked deputy, commissioners, the speaker of the state assembly, lawmakers and the chief judge for contributing to help develop the state.

   “I must specially thank the Executive Arm of the Lagos State Government: my able deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, the State Executive Council, our Permanent Secretaries and the entire Public Service, for their hard work and unceasing dedication to the implementation of our Governing Agenda. 

  “Underlying the work of governance is the principle of adherence to the Rule of Law, to which we remain absolutely committed, and for which I have to extend our deepest gratitude to the Lagos State Judiciary, under the leadership of Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba. The commitment of the Judiciary to the speedy and impartial dispensation of justice has been a vital part of our success story over the last twelve months. 

   “The third Arm of government, the Legislature, under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, also deserves great commendation. Their commitment to the progress of Lagos State was most recently demonstrated in the timeliness with which the 2021 Appropriation Bill was passed.”