Sanwo-Olu, Abiodun sign MoU to transform both states

GOVERNOR Sanwo-Olu and his Ogun State counterpart, Dapo Abiodun, today, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at promoting development and accelerating the transformation of both states.

At the ceremony, Sanwo-Olu said the commitment to ensuring that Lagos becomes a 21st century economy makes it imperative for his administration to strategically collaborate with Ogun State, for the joint development of both states, the continued growth and the co-creation of value that encompasses good governance and urban regeneration.

He maintained that his administration is committed to completely developing Lagos through the implementation of the T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda, and the consolidation of the efforts of previous administrations to harness our resources for greater growth, enduring development, and lasting prosperity.

 “The Memorandum of Understanding being signed today is, therefore, a game changer that will transform the urban agglomeration that Lagos State has become. We are driven

by the desire to stimulate socio-economic growth, bridge development gaps and ensure that Lagos State’s megacity status is complemented by pervasive infrastructural

development even in boundary towns.

“The Memorandum of Understanding precedes the Joint Development Commission that will be established to mutually tackle some of the issues prevalent in key economic sectors like transportation, the environment, housing, health, infrastructure, and security.

Regardless of the challenges, we are determined to build more live-able and stable cities. Our goal is to build sustainable urban cities, where the residents of Lagos and Ogun States have a sense of belonging, embrace participatory governance, and recognize their role in achieving solid urban economies in both States.

“In light of current global practices in managing megacities, it has become obvious that the best way to accelerate socio-economic development in Lagos and Ogun states is by embracing a more collaborative approach for growth, development, and urban sustainability.”

 The governor said the Joint Memorandum of Understanding is a sustainable development agenda under which Lagos and Ogun States will combine resources to meet the present socio-economic needs and prepare for the future.

   “We have nothing to lose but a lot to gain by synergizing efforts with Ogun State in the areas of Infrastructural development, (the development of boundary town roads, water works, mass transportation); as well as Revenue and taxation (including PAYE remittances, and boundary town

revenue management and collection).

   “The other areas encapsulated in the Joint Memorandum of Understanding include Trade and investment; Resolution of boundary disputes; Security (including intelligence sharing and gathering); Environmental and

physical planning activities (including urban renewal, emergency and disaster management, inland waterways

management and traffic management); and

Agriculture/food security.”