T.H.E.M.E.S, an acronym for the Sanwo-Olu administration’s six strategic development agenda, encompasses Traffic Management and Transportation, Health and Environment, Education and Technology, making Lagos a 21st Century Economy, Entertainment and Tourism, and Security and Governance. The programme underscores a vision, a template, a blueprint, a roadmap, and a compass.
For the T.H.E.M.E.S agenda, several residents attest to the fact that generally, there is a focus, which is backed by principled commitment. They say it has been bearing fruits, which have led to the widening of the dividends of democracy. At 59, what Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is celebrating is the continuous fulfilment of these campaign promises, which has earned him a second term.
Residents attest to the evidence of a responsible government; infrastructure battle being fought and won, strides in education and social welfare, including health, flood control, financial autonomy for councils, effective traffic control, support for tourism and a guarantee for ease of doing business.
Sanwo-Olu’s styles have also engendered inclusion and greater participation in government’s implementation strategies. Dynamic, goal oriented, accessible, responsive, humble and loyal to the party and Lagosians, the Governor has succeeded in mobilising human and material resources in fuelling the fire of development in the state.
According to one of the leading civil society groups: “Your leadership has been inspiring, as it offers beautiful lessons on the morality of power, loyalty to the ruling platform, patriotism and essence of good governance. The state has benefitted immensely from your numerous people-oriented policies and programmes fundamentally dictated by the needs, aspirations and popular expectations of our people in the last six years”.
They add that “The impact of your fidelity to the implementation of your T.H.E.M.E.S agenda are visible across the vital sectors, including education, health, social infrastructure, security and justice system. “Through your humility, simplicity and candour, you have fostered inclusion, encouraged wider participation in state affairs and presided over an atmosphere of tranquility in the Centre of Excellence”.
Governor Sanwa-Olu in response said “I often like to describe this second term as our season of doubling. We want to move twice as fast as we did in the first term, and accomplish twice as much. Of course, our T.H.E.M.E.S development agenda will continue to guide and propel all that we do for the progress and development of Lagos State.”
He added that: “As a government, our commitment to the well-being of citizens and growth of our state is resolute and unwavering. We remain dedicated to the successful implementation of pivotal projects”. He said: “It is in furtherance of this principle that we are promoting our agenda of running an all-inclusive government through the instrumentality of the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda – the six-pillar development plan of the administration.”
These projects were undertaken to improve connectivity between the communities and make public transportation more seamless and efficient. Plans are underway to roll out electric buses for passenger operations, following the completion of proof of concept on the feasibility of non-combustible engines as substitute for fuel-powered vehicles.
Sanwo-Olu said:” We will take delivery of an additional 100 units of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses from the Federal Government for deployment on defined routes. The goal is to raise the fleet to about 1,000 units before the end of 2024. Rest assured that Lagos is making steady progress in its zero-carbon programme with the objective of becoming an emission-neutral city by 2050.
He added that “Our project financing plan for construction of the Fourth Mainland Bridge is being finalised. When completed, the project will be one of the longest bridges in Africa, providing a much-needed alternative to existing routes while also opening up new parts of the metropolis”. Plans are also in top gear on the Lekki International Airport, which is expected to take pressure off the Muritala Muhammed International Airport.
