…Urges youth to keep hope alive

As the nation celebrates its 64th Independence Anniversary amidst economic hardship occasioned by policy reforms, which the Federal Government had maintained were necessary, Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has declared that this year’s event is not just for celebration, but a time to renew commitment to Lagos.

He said this at Lagos House, Marina, in his speech during the 64th Independence Anniversary parade. Saying: “My fellow Lagosians, this is not just a time for celebration, but for renewed commitment. We are in this together.”

He stated that his commitment, as the state governor, “is to ensure that Lagos continues to be a beacon of hope, not just for Nigerians but for Africa and the world.

He also craved trust, cooperation, and continued hope in the country, from youths, whom he said were already confused and showing apathy towards the country.

“I will continue to serve with all my heart, but I need your partnership, your trust, and your hope. We can make Lagos a model for Nigeria—a place where every citizen feels valued, secure, and empowered”.
The Governor therefore urged Lagosians to always have at the back of their minds, the strength, resilience and creativity that define the state and its people.”
While acknowledging that there is hunger and tension in the land, Sanwo-Olu advised Nigerians to choose hope, over desperation, and cooperation over division; so as to be able to build a Lagos and Nigeria that works for all.

He noted that his administration has not only been building infrastructures in various aspects of the public but also building relationships.

He promised that his administration, in the coming months will be more transparent, and widen channels of communication with citizens, particularly youths, in order to listen to their concerns and feedback.

The Governor’s speech reads, “Today, we stand at the dawn of Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary. A moment to reflect on our journey as a nation—its trials, triumphs, and challenges. But today, more than ever, we must also confront an unsettling reality: a growing sense of apathy, distrust, and restiveness among our citizens, here in Lagos and across Nigeria.

“I understand the sentiments of frustration many of you feel. The challenges we face seem endless: insecurity, economic hardship, and distrust in leadership. These are not just statistics or talking points—they are the lived experiences of Lagosians, the heart and soul of our great state.

“Today, I want to speak to your hearts, to remind you of the strength, resilience, and creativity that define Lagos and its people.

“We are a state of over 20 million dreams, a melting pot of cultures, talents, and aspirations. When the world looks at Lagos, it sees Nigeria’s brightest hope, its most vibrant energy. And that is why, despite the challenges we face as a nation, I stand before you with confidence that together, we can build a Lagos and a Nigeria that fulfils the dreams of every citizen.

“We cannot afford to lose faith. Yes, the journey has been difficult, and the path ahead may seem uncertain. But we have a choice: to give in to despair or to believe in our power to create change. I choose to believe in us—the people of Lagos.

“In Lagos, we have always been trailblazers. We lead by example, setting the pace in innovation, commerce, and cultural expression. As your governor, my commitment is to ensure that Lagos continues to be a beacon of hope, not just for Nigerians but for Africa and the world.

“But I cannot do this alone. No government can. We need your trust. And I know trust is earned through action, not words. That is why, in the coming months, my administration will be more transparent than ever before.

“We will strengthen channels of communication with you, the people. We will make our plans and progress known, and we will listen—truly listen—to your concerns, feedback, and ideas.

“We are not just building roads, schools, and hospitals—we are building relationships. Relationships are built on mutual respect, accountability, and partnership.
“Insecurity and economic hardship are real issues that demand real solutions, and we are working tirelessly to ensure the safety and prosperity of every Lagosian. We are investing in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and technology, but we are also investing in you. In your future. In your children’s future.

“To the youth of Lagos, I hear you. I see you. Your energy, your passion, and your desire for a better Nigeria are not in vain. You are not just the future; you are the present. We need your ideas, your innovations, your leadership.

“Together, we will create opportunities where there seem to be none. We will build a Lagos that you can be proud of, where your talents are celebrated and rewarded.

“To our elders, we owe you a debt of gratitude for the sacrifices you’ve made in building this city. We will honour that sacrifice by ensuring that Lagos remains a place of opportunity, where your children and grandchildren can thrive.

“On this 64th Independence Anniversary, let us recommit ourselves to the values that unite us: hard work, resilience, and a shared belief in a brighter tomorrow. Let us rise above our differences and distrust.

“Lagos thrives when we all thrive when we come together as one people, one city, one Nigeria. My fellow Lagosians, this is not just a time for celebration, but for renewed commitment.

“We are in this together. I will continue to serve with all my heart, but I need your partnership, your trust, and your hope. We can make Lagos a model for Nigeria—a place where every citizen feels valued, secure, and empowered.

“Let us rise, Lagos, and show the world the strength of our unity and the power of our shared vision”. He ended.

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