After securing the endorsement of Edo State indigenes and Igbo traders residing in Lagos State, the state’s All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, vowed that his government would pursue the greatest good for the greatest number of people in the state, if elected.
At separate events held over the weekend, the APC candidate pledged that his government would not discriminate against any ethnic group in the state, pointing out that all residents, irrespective of origins, contributed to the development of Lagos State.
Sanwo-Olu who was accompanied to the Edo indigenes event by his running mate, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, and campaign Director General, Mr Tayo Ayinde, emphasized that his administration would be “all-Inclusive”, stressing that he would be a “listening governor” if he is elected.
He said: “To say that Edo people living in Lagos are stakeholders in the governance of the state is to state the obvious. We must acknowledge that Edo people own the key to the city and their contribution to the status of Lagos today is immeasurable, just as every other ethnic group in the state. We are restating our determination to lead a government that will listen to all Lagosians, irrespective of religion, tribe or belief; but as long as they are law-abiding residents. I also promise that every Lagosian will have continuous access to us.
“We will ensure we deploy the state’s resources to pursue the greatest good for the greatest number of people. We are aware that greater development can be achieved if we run a representational system where everybody contributes from our local communities. Whatever we need to do to make Lagos livable and appeal to all of us will be done in partnership with the people.”
Sanwo-Olu said his manifesto was “carefully designed” to address the contemporary challenges facing the state, adding that his government would tackle unemployment and youth restiveness through education, entrepreneurship and vocational training.
He said: “We have a task to respond to unemployment among educated and uneducated young people. We are going to engage them in various skill acquisition prgrammes and entrepreneurship. We have six vocational training colleges across the state. We will strengthen these existing facilities and provide more to train young people who have flair for technical education.”
Convener of Ibhiedo Ne r Eko(Edo people in Lagos), Chief Evie Aimienwauu, noted that Edo and Lagos states shared history that dated back to the 15th century, observing that the relationship between the two states had been cordial and mutually beneficial economically and socially.
He said the endorsement of the event by the paramount ruler of Benin Kingdom was an indication that all Edo indigenes in Lagos would support the APC candidate.
At Alaba International Market, Igbo traders unanimously endorsed the candidacy of Sanwo-Olu, pledging to rally support for the APC candidate.
