On Wednesday, October 1, 2025, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, delivered a stirring address at the 65th Independence Day anniversary celebration held at Lagos House, Marina. In a speech that resonated with hope, unity, and a vision for a more inclusive future, the Governor reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to building a Lagos where “no citizen will be left behind on the path to progress.” The event, marked by a sense of reflection and optimism, provided a platform for the Governor to outline his administration’s achievements, ongoing initiatives, and aspirations for the state, while calling on Lagosians to unite in the collective pursuit of progress.
A Vision of Inclusion: The THEMES+ Agenda
At the heart of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s address was the THEMES+ agenda, an evolved and expanded version of his administration’s flagship development framework. Originally introduced as the THEMES agenda—an acronym representing Traffic, Health, Environment, Education, and Security—the framework has been a cornerstone of governance in Lagos since Sanwo-Olu assumed office in 2019. The addition of the “+” signifies an enhanced focus on social inclusion, a deliberate effort to ensure that the most vulnerable segments of society are not overlooked in the state’s development journey.
“The addition of social inclusion in the THEMES+ Agenda has compelled us to be deliberate about protecting the weak and uplifting the vulnerable,” Governor Sanwo-Olu declared. “In Lagos, we believe that no citizen should be left behind on the path to progress.” This statement encapsulated the ethos of his administration, which has sought to balance rapid urbanization and economic growth with social equity and welfare.
The THEMES+ agenda is not merely a policy document but a guiding philosophy that shapes the state’s interventions across multiple sectors. It reflects Lagos’s unique position as Nigeria’s economic powerhouse and a melting pot of diverse cultures, where the challenges of inequality, poverty, and access to opportunities are ever-present. By prioritizing social inclusion, the Sanwo-Olu administration aims to address systemic disparities, ensuring that the benefits of Lagos’s prosperity reach all residents, regardless of their socio-economic status.
The Lagos State Social Register: A Tool for Targeted Welfare
One of the most significant initiatives highlighted by the Governor was the expansion of the Lagos State Social Register, a comprehensive database that now captures over one million households across all 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas in the state. This register serves as the backbone of the state’s welfare interventions, enabling the government to identify and support the most vulnerable residents with precision and efficiency.
“The Lagos State Social Register has become the backbone of our welfare interventions, ensuring that support truly gets to those who need it most,” Sanwo-Olu emphasized. The register has been instrumental in implementing both state and federal welfare programs, including the Federal Government’s directive to provide N75,000 in support to poor and vulnerable households. Additionally, it has facilitated the rollout of direct cash transfer initiatives, which have provided critical financial relief to families struggling with economic hardships.
The creation and expansion of the Social Register represent a significant step toward data-driven governance. By leveraging technology and data analytics, the Lagos State government has been able to move away from blanket welfare programs that often fail to reach the intended beneficiaries. Instead, the Social Register allows for targeted interventions, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and transparently. This approach has not only improved the effectiveness of welfare programs but also built public trust in the government’s commitment to addressing poverty and inequality.
Advancing Healthcare Access through Ilera Eko
Healthcare was another key focus of the Governor’s address, with particular emphasis on the Ilera Eko Social Health Insurance Scheme. Launched to provide affordable and accessible healthcare to all Lagosians, the scheme has been a game-changer for vulnerable groups, including children, pregnant women, and the elderly. “We have advanced the Ilera Eko Social Health Insurance Scheme, which guarantees affordable healthcare for children, pregnant women, and the aged,” Sanwo-Olu noted, underscoring the state’s commitment to ensuring that no one is denied medical care due to financial constraints.
The Ilera Eko scheme is part of a broader effort to strengthen Lagos’s healthcare system, which has faced significant challenges in recent years, from the strain of the COVID-19 pandemic to the growing demand for quality medical services in a rapidly expanding population. By prioritizing maternal and child health services, the state has made significant strides in reducing maternal and infant mortality rates, a critical indicator of development. Primary healthcare centers across Lagos have been upgraded, and specialized services for women and children have been expanded to ensure that vulnerable populations receive the care they need.
In addition to Ilera Eko, the Sanwo-Olu administration has invested in healthcare infrastructure, including the construction and renovation of hospitals and clinics, the procurement of modern medical equipment, and the training of healthcare professionals. These efforts have positioned Lagos as a leader in healthcare delivery in Nigeria, setting a benchmark for other states to follow.
Empowering People with Disabilities through LASODA
Governor Sanwo-Olu also highlighted the impactful work of the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), which has become a cornerstone of the state’s inclusion agenda. Through LASODA, thousands of Lagosians living with disabilities have benefited from a range of programs, including grants, scholarships, assistive devices, and vocational training. These initiatives are designed to empower individuals with disabilities, enabling them to lead dignified and productive lives.
“Through LASODA, thousands of Lagosians living with disabilities have benefited from grants, scholarships, assistive devices, and vocational training, affirming our commitment to inclusion,” the Governor stated. This focus on disability inclusion reflects a broader recognition that diversity and equity are essential for sustainable development. By providing tailored support to people with disabilities, the state is not only addressing their immediate needs but also creating opportunities for them to contribute meaningfully to society.
LASODA’s programs are particularly significant in a city like Lagos, where the hustle and bustle of urban life can often marginalize those with physical or mental challenges. The provision of assistive devices, such as wheelchairs and hearing aids, has enabled greater mobility and independence, while vocational training programs have equipped individuals with skills to participate in the workforce. Scholarships have also opened doors for young people with disabilities to pursue education and achieve their dreams, breaking down barriers that have historically limited their opportunities.
Addressing Economic Hardships through Ounje Eko and Palliative Programs
The Governor acknowledged the economic challenges facing Lagosians, particularly in the wake of rising costs driven by global inflation and domestic policy changes, such as the removal of fuel subsidies. To mitigate these challenges, the Sanwo-Olu administration has implemented innovative programs like the Ounje Eko food markets, which provide subsidized food staples to millions of households across the state.
“To ease the burden of rising costs, we launched the Ounje Eko food markets and large-scale palliative programs that reached millions of households with subsidized food staples,” Sanwo-Olu said. The Ounje Eko initiative, which translates to “Lagos Food” in Yoruba, has been a lifeline for low-income families, offering essential commodities like rice, beans, and cooking oil at significantly reduced prices. These markets, strategically located across the state, have made it easier for residents to access affordable food, particularly in underserved communities.
In addition to Ounje Eko, the state has rolled out large-scale palliative programs to provide direct support to vulnerable households. These programs include food distribution drives, cash transfers, and other forms of assistance designed to alleviate the immediate impact of economic hardships. By combining short-term relief with long-term strategies, the administration is addressing both the symptoms and root causes of poverty in Lagos.
Education and Housing: Building a Foundation for the Future
Education and housing were also central themes in the Governor’s speech, reflecting the administration’s commitment to creating opportunities for all Lagosians. Sanwo-Olu highlighted the state’s policy of free schooling at the primary and secondary levels, which has removed financial barriers for children from low-income families. This policy, complemented by bursaries and scholarships, has ensured that education remains a viable pathway to upward mobility for thousands of young Lagosians.
“In education, free schooling at the primary and secondary levels, complemented by bursaries and scholarships, has ensured that children from low-income families can continue to dream and achieve without financial barriers,” the Governor said. This focus on education is particularly critical in a state like Lagos, where a growing youth population represents both a challenge and an opportunity. By investing in education, the state is equipping its young people with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in a competitive global economy.
In the housing sector, the LagosHOMS program has provided decent and affordable accommodation for civil servants and first-time homeowners. The program, which offers low-cost housing units across the state, has been a key component of the administration’s efforts to address Lagos’s housing deficit. “Our low-cost housing schemes, such as LagosHOMS, have provided decent accommodation for civil servants and first-time homeowners,” Sanwo-Olu noted, emphasizing the importance of homeownership in fostering stability and dignity.
Empowering Women and Youth through Skill Acquisition
Recognizing the critical role of women and youth in driving economic growth, the Sanwo-Olu administration has prioritized empowerment programs that equip these groups with the tools to succeed. Through skill acquisition centers across the state, thousands of women and young people have received training in vocations such as tailoring, hairdressing, and digital skills.
“Women and youth empowerment programs through skill acquisition centers have given thousands the tools to earn a living and support their families,” the Governor said. These programs are designed to foster self-reliance and entrepreneurship, enabling participants to start their own businesses or secure employment in high-demand sectors. By investing in human capital, the state is not only reducing unemployment but also creating a more inclusive and dynamic economy.
A Call for Unity and Responsible Citizenship
While outlining his administration’s achievements, Governor Sanwo-Olu was quick to emphasize that governance is a shared responsibility. He called on Lagosians to set aside political, tribal, and religious differences, warning against the misuse of social media to spread division. “The task before us is to build, not to tear down; to unite, not to divide; and to inspire hope, not despair,” he said, urging residents to work together to create a more cohesive and prosperous society.
The Governor’s call for unity comes at a time when Nigeria, and Lagos in particular, faces growing challenges related to social cohesion. The rise of divisive rhetoric on social media platforms has exacerbated tensions in some communities, making it all the more important for leaders to promote messages of unity and mutual respect. Sanwo-Olu’s appeal reflects his understanding of the delicate balance required to govern a diverse and dynamic state like Lagos.
Responding to Crises: A Track Record of Resilience
The Governor also took a moment to reflect on Lagos’s response to past crises, from the COVID-19 pandemic to the economic shocks caused by the removal of fuel subsidies. During the pandemic, the state implemented relief packages, including food distribution and financial support, to cushion the impact on residents. Similarly, in response to the fuel subsidy removal, the administration introduced transport fare subsidies and direct cash support to alleviate the burden on commuters and low-income households.
“Lagos has consistently supported residents during crises, from the COVID-19 pandemic to the economic shocks of fuel subsidy removal through relief packages, transport fare subsidies, and direct cash support,” Sanwo-Olu recalled. These interventions underscore the administration’s proactive approach to crisis management, ensuring that residents are not left to bear the brunt of unforeseen challenges.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for a Dignified Future
In closing, Governor Sanwo-Olu urged Lagosians to recommit themselves to the ideals of unity, hard work, and mutual respect. He argued that the truest measure of independence lies in safeguarding the dignity of every citizen, a goal that requires collective effort and shared responsibility. “The truest measure of independence lies in safeguarding the dignity of every citizen,” he said, encapsulating the essence of his administration’s mission.
As Lagos continues to grow as a global city, the challenges of urbanization, inequality, and social inclusion will remain at the forefront of governance. The Sanwo-Olu administration’s focus on the THEMES+ agenda, with its emphasis on social inclusion, represents a bold step toward addressing these challenges. By investing in welfare, healthcare, education, housing, and empowerment, the state is laying the foundation for a more equitable and prosperous future.
The 65th Independence Day celebration was not just a moment to reflect on Nigeria’s journey as a nation but also an opportunity to reaffirm Lagos’s role as a beacon of progress and possibility. Governor Sanwo-Olu’s address was a clarion call to action, urging all Lagosians to join hands in building a state where no one is left behind. As the state moves forward, the success of these initiatives will depend on the continued partnership between the government and its citizens, united in their shared vision for a brighter, more inclusive Lagos.