[Full Text]: What Gov. Sanwo-Olu Told Newly Sworn-In Commissioners, SSAs In Lagos

The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has today sworn in 38 commissioners and special advisers in the state, charging them to prepare for the challenges ahead, and adding that the development of Lagos depends on their dedication and positive attitude to work.

In his speech during the swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday, Sanwo-Olu said: “Be prepared to pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, and support or oppose whomever you must, in order to accomplish our grand ambition of building one of the great cities of the 21st Century, a beacon of social, commercial and political excellence for the rest of our dear nation.”

Below is his full speech;

Protocol,

With the swearing-in of 38 new Commissioners and Special Advisers who will assist me in discharging the functions of the Executive arm as members of the State Executive Council, I gladly welcome these men and women who shall valiantly lead this new administration to realize its vision for a Greater Lagos.
It is with much pride that I congratulate the new Commissioners and Special Advisers on your well-deserved appointments. It is a testament to your capacity, your accomplishments and your track record of hard work, commitment, dedication and professionalism in your private and public endeavors. Today, you are inducted into a singular administration, unique in its diversity – both of heritage and of creed – made up of technical and politically skilled men and women who understand the challenges of our State, grasp the grand vision of this new administration, and are sensitive to the yearnings of our people, the citizens of Lagos State whom we must ultimately serve.
Let me use this opportunity to appreciate and commend the Legislative arm under the able leadership of the Speaker, Rt. Hon Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa for presiding over a swift and decisive screening and confirmation process.
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, in my inaugural address on 29th May, I declared that “our ultimate goal would be to ensure that Lagos State remains one of the top destinations on the African continent to live, work and invest in”. Let me emphasize that this is not just our goal, it is what the people expect from us and we cannot afford to disappoint them.
Fortunately for us, we have a foundation from which to build from. The Blueprint for a new Lagos and the Development Plan (2012 to 2025) are still relevant as strategic reference materials for a systematic implementation of medium and long-term policies in line with the overall vision for our State.
However, in this administration, our task must be to accelerate the trajectory of growth and development of Lagos State embarked upon by the administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and built upon by successive administrations.
I am happy to note that the Deputy Governor and I, as well as some of you have had the honor and privilege of being part of that process. Today, Providence has entrusted us with the great responsibility of ensuring that the vision of the blueprint and the Development Plan comes to pass wholly and completely.
Upon the foundations laid by administrations past, we shall erect our six pillars of state development, encapsulated in the acronym “T.H.E.M.E.S.” T standing for Traffic Management and Transportation; H for Health and Environment; E for Education and Technology; M for Making Lagos a 21st Century Economy; E for Entertainment and Tourism and lastly S for Security and Governance.
These pillars form the backbone of this administration’s grand objective and represent the framework that ensures our efforts and allocation of resources are solely devoted to building a Lagos we can be proud to call home.
As you prepare for the challenges ahead, let me remind you that your appointment is a unique privilege and a call to service. It must not be seen as opportunity for self-service. Whilst discharging the responsibility that will be assigned to you, you must imbibe our culture of transparency, accountability, fairness and value for money.
I therefore Implore you to earnestly commit yourselves to the agenda and vision of this administration.
Be prepared to pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, and support or oppose whomever you must, in order to accomplish our grand ambition of building one of the great cities of the 21st Century, a beacon of social, commercial and political excellence for the rest of our dear nation.
The challenges we face as a mega city whether in the areas of security, waste management, transportation, or environmental sustainability are not peculiar to us. But they are the undesired consequences of an ambitious and growing economy providing opportunities for people to realize their dreams. But they must surely be addressed before they undermine our achievements and hinder our progress.
Great opportunities for employment and wealth creation can only be realized sustainably if we are able to enhance governance with creativity, innovation and technology while embracing collaboration with the private sector and continual dialogue and partnership with all relevant stakeholders.
This is the task we have been called upon to undertake in the next four years on behalf of our people who are relying on us to support their dreams and aspirations.
I charge you to show commitment, diligence and exemplary leadership as the necessary virtues needed to achieve the greatness we desire for our State and to deliver the prosperity our people deserve.
Once again, I congratulate you on your appointment and implore you to give your all as the very minimum requirement in service of this great state and its people.
As I end this address, I wish to reassure Lagosians of our commitment to serve selflessly and fulfill all our earnest promises. We humbly seek your support and cooperation. Together, we shall make Lagos greater.

Thank you all and God bless you.

Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu,
Governor of Lagos State
20th August, 2019.