Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called for deeper collaboration and inclusive participation in governance as his administration enters its final full year in office.
Speaking at the 19th Executive and Legislative Conference, the Governor said governance must remain a shared responsibility, noting that “we made a promise not merely to govern, but to transform,” and that democracy is “a continuing conversation between all arms of government and the people we serve.”
Sanwo-Olu stressed that while progress had been recorded, inclusion remains a work in progress. “Women remain underrepresented, young people do not yet have the structural pathways they deserve, and persons with disabilities still face barriers. These are gaps we must name in order to close,” he said.
Highlighting achievements of the administration, the Governor pointed to strides in transportation, education, healthcare, and economic reforms. He described the regeneration of public schools, particularly the Tolu Schools Complex, as “a declaration that every Lagos child deserves world-class learning, regardless of location.”
He also commended the Lagos State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, saying, “the laws you have passed and the oversight you have carried out are the scaffolding on which our achievements stand.”
Despite the gains, Sanwo-Olu acknowledged persisting challenges, noting that “traffic congestion remains a daily burden, housing affordability is still a concern, and youth unemployment, though improving, remains too high.”
Looking ahead, he pledged to sustain momentum, assuring that “no Lagos Government project of strategic importance will be abandoned,” while committing to a Legacy and Transition Bill and a comprehensive State of Lagos Report.
Chairman of the Governance Advisory Council, Tajudeen Olusi, raised concerns about declining standards in public office, warning against treating governance as a fallback for job seekers. “There is a barrage of people wanting to go into the legislative and executive… we need to educate ourselves. These positions are not for just anyone,” he said.
Olusi emphasised the need for competence and capacity in leadership, adding that lawmakers must be able to articulate ideas and contribute meaningfully. “The legislature is for people with sound minds… it is important we begin to determine the number of years people serve,” he stated.
Delivering the keynote address, former Minister and Senator, Olorunnimbe Mamora, underscored the need for institutional harmony, declaring that “separation of powers must never become separation of purpose.”
He warned that governance suffers when institutions work at cross purposes. “When the organs of the body fail to coordinate, the patient suffers. Governance is no different… when institutions fail to align, it is the people who suffer,” Mamora said.
The former Minister added that “respect builds trust, and trust delivers results,” urging all arms of government to prioritise cooperation over conflict, while recognising the civil service as “the steady engine of governance that ensures continuity and translates policy into action.”
In a welcome address, the Special Adviser on Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Afolabi Abiodun Tajudeen, described the parley as a vital platform for engagement. “This forum reinforces our collective duty to deliver governance that is inclusive, responsive and impactful,” he said.
Tajudeen highlighted key interventions of his office, noting that “the Eko Cares programme has remained a cornerstone of our social intervention efforts,” while the CitizensGate platform has “enhanced transparency, accountability, and direct engagement between government and citizens.”
The three-day conference, held at Eko Hotel & Suites from April 21 to 23, is expected to generate actionable outcomes aimed at strengthening executive-legislative collaboration and promoting inclusive governance across Lagos State.