Lagos State, under the leadership of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, continues to stand out as a model of progressive governance in Africa. His administration, guided by the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda, is driving advancements in ICT, healthcare, women’s empowerment, cultural diplomacy, tourism, and urban renewal—positioning Lagos as a global megacity where innovation meets people-focused development.
People-Centred Urban Development
At the retreat themed “Transforming Urban Spaces: Putting People First,” officials and experts reaffirmed Lagos’ focus on sustainable, technology-driven urban planning. With GIS adoption and citizen-focused policies, the state is setting new benchmarks for inclusive and future-ready city management.
Boosting Lagos as Africa’s Non-Oil Export Hub
Governor Sanwo-Olu has placed Lagos at the forefront of Africa’s non-oil export economy by empowering MSMEs, providing subsidised industrial workspaces, and leveraging AfCFTA opportunities. Recent coconut exports to Dubai highlight the success of this diversification drive, as stakeholders pledge to dismantle trade bottlenecks and improve global competitiveness.
Healthcare and Community Wellbeing
The Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board recalled licenses of newly certified Traditional Birth Attendants pending the completion of a new four-year training programme, a move designed to ensure safer maternal and community healthcare. Similarly, the Ilera-Eko Health Insurance Scheme gained renewed momentum as the Head of Service led Permanent Secretaries in enforcing mandatory health coverage. With subsidies extended to civil servants, retirees, and vulnerable groups, the initiative reaffirms Lagos as a leader in health security.
lobal Engagements at the UNGA
At the UNGA Investment Forum, themed “Risk, Reform, Return,” Governor Sanwo-Olu joined Vice President Kashim Shettima in showcasing Lagos as Nigeria’s economic powerhouse. He emphasized infrastructure, job creation, and investor confidence. Later at the Critical Minerals Roundtable, he called for Africa-centred, value-driven partnerships, positioning Lagos as a hub for innovation and finance.
Education and ICT Growth
Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat marked his 61st birthday by donating a modern ICT centre to his alma mater, Odu Abore Memorial Primary School. Education District III also celebrated excellence at its 21st Annual Merit Awards, honouring teachers, principals, and schools that demonstrated outstanding dedication. In addition, the state engaged stakeholders in the relocation of Computer Village to the Katangowa ICT and Business Park, a project designed to expand business opportunities and reduce congestion while promoting technological innovation.
Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality
Governor Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his commitment to women’s empowerment at the WAPA Connect Conference where he launched the Women’s Economic Empowerment Roadmap. The policy focuses on widows, single mothers, women with disabilities, and young girls, offering skills development, financing, and entrepreneurship support. The Lagos State Government also convened a landmark symposium on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, unveiling workplace harassment guidelines to promote dignity, productivity, and safer work environments.
Rule of Law and Institutional Strengthening
At the opening of the 2025/2026 Legal Year, Sanwo-Olu restated Lagos’ commitment to judicial independence. He praised judges for their resilience and integrity while urging citizens to uphold respect for court rulings. The governor’s message underscored his administration’s dedication to strengthening democracy and public trust in the rule of law.
Disaster Preparedness and Public Safety
The Lagos Command and Control Centre partnered with Agege LGA to improve disaster management and community safety. Through intelligence sharing, emergency committees, and response teams, the initiative demonstrated proactive governance and the administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property.
Culture, Tourism, and Global Partnerships
Cultural diplomacy took centre stage at the K-Heritage Festival 2025, where Lagos celebrated exchanges with South Korea through music, dance, fashion, and cuisine. On World Tourism Day, Tarkwa Bay was unveiled as Lagos’ next tourism hub, with plans for infrastructure upgrades, expanded ferry services, and youth training in tourism. At the TRVCON Expo 2025, Lagos further reinforced its global competitiveness in tourism under Sanwo-Olu’s leadership. Meanwhile, the Lagos State Records and Archives Bureau embraced innovation through a retreat aimed at modernising record-keeping and preserving governance continuity.
Infrastructure and Planning
The Lagos State Government reaffirmed its authority to enforce physical planning regulations at the Trade Fair Complex. Commissioner for Physical Planning, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, stressed the need for compliance with state laws, underscoring the administration’s commitment to sustainable development.
Human Capital Development
The government also trained administrative and HR officers in creative and innovative thinking during a two-day workshop. The training is part of Sanwo-Olu’s human capital development strategy aimed at modernising governance and improving service delivery across the state.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration continues to deliver reforms that touch every sector—education, healthcare, ICT, urban planning, gender equality, cultural exchange, and economic diversification. With a balance of global engagement and grassroots development, Lagos is steadily reinforcing its status as Africa’s cultural heartbeat and economic powerhouse.
