By Ade Kolawole
Lagos State is arguably the model for other states in Nigeria since the return of democracy in 1999, being the leaders of good governance which is driven over the years by competent leaders in government.
Lagosians deserve more of good governance which can be secured by continuity in leadership without interruption of any kind. This is the only way Lagosians can enjoy steady growth and development in the growing economy.
This is the reason the 2019 governorship race in Lagos State is worth every attention and discourse because it matters who becomes the Governor of the State. Conscious of the fact that Lagos State election does not only determine the State of Lagos but Nigeria as a whole.
Lagosians are presented with different options in the 2019 election market, but what is important is that they elect a candidate that is grounded with the Lagos State developmental plan to ensure that the growth and development strives of previous government is not interrupted.
This is why Lagosians should consider the profile and track records of Babajide Sanwo-Olu in government. A former Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Commissioner for Establishment, Training, and Pensions and Managing Director of the Lagos State Property Development Corporation spanning through three successive administrations of Governors Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Raji Fashola and Akinwunmi Ambode successively.
While serving in government, he set-up the Lagos State Security Trust Fund; initiated new projects in conjunction with government agencies in Environment. His efforts in the Transportation sector gave birth to what is known today as LAGBUS while same on Commerce resulted in the popular Lekki Free Trade Zone, among others.
Sanwo- Olu also kick-started the process that resulted in a collective bargaining review of salaries, and timely payment of wages and allowances in collaboration with the Head of Lagos State Civil Service.
APC’s Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat combination is an indication that the party is always putting Lagosians first. Babajide Sanwo-Olu running mate is another great achiever in the State with vast records of accomplishments. Hamzat implemented Electronic Document Management Systems (EDMS) across various agencies in the state civil service including Lands Bureau, Pension Directorate and automation of the Certificate of Occupancy Process.
He supervised the going live, maintenance, operation and upgrade of the Enterprise Resource Planning Software (Oracle Business Suite).
With the implementation of e-Health in thirteen General Hospitals across the State, Hamzat could be superficially said to have boosted the State’s health system with technological innovation. He was Commissioner for Science and Technology for two successive administrations in Lagos State.
As Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure under Fashola’s administration, his impacts in the BRF government boosted infrastructural achievements that Fashola’s administration was renowned for till today.
These are just a few of many lofty records of Dr. Obafemi Hamzat.
What better team can Lagosians have at the seat of government in the coming dispensation? I am yet to see such.