Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has detailed his hands-on leadership approach and long-term vision for transforming Lagos into a vibrant, resilient, and globally competitive megacity.
Eko Hot News reports that the governor spoke in an exclusive interview featured in the December 28, 2025, edition of THISDAY Style, where he reflected on governance, crisis response, infrastructure development, and the creative economy.
Sanwo-Olu explained that since assuming office in 2019, his administration has adopted a leadership style rooted in direct engagement and on-the-ground problem-solving. He recalled personally visiting flood-prone areas and traffic bottlenecks to assess challenges firsthand and coordinate rapid responses.
The governor said Lagos’ complex urban realities require leaders to be visible and proactive. According to him, decisions are better informed when leaders understand conditions at the street level, especially in a megacity with a growing population and diverse socio-economic pressures.
Central to his administration’s strategy, Sanwo-Olu highlighted the THEMES+ agenda, a policy framework guiding development across critical sectors. He explained that the agenda covers traffic management, health, education, economic growth, entertainment, security, governance, and social inclusion.
He noted that the THEMES+ agenda is being refined to strengthen Lagos’ cultural and creative economy. The governor stated that the state is working to develop a year-round calendar of cultural, entertainment, and tourism events, extending beyond the popular “Detty December” season.
According to Sanwo-Olu, expanding the entertainment and tourism sector is key to job creation and global visibility. He stressed that Lagos aims to position itself as Africa’s leading creative hub by attracting international visitors and showcasing local talent on a global stage.
On security, the governor cited improved coordination among security agencies and sustained investment in safety infrastructure. He disclosed that Lagos has recorded zero bank robberies in the last five years, attributing the milestone to effective security collaboration.
Sanwo-Olu also highlighted youth empowerment as a major pillar of his administration. He said government programmes have supported over 100,000 young people with grants, skills training, and business support, helping to promote entrepreneurship and economic inclusion.
Addressing infrastructure, the governor said Lagos is investing heavily in drainage systems, road networks, and transport solutions to reduce flooding and ease mobility challenges. He emphasised that resilience planning remains critical as climate risks increase.
Sanwo-Olu further stated that citizen feedback plays a vital role in governance. He explained that policies are continually adjusted based on public input to ensure inclusiveness and fairness in service delivery.
As Lagos continues to expand as Africa’s most populous city, the governor said his vision is to build a resilient, inclusive, and culturally dynamic metropolis capable of competing with global cities while improving the quality of life for residents.
