The Bishop of Lagos West Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Dr. James Odedeji, asserts that Lagos State has benefited significantly from being governed by a single political party since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.
Speaking at the diocese’s synod on Sunday, Odedeji highlighted that the continuity in government policies has facilitated sustained development in the state, as reported by The Punch.
“Lagos has always been a lucky state, having been governed by only one party since the Fourth Republic came on board in 1999,” he stated.
“This has made room for the unbroken policy of development. Where one administration has stopped, the incoming will take over,” Odedeji added.
He praised the past and present governors for their contributions to the state’s progress, noting significant infrastructural advancements.
“As of today, Lagos has become a destination for both local and foreign investors, all because there has always been an investor-friendly government policy. Infrastructural development has been massive since the beginning of the Fourth Republic in 1999, noticeable in the areas of road network, water transportation, and the development of both the blue and the red rail lines to aid transportation in a state where the population is well over 25 million people.”
Odedeji also commended ongoing projects such as the Fourth Mainland Bridge and the accomplishments of the Dangote Refinery and Fertilizer Company and Lekki Deep Seaport.
“The Fourth Mainland Bridge is presently being contemplated. No wonder today, Lagos is the seat of the largest refinery and fertilizer company in Africa, both owned by a private entrepreneur, Dangote Group. Today, the Lekki Deep Seaport can berth large vessels to load and offload various products.”
He acknowledged the contributions of former governors Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu (1999-2007), Barrister Babatunde Raji Fashola (2007-2015), Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (2015-2019), and the current governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu (2019-present), crediting them for Lagos’s development and status as a leading light to other states in the federation.
Odedeji emphasized Lagos’s role as Nigeria’s economic and commercial hub, contributing significantly to the country’s Gross Domestic Product.
“It presently accounts for around 26.7 percent of Nigeria’s total GDP and more than 50 percent of non-oil GDP. The state, with its thriving economy and status as a commercial hub, attracts people from other parts of Nigeria in pursuit of ever-available opportunities. Lagos is not only the commercial hub but also the financial hub of our nation.”
The bishop, however, also addressed the ongoing unrest in Gaza, Palestine, calling for peace in the region.
