Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and his deputy, Kadiri Hamzat, have moved a step further in their re-election bid.
On Saturday, members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state and other supporters from across the country joined them at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena to flag off the ”Greater Lagos Rising” governorship campaign which will reach all local government areas in the state.
The colourful carnival-like rally was organized by the State Campaign Council (SCC) and availed all candidates of the APC in the 2023 election from the three senatorial districts, 24 Federal and 40 State Constituencies to showcase themselves to the electorate.
The campaign theme (Greater Lagos Rising) , according to the governor’s team, indicates the present administration’s promise of a ‘Greater Lagos’ which it has been implementing and is a tribute to all the youths who are putting Lagos on the global map especially creative and ‘tech rebels’ who call Lagos home.
Earlier this week, the Sanwo-Olu/Hamzat Campaign Organisation held a press briefing to herald Saturday’s event where the governor urged Lagosians to renew his mandate based on his government’s achievements so far.
Present at the rally were leaders of the apex advisory body in the state, the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), chieftains and members from across the 20 Local Government Areas and the 37 LCDAs, religious leaders, Arewa community, and other representatives of various ethnic groups in the state, traders’ unions and Nollywood Yoruba movie stars.
Director General of the SCC, Ganiu Solomon, in his opening speech, appealed to the electorate to re-elect Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his deputy governor, Obafemi Hamzat and other candidates of the party.
READ ALSO: Sanwo-Olu, CP To Meet, Discuss Security Matters In Lagos
He said, “It is an honour and privilege to witness the flag-off of the gubernatorial election of 2023.
“I want all of us to listen attentively as our incumbent governor will give us details of his stewardship in the last three and a half years ago. I welcome you all to give great event.
“It is therefore imperative to seek your vote for our party and its candidates. I am appealing to you to re-elect Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, and all candidates of the party in the 2023 election.”
The APC chairman in the state, Cornelius Ojelabi at the event urged the electorate to speak with their permanent voter cards and vote for Governor Sanwo-Olu for another term of office.
He said, “I am happy to witness this historic event. Today’s event is a step to further develop our democracy.
“I, therefore, urge you all to speak with your PVCs to give our incumbent governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat another term of office.
“With your votes for Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat, you are signing in for more development and a prosperous Lagos state.
“When he came on board, I am happy that he has done more than he promised four years ago and he will continue to do more.
Read also:Allow State Govts. Make Input In 2022 Electricity Bill – Sanwo-Olu Appeals To House Of Reps.
“Our party, the APC is a symbol of progress and I thank you all for voting for us since 1999. And I urge us to continue to sustain the APC and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat in power to continue to move the state to a greater height.
“I am therefore standing in front of you, on behalf of all Progressives candidates to appeal for your votes for the APC to continue to serve the people better. Lagosians will enjoy more with Sanwo-Olu for another term.”
However, Sanwo-Olu in an Instagram post after the rally said: “In a powerful show of support, our party leaders and members came out to join me in kicking off the journey to our second term which I have called a #GreaterLagosRising .
“I am humbled but energized for the vision that was written and is now in motion.
“Dr. Obafemi Hamzat and I hold forth a report card of service to the people with proof that is beyond mere words, cutting across every sector in our #THEMES agenda as we promised to build #ForAGreaterLagos in our first term.
“Now we say a Greater Lagos is Rising.
“In our first term, we have shown commitment to rapid infrastructural development, the key to the next level of Lagos with completed strategic projects; bridges, roads, ports and many more, rebuilding Lagos and renewing the hope of our residents.
“We upgraded 2 tertiary institutions to degree-awarding schools, rewarded and encouraged excellence thereby improving human capital.
“We have trained 18,000 teachers under the Eko Excel Initiative.” He added.
Sanwo-Olu commended Lagosians for their commitment and support to the party and its candidates.
