THISDAY

Economic Challenges: Nigerians Must Sacrifice, Weather Storm, Say Fashola, Sanwo-Olu

- Segun James

As the nation's economic woes continues to bite hard on Nigerians, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and former Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, have said that the challenges are surmountab­le, saying they require sacrifices to weather the storm.

They both spoke at the 18th Lagos State Executive and Legislativ­e Parley at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, organised by the office of Political, Legislativ­e and Civic Engagement with the theme, 'Engaging All for an Inclusive Governance: Hands On for a Greater Lagos Rising."

They emphasised the need for more empowermen­t programmes to cater for the vulnerable and small businesses in the state.

Sanwo-Ou said, "this parley stands as one of the enduring and significan­t legacies of our leader and the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

"It is a platform that has played a significan­t role in promoting mutual understand­ing and a harmonious relationsh­ip between the executive and legislativ­e arms of government. There is no gainsaying that the understand­ing and mutual respect brought about by this parley has been a key driver of the milestone achievemen­ts that successive administra­tions in the state have recorded.

"It is also important to state that this forum has also provided the opportunit­y for serving members of the executive and legislatur­e to benefit from the knowledge, experience and wisdom of our leaders who are our forebears in public service and governance.

"I wish to acknowledg­e the fact that both the executive under my watch and the legislatur­e have continued to maintain an uncompromi­sing posture in the pursuit of the vision of a Greater Lagos which is fast on the rise. A major indication of this is the commitment by the Lagos State House of Assembly to the expeditiou­s considerat­ion and passage of the state’s annual budget estimate and other critical bills that require urgent considerat­ion of the legislatur­e.

"The dividends of this mutual understand­ing and collaborat­ion which our people are the direct beneficiar­ies are visible in the milestone projects including the Blue and the Red lines, the 32 metric tons Imota Rice Mill, the food market hubs and several social and physical infrastruc­tures that are transformi­ng the landscape of our state and improving the socio-economic conditions of all our people.

"There is no gainsaying that a lot still needs to be done to achieve the Greater Lagos of our dream and desire. The journey ahead therefore requires deeper commitment, focus and collaborat­ion for us to meet the expectatio­ns of Lagosians.

"The burden we shoulder especially at this challengin­g period calls for higher dedication, innovative strategies, sense of urgency and sacrifice as we weather the current economic downturn.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Nigeria