Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to engaging with the youth to achieve its goals and programs, while firmly rejecting ethnic bigotry.
During a national television interview, Hamzat condemned the “Igbo Must Go” campaign by faceless groups in the South West, including Lagos.
Hamzat criticized the comment made by “Lagospedia” on X with the hashtag #Igbomustgo, asserting that there is no room for ethnic bigotry in Lagos.
He emphasized that such sentiments are contrary to the policies of the current administration, which values peaceful coexistence among diverse tribes.
“These faceless people just came up and said the Igbo must leave; this is absolute nonsense which is why the Governor immediately denounced it. Lagos is accommodating, and that is who we are. Even when we were young, we’ve all lived together peacefully, and there is no need for people to become ethnic bigots,” Hamzat stated.
The Deputy Governor assured residents of the government’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property. He noted that the administration is working with security agencies to identify those behind the inflammatory tweet and ensure the safety of all Lagosians.
According to Hamzat, “The unwavering commitment of the present administration to protecting the lives and property of all Lagos residents, is not negotiable,” emphasizing that the government under the leadership of Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu is working with security agencies to fish out the people behind the tweet and assured the citizens of their safety.
“These faceless people just came up and said the Igbo must leave, this is absolute nonsense which is why the Governor immediately denounced it. Lagos is accommodating and that is who we are. Even when we were young, we’ve all lived together peacefully and there is no need for people to become ethnic bigots,” the deputy governor stated.
Hamzat highlighted the administration’s efforts to engage with the youth across various sectors, providing them with modern facilities and technology to reach their full potential.
“Lagos is committed to providing the youth with cutting-edge facilities and technology, thereby empowering them to reach their full potential, including the desire to drive innovation and growth in the state,” he said.
He also outlined the administration’s major initiatives, including improvements in road infrastructure, agriculture, food security, and transportation through road, water, and rail projects.
He noted that every local government in Lagos is benefiting from tangible projects regularly.
“There is no local government in Lagos that the present administration is not doing tangible projects on a regular basis,” Hamzat stated.
He highlighted Lagos as the only sub-sovereign entity in the world to build a rail system on its balance sheet, emphasizing the importance of completing the blue and red lines to improve transportation for residents. Hamzat encouraged private sector participation in these projects to further develop the state’s economy.
He reiterated that “Lagos is the only sub-sovereign in the world to build rail on its balance sheet, adding that ‘what we think of, is that we cannot be a metropolitan state without a rail and finishing the blue and red line is our target. Let us be able to move our people conveniently.’”
In addition to infrastructure, Hamzat stressed the state’s commitment to enhancing local agricultural production to foster economic growth, address food price inflation, and promote food security.
He cited the example of tomato production in Badagry, which feeds over 20% of residents, with plans to scale up production.
According to Hamzat, in Badagry the state is producing enough tomatoes that will feed over 20 percent of residents, and “the government is keen to scale up the production further, aiming to make this essential commodity more widely available to consumers across the state.”
The deputy governor concluded by emphasizing the administration’s dedication to creating a prosperous and inclusive Lagos, urging the community to remain united against divisive elements.