The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Sunday surprised Lagos residents with the distribution of 20,000 food packs and a personalised letter to celebrate the 74th birthday of President Bola Tinubu.
The food packs were distributed to different groups and individuals across the nooks and crannies of Lagos State during a symbolic ceremony held at De Blue Roof Event Centre, Agidingbi, as well as other parts of Lagos on Sunday.
The event was attended by top government officials led by the Lagos State Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso as well as Special Adviser, Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Dr. Tajudeen Afolabi. Participants and recipients included political and community leaders; heads of different groups; women and youths, who came out in their numbers to celebrate the 74th birthday of President Bola Tinubu.
The food packs were also distributed to Christian and Muslim faithful at the Chapel of Christ The Light and Central Mosque in Alausa. It was also shared with thousands of Lagos residents at different locations in the 20 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) of the State.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, in an Open Letter to Lagos residents read during the distribution of the items, enjoined every citizen of Lagos State to join him in celebrating the life and remarkable achievements of President Tinubu, whom he described as an “extraordinary leader”.
The Open Letter read by the CDC Chairman of Ojodu LCDA, Mr. Segun Fayemi, wished President Tinubu more years that will bring greater glory to him and to our beloved nation, Nigeria.
He said: “My dear people, as you receive this gift box, know that its contents are more than a token of celebration. Therein is the united voice of Lagos State, saying resoundingly, ‘We stand with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We stand with his Renewed Hope Agenda. We believe in the Nigeria he is building. Yes, we believe!’
“We have endured the pains of the reforms together, and now we are beginning to reap the rewards of our endurance. The worst is behind us, and the best is in sight. As we look towards 2027, let us do so with optimism, confidence and conviction.
“The transformation President Tinubu has begun must not be abandoned midstream. The seeds planted with such courage, boldness and foresight are only just beginning to bear fruits.
“I call upon every Lagosian — every trader in Balogun, every tech entrepreneur in Yaba, every farmer in Epe, every fisherman in Badagry, every banker on the Island, every teacher in Ikorodu, every mother in Alimosho, every father in Mushin, and every student in Surulere — to join me in celebrating our dear President and renewing our commitment to the journey of national rebirth he has so courageously embarked upon.
“May The Almighty grant His Excellency many more years of excellent health, strength, wisdom, and the boundless grace to continue leading our great nation to its destined glory. May this birthday bring him the same joy that his leadership has brought to millions of Nigerians who now dare to believe that a greater, more prosperous, and more united Nigeria is evolving before our very eyes.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu also commended President Tinubu’s contribution to the growth and development of Lagos State during his tenure as the first Governor of Lagos State in the present Fourth Republic.
He said: “As your Governor, I have had the privilege of building upon the legacy President Tinubu created as Governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007. His visionary leadership transformed Lagos into the economic powerhouse it is today – Africa’s second-largest city economy, with a GDP of approximately $259 billion.
“The revenue architecture he pioneered, the institutions he built, and the spirit of excellence he nurtured are the very pillars upon which the Greater Lagos Rising Agenda stands. Lagos, as you know it today, was shaped by the tireless hands and fertile mind of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
Speaking at the event held in Agidingbi, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso described the occasion as a special moment for Nigerians and particularly Lagos residents, noting that the initiative was organised by Governor Sanwo-Olu to ensure Lagosians join in celebrating President Tinubu.
According to Omotoso, the Governor considered it important that residents of the state participate in honouring the President while also benefiting from a welfare initiative.
“It is a special day for Nigeria, a special day for the Black race and a special day for us in Lagos because today is the birthday of our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Mr. Governor felt it was important that Lagosians should participate in celebrating our President,” he said.
Omotoso explained that representatives from different groups were invited to ensure inclusiveness and to enable the palliatives to reach residents across the state. “You have people here representing the local governments and different groups in Lagos. The idea is that all Lagosians should feel that today is the 74th birthday of Mr. President,” the Commissioner said.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to Governor Sanwo-Olu on Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Dr. Tajudeen Afolabi, said the gathering was organised to celebrate President Tinubu’s leadership and contributions to the country.
He disclosed that the initiative reflected Governor Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to supporting residents while celebrating President Tinubu’s birthday.
“This is the gift of Renewed Hope for Lagosians and residents of Lagos State. We also want to thank Mr. Governor for this thoughtful initiative,” he said.
Participants at the event expressed appreciation to Governor Sanwo-Olu for the gesture, describing the distribution of palliatives as timely and impactful amid current economic challenges.
Some beneficiaries commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for remembering residents during the 74th birthday celebration of President Tinubu and pledged continued support for initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of Lagosians.
The event also featured prayers for Nigeria and for President Tinubu’s continued wisdom, strength and success in leading the country.
