By Michael Effiong
In Nigeria when a political office holder who occupies an executive position seeks a second term, the excuse is that it is to complete projects or programmes which they were unable to complete in the first term.
Very often, this never happens and that is how the “Second Term Syndrome” entered the Nigerian political lexicon. This phenomenon now means lethargy, it is also another name for what is now popularly known as “Catching Cruise”
Indeed, many see the second term as an opportunity to recoup their investment in politics while others see it as a chance to secure their future and grab their retirement benefit in one swell swoop.
Therefore, a lot of people are no longer enthused when political office holders seek a second term.But one man seems to have decided from the get go to change this narrative and redefine this negative perception -and he is the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
It was popular American author and motivational speaker, John C. Maxwell who stated that “ A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way” In his considered opinion, a leader must have clarity of thought and believes so much in his vision that he can take others there by leading from the front.
It is within this context of leadership that one views the way Governor Sanwo-Olu has carried out his activities in the last few months. He seems to be like a man that is fired up to stamp some kind of imprint in the minds and hearts of the people. He seems to be more than ever determined to leave a legacy.
In his first term, he ran with the THEME Agenda, acronym for Traffic Management & Transportation, Health & Environment, Education & Technology, Making Lagos 21st Century Economy, Entertainment & Tourism and now he says his focus will be called “THEME Plus”.
In his inauguration speech, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the “plus” represents the incorporation of an intensified focus on social inclusion, gender equality and youth. He asked Lagosians to get ready for more growth and development.
I am sure that many people who read or watched this speech felt it was the usual political feel-good speech with no intention for implementation.
But Governor Sanwo-Olu is confounding even his greatest critics with the supersonic speed he is taking on tasks these days.
Let me begin with the area of bringing sanity to our environment. It is said that cleanliness is next to godliness but everyone will agree with me that though we profess to be adherents of this or that religion, we have not been godly in the way we have handled our environment.
Governor Sanwo-Olu through his Commissioner of Environment has been walking the talk, and leading from the front. The Ministry has been hitting hard on many fronts despite the outcry.
I am not surprised at this impact being made by the Commissioner, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab. Wahab, a lawyer, served in Sanwo-Olu’s first term as the Special Adviser on Education. His purview was basically tertiary institution and there is no doubt that he gave a good account of himself.
Under his watch, the state got approval for the establishment of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology and the Lagos State University of Education. That was not all, he got a private sector agreement with property developers to build, operate and transfer 8,272 units of hostels to make the Lagos State University attain its pride of place as a residential institution since its inception over 35 years ago. And other laudable feats.
Maybe it was as a result of this proven achievements that Governor Sanwo-Olu decided that the best man to man the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources is Mr. Wahab.
The new lease of life in the Lagos State Ministry of Environment is nothing but commendable, it began by an enlightenment programme and now they have entered the phase of enforcement.
The Governor has been hands-on in his quest for a #cleanerLagos. The other day he was at the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway where he gave a one week ultimatum to all those who have mounted illegal structures and own broken down trucks. He has also been on the offensive on street traders along the railway routes.
Perhaps, as a demonstration of his seriousness, he was on the streets after a downpour in Isale Eko, central Lagos for another on-the-spot assessment early this week.
He waded through the flood, defied the rains as he visited the troubled spots where he again gave an ultimatum to those who have mounted illegal structures that have blocked the drains and informed them that he wants to regenerate the area for their collective economic and social benefit.
In the same vein, the Ministry of Environment has taken the bull by the horns by closing popular markets such as Mile 12 International, Owode Onirin, Ladipo Market, Oyingbbo Markets etc for such unhealth activities indiscriminate dumping of refuse, filthy environment, blocked and littered drainages
If you have ever stepped into any of these markets, you will agree with Governor Sanwo-Olu that declaring a state of emergency on their cleanliness is a step in the right direction. Lagos is a centre of excellence and the overall surrounding of these markets have been well below par. A leader must be fair and firm, and Mr. Governor Sanwo-Olu is showing the proper way.
Apart from the Environment, another area the Governor is showing capacity is the Entertainment industry. The other day, Governor Sanwo-Olu was at the official press conference of the African International Film Festival (AFRIFF) founded by mediaprenuer, Chioma Ude
There, governor revealed that the state will be doing the groundbreaking of the African Film City before the end of October. According to him, it will be situated on 100 hectares of land in Epe and it is $100million project.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said this City is intended to enhance originality in content creation in Nollywood as the first studios will be ready in 24 to 30 months. That was not all, he also announced that grants would be available for creatives.
I know as usual, some critics will snigger at his intention to invest in entertainment and the creative industry, but if we really look at it, which industry is at the moment giving us the most popularity, prestige and even foreign exchange if not music and movies. Entertainment has become the most potent force for the promotion of brand Nigeria.
There is no way, I would write this without mentioning that in line with the first aspect of the THEME plus agenda, operations of the Lagos Mass Transit Blue Line System has begun in earnest.
This is a significant addition to the Lagos Traffic and Transportation management system for a mega city. An efficient rail system is long overdue in Lagos and the time the Red Line joins the frat at least Lagosians will enjoy a comfortable train service and endure less stress in traffic like major capitals of the worlds.
Yes, it is just beginning but the signs are there that Governor Sanwo-Olu is well on his way to writing his name on the sands of time.
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