By Stephen Simon
Lagos State Deputy Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has promised to decentralise governance and accelerate economic development by harnessing the potential of the state’s five administrative divisions.
Hamzat, who spoke on Thursday during KOH Unscripted on IKD 106.1 FM in Ikorodu, said residents should not be compelled to travel to Alausa to access government services that could be provided closer to their communities.
He proposed the establishment of mini-secretariats in Ikorodu, Badagry and Epe, saying the facilities would be empowered to handle up to 80 per cent of government transactions, while only complex matters would be referred to the state secretariat.
The deputy governor also outlined plans to strengthen the state’s integrated transport system through major interchanges linking buses, rail and ferry services. He said the planned introduction of 77 electric buses would help reduce transportation costs while improving connectivity across the state.
Hamzat identified Ikorodu’s strengths in agriculture, food processing and transportation, stressing that infrastructure development would be aligned with emerging institutions and economic opportunities across the Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos Island and Epe (IBILE) divisions.
He said Lagos should be developed as a borderless metropolis, noting that neighbouring states also depend heavily on the state’s hospitals, roads and water infrastructure. He cited the Orile-Agege General Hospital, where he said many patients come from outside Lagos.
Hamzat further pledged to expand the Ikorodu General Hospital and other health facilities, including the provision of accommodation for medical personnel. He also promised to complete the Adiyan Water Project to improve water supply and reform local government administration to strengthen accountability and eliminate ghost workers.
He, however, stressed that government alone could not provide every institution and service required by the state, urging citizens to take greater responsibility for contributing to Lagos’ development.
