Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has described Lagos as a “Yoruba United States” — a symbol of diversity, unity, and progress that continues to set the pace for Nigeria’s growth and development.
The governor made the remark on Wednesday while addressing participants at the South-West Citizen-Government Engagement Summit held in Akure, Ondo State, an event that brought together governors, traditional rulers, political leaders, and business figures from across the region.
“I stand here not only as a humble leader among the South-West governors, but as the governor of the largest population in our country — the economic and commercial nerve centre of Nigeria, the state of aquatic splendour that accommodates every tribe, religion, and race.
Yet, above all, Lagos stands as a Yoruba United States, a state that continues to reinvent itself and set the pace for the nation,” Sanwo-Olu said.
In a statement shared via his social media handles, Sanwo-Olu called on the South-West to once again lead Nigeria’s renewal through unity, shared vision, and strategic collaboration among its states and communities.
He praised the creation of the South-West Development Commission (SWDC) — initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and backed by the National Assembly — describing it as a “historic opportunity” to advance regional development similar to the achievements of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo in the old Western Region.
“With the South-West Development Commission, we now have a platform to plan and deliver the kind of regional progress that once defined our region under Chief Awolowo,” the governor stated.
Sanwo-Olu also commended President Tinubu’s ongoing economic reforms, noting that Nigeria is beginning to regain stability, investor confidence, and optimism.
“Under President Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria is regaining stability and optimism. His reforms are working, the economy is growing, investment is returning, and the future looks brighter,” he said.
The governor highlighted key Lagos infrastructure projects poised to benefit from renewed investor interest, including the Fourth Mainland Bridge, the Green Line Rail Project, and the Lekki International Airport.
Reaffirming the South-West’s leadership role in Nigeria’s socio-economic revival, Sanwo-Olu concluded:
“The South-West can, and must, lead Nigeria’s renewal. The spirit of innovation and courage that shaped our past still lives within us today, and together, we will rise to this moment.”
