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How Sanwo-Olu Reconfigured Percentage In Lagos Revenues – By ABUBAKAR YUSUF
Untill recent times, the parameters used to measure percentage in a standard deviation ranges from 1% to 100% , but the narrative was reversed with dint of hardwork by the Lagos state government, under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu with geometric movement of it’s revenues from 600M in 1999 on inception of the current democracy to the current impressive feat that hovers around 50B to 60B, with impressive sign of more improvements.
Therefore, in statistical analysis and terms, the current administration of Sanwo-Olu changed the revenue fortune of 20B in 2015-2019 to the current level of 50B from 2019-2023.
Within the four years window, over 250% was realised by Sanwo-Olu- Hamzat administration in the area of revenue improvement and generation in Lagos state and by implications from the 600M generated in 1999, over 1000% has been achieved in the current dispensation.
The achievements towards self sustenance in the cosmopolitan Lagos state in all areas of National Development stood out among the 19 Northern states consisting of North Central, North East, and North West interms of Internally Generated Revenue IGR from the official computation released by the National Bureau of Statistics NBS, and also came first from the South West and the entire South geopolitical zones which included South East, South West and South West.
A clear indications that under the current democratic dispensation, inspite of the activities of both natural and artificial occurrences, Lagos state government trailed the federal government in the area of revenue generation.
The gross success that soared Lagos revenue to the roof top was the foresight, acumen and political dexterity of Sanwo-Olu which included the parade of professionals whose wealth of experience transformed the revenue base within the short period of time, a growth that was systematically achieved within the period under review and from 2019-2023.
For Lagos state, the zeal to achieve greater impact geared towards the overall development of the state and to make a positive change on the socioeconomic and general lives of the people was the basis of uninterrupted revenue improvement and enhancement.
Since provision of social services from health to education, infrastructural development, job creation along with wealth creation and development was a corrolary to good governance, the contributions and enhancement of the revenue base of Lagos state by the current administration was not out of place.
The positive jerk up in revenue profile of Lagos state had contributed to the GDP of the state and the overall GDP of Nigeria and also exposed the country to both local and international investors as well as turned the cosmopolitan Lagos to a hub of both organised private sector and multinational corporations.
With adequate education and awareness, the citizenry had developed the enability to payment of various taxes that ranges from personal income tax among many others.
With continuous exploration of revenue base and avoidance of leakages through a well thought out administrative wizardry and professional disposition, no doubt the sustenance of the current positive trend by the Sanwo-Olu’s administration will be easier done than said both now and in the nearest future.
With the impressive revenue base, political will and the zeal by the current leadership under Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu in deploying such huge accumulation had attracted Lagosians into giving more supports to his re-election.
With continuous mobilisation of Internally Generated Revenue IGR on a monthly basis, it had encouraged the initiatives of more people oriented programs and dividends of democracy among many other interventions in Lagos state.
From the initial revenue of 600M in 1999 to 20B in 2019 , two decades away, the brisk jerking up of to 50B within just four years life span of Sanwo-Olu administration, was indicative that with his return to office between 2023-2027 , it is expected that Lagos revenue profile will move to 100B considering various exploitation, programs and policies been put in place by the current administration.
In this vein and to ensure continuity, all hands must be on deck to support the re-election of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for a second term in office owing largely to the success story recorded in the revenue generation and utilisation by the Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration in Lagos state amidst COVID and ENDSARS.
Written By ABUBAKAR YUSUF and can be reached on yus.abubakar3@gmail.com.
The Senior Pastor and founder of Zion Flames Prophetic and Intercessory Ministries (ZFPIM),Apostle Promise Momo, has called on Nigerians to shun ethnic bigotry and embrace love and unity to move the nation forward.
In an Easter message personally signed and shared with journalists in Lagos, Apostle Momo emphasized the need for Nigerians to see one another as brothers and sisters, regardless of ethnic differences.
“We must look for ways to unify the nation in love, because united we stand and divided we fall,” he said.
The cleric condemned acts of hatred, violence, and exploitation, stating, “It is not the will of God to see people killing each other or hating one another, cheating one another, taking advantage of people, or preying on the weak.”
He urged Nigerians to build a society grounded in love and unity, warning that progress would remain elusive without these values.
Reflecting on the significance of Easter, Apostle Momo described the holiday as a cornerstone of Christian faith.
“Easter Sunday, or Resurrection Sunday, is one of the most significant Christian holidays on the calendar,” he said.
“The day commemorates the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, who resurrected after three days in the tomb.”
Quoting John 3:16, he added, “Jesus Christ is love personified… I want to see love come back to life amongst we Nigerians.”
The pastor’s message comes at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with ethnic tensions and social divisions, underscoring the urgency of his call for unity.
Says Leadership Not Contest Of Noise
Says Nigerian Leaders Should Prioritize Governance over Politics
The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Most Rev Ignatius Kaigama has called on the Federal Government to address the challenges of insecurity, revive the economy, and restore the dignity of human lives because Nigeria is bleeding, people are hungry, unsafe and disillusioned.
According to him, as a people, the citizens must rise above despair, division, and violence and commit themselves to peace, justice, and truth.
“Our country is bleeding – our people are hungry, unsafe, and disillusioned. It is therefore imperative that politicians in government focus more on addressing the real challenges before us: ending insecurity, reviving the economy, and restoring the dignity of Nigerian lives”, he said
While describing the political tensions and institutional breakdown that led to the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State as “deeply troubling”, the cleric said that although government intervention in moments of crisis is sometimes necessary to restore order and protect democratic institutions, the government must be cautious in its reactions and avoid actions that could further polarize an already tense environment.
Kaigama said these in his Easter Message titled, “The Light Shines in the Darkness, and the Darkness Cannot Overcome It”, taken from John 1:5 and sent to Arise News in Abuja.
He said Easter is not just a Christian ritual—but a powerful reminder that light always follows darkness, and life prevails over death.
Kaigama said, “Yet, even as we celebrate, our hearts are heavy with grief and concern over the senseless bloodshed and insecurity that continue to plague our land.
We mourn the tragic and reckless killing of innocent travellers in Uromi, Edo State—lives cut short without reason or mercy.
“We grieve the repeated violence and massacres in Bokkos and Bassa Local Government Areas of Plateau State, where entire communities are being decimated. These attacks have left families shattered and dreams destroyed, and they underscore the urgent need for a sincere and coordinated response to insecurity across Nigeria.
We are also alarmed by the continual hunger and economic hardship gripping our people. Families struggle daily to put food on the table, and children go to bed hungry in a nation so richly blessed.
“The desperation in the land is palpable, and it calls for immediate action from all levels of government, faith-based institutions, and citizens. As Jesus fed the multitudes with compassion, so must we work together to ensure that no Nigerian goes hungry in the midst of plenty.
“Equally distressing is the increasing trend of kidnapping and targeted attacks on clergy, especially priests who dedicate their lives to serving others. These brutal acts not only rob families of their loved ones but also strike at the heart of our moral and spiritual fabric. Every priest kidnapped or murdered is a blow to the conscience of our nation.
“In addition, the recent political tensions and institutional breakdown that led to the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State are deeply troubling. While government intervention in moments of crisis is sometimes necessary to restore order and protect democratic institutions, we must be cautious in our reactions and avoid actions that could further polarize an already tense environment.
“Let this moment serve as a call to all stakeholders – political leaders, traditional authorities, civil society, and citizens – to embrace dialogue over division. No democracy can thrive without the culture of give and take, live and let live.
Power, like life, is transient. Therefore, we must strive to build bridges and not burn them, to prioritize the welfare of the people over personal or party interests. Let us resist the temptation of inflammatory rhetoric and embrace peace, understanding, and mutual respect as the pathway to lasting stability.
“We must also be deeply concerned about the rising tide of acrimonious political rhetoric that is spreading across the nation. Words are powerful, and when used carelessly, they can inflame tensions and deepen our divisions. This is not yet the time for political campaigns or endless jostling for power.
Let us demand accountability and protection for every Nigerian, regardless of tribe, faith, or region.
He said since leadership is a sacred responsibility, not a contest of noise, Nigerian leaders should “prioritize governance over politics, solutions over slogans, and unity over personal ambition. Nigeria needs healing, not hostility.”
Kaigama said that in the face of the darkness that seems to surround Nigeria and envelop her lands, “we must not lose hope” as Easter teaches that even the tomb cannot hold back the power of resurrection.
“As a people, we must rise above despair, division, and violence. Let us commit ourselves to peace, justice, and truth. Let us demand accountability and protection for every Nigerian, regardless of tribe, faith, or region.
“This Easter, may the risen Christ ignite in us the courage to speak up against evil, the strength to support one another, and the wisdom to build a Nigeria where dignity and life are sacred once again. Let our celebration not just be of Christ’s resurrection, but of the renewal of our national spirit. May God bless Nigeria, and may peace reign in our hearts and across our land”, the cleric emphasized.
ENDS***
Zion Flames Prophetic and Intercessory Ministries, a Nigerian church, has extended its charitable outreach to Uganda, donating food items, diapers, and clothes to an orphanage in Kampala during Good Friday.
The gesture, aimed at sharing love with vulnerable children, underscores the church’s ongoing commitment to supporting disadvantaged communities across Africa.
Glory Momo, the church’s Director of Protocol and Communication Strategy, presented the items to the orphanage, emphasising the ministry’s five-year legacy of philanthropy.
“Our ministry has been known for charity work across Africa,” Momo said during the event.
In a statement issued to journalists on Sunday, he added, “We have reached out to less privileged communities, refugee communities, and provided scholarships to students in Nigeria and across Africa.”
The church’s mission, according to Momo, is divinely inspired.
“This is what God has called us to do as a church, and we will not relent. What you see us do here in Uganda is simply sharing love with those who need it most—children who have been abandoned.
“We will continue, as the Lord enables us, to show love across the continent and the world.”
This is not the first time Zion Flames Ministries International has supported vulnerable groups.
The church has a history of aiding disadvantaged communities in Nigeria, including hosting celebrations with orphans during the Christmas season.
The donation comes as part of the church’s broader efforts to uplift marginalised groups, with its leadership pledging to sustain such initiatives in Uganda and beyond.