Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called for a renewed commitment to unity, discipline, and service as guiding principles for Nigeria’s continued progress. The governor made the call on Wednesday during a visit to Arewa House in Kaduna, the historic residence of Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto.
Speaking at the event, Sanwo-Olu described the experience of standing where one of Nigeria’s founding fathers once lived as a profound reminder of the vision and courage that shaped the nation’s early years.
“As we mark 65 years of independence, I reflected on how far we’ve come and how President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is guiding us toward a stronger, fairer future,” he said.
The governor praised Sir Ahmadu Bello’s legacy of service, discipline, and human development, noting that those same values underpin President Tinubu’s leadership style and reform agenda.
“Sir Ahmadu Bello led with conviction, even when misunderstood. Those same values define President Tinubu’s approach to leadership with reforms that may be tough today but are vital for long-term progress,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He highlighted major policy initiatives such as subsidy removal, tax and fiscal reforms, and the push for state policing, describing them as critical steps toward rebuilding Nigeria’s foundation and promoting accountability and inclusiveness.
Sanwo-Olu also reflected on the importance of leadership and legacy, urging Nigerians to emulate the devotion of the nation’s founding leaders to unity, justice, and progress.
“Leadership, to me, is about legacy. We must ask whether we are walking in the footsteps of those who came before us,” he said.
Concluding his remarks, the governor reaffirmed his belief in Nigeria’s diversity as a source of strength.
“Nigeria’s diversity is our strength. Together, across every region and culture, we will build the prosperous, inclusive nation we all dream of,” Sanwo-Olu declared.
