Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has declared that the Lagos State Government will intensify efforts to consolidate on its achievements while navigating the aftermath of a difficult 2025 marked by tragedies. The governor made this commitment during the state's annual New Year Thanksgiving Service held at the Tafawa Balewa Square on Lagos Island.
A Year of Highs and Lows: Remembering 2025's Challenges
Addressing a gathering of top government officials and religious leaders, Governor Sanwo-Olu reflected on the mixed fortunes of the past year. He stated that Lagos State witnessed both significant successes and devastating low points in 2025, managing a series of tragedies including major fires and floods.
The governor specifically highlighted the Christmas Eve fire that gutted the 25-storey Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) House on Martins Street, Lagos Island. He also recalled another severe fire incident at Afriland Towers in September. "In these incidents – and others we witnessed in 2025 – lives were lost, injuries were sustained, and livelihoods and property were affected," Sanwo-Olu said, extending condolences to the victims and their families.
He praised the dedication of the state's healthcare workers and emergency responders, acknowledging their role in going "above and beyond the call of duty." Despite the challenges, the governor emphasized that the state remains grateful and is committed to improving safety standards and emergency response systems.
The Final Full-Year Push: Key Projects for 2026
Governor Sanwo-Olu noted that 2026 holds special significance as it marks his last full year in office as Governor of Lagos State. He expressed a deep drive to make the year "count – deliberately and decisively" for the benefit of all residents, guided by the administration's THEMES+ development agenda.
The governor unveiled a list of transformational projects slated for completion and commissioning within the year. These priority projects include:
- The Ojo General Hospital.
- The Odo Iya-Alaro Link Bridge.
- The new Massey Children’s Hospital.
- The Central Food Security Systems and Logistics Hub in Epe.
- The new Psychiatric Hospital in Ketu Ereyun, Epe.
- A new Multi-Storey Office Complex in Alausa.
In the critical area of road infrastructure, Sanwo-Olu promised the completion of several key projects across the state:
- In Ikorodu: The Igbogbo–Bola Ahmed Tinubu-Igbe Road; Agric Isawo-Konu-Arepo Road (Phase One); the Gberigbe Road from Ewu Elepe to Gberigbe Town; and the Adamo-Akanun-Agunfoye-Lugbusi Road.
- In Ikeja: The Opebi-Mende Link Bridge and its approach roads.
- In Eti-Osa/Lekki: The Eti-Osa/Lekki/Epe Expressway, Phase 2A, from Eleko Junction to Greensprings and from Majek to Abraham Adesanya.
Technical Committee Formed for GNI Building Demolition
In a related development, Governor Sanwo-Olu has constituted a Technical Recovery and Demolition Committee for the fire-ravaged GNI Building. This move came after the governor visited the scene of the inferno ten days after the incident.
The committee, chaired by the Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, Olugbenga Oyerinde, has a clear mandate. It is tasked with developing and implementing a controlled and safe demolition plan for the damaged structure and its immediate surroundings in the shortest possible time, with paramount priority given to public and responder safety.
Authorities confirmed that intermittent pockets of fire are still being observed, primarily from combustible materials like textiles stored inside, not from the building's core structure. The official casualty figures stand at eight confirmed fatalities (five identified, three yet to be identified) and 13 persons successfully rescued. Search operations continue in safer sections of the debris.
The high-profile thanksgiving service was attended by a cross-section of Lagos's political and religious leadership, including Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat and his wife, APC Lagos Chairman Cornelius Ojelabi, Chief Judge Justice Kazeem Alogba, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, and several prominent clerics.
