Sanusi Declares 2026 “A New Beginning” for Amuwo-Odofin, Pledges Inclusive Governance
By Arikawe Femi
The Executive Chairman of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government, Hon. Prince Lanre Sanusi, has described the year 2026 as “A New Beginning” for the local government, pledging renewed commitment to inclusive governance, infrastructure renewal, youth empowerment, and improved service delivery.
In his New Year message released on Wednesday, Sanusi extended greetings to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, traditional rulers, community leaders, youths, and residents of Amuwo-Odofin, urging collective responsibility in driving development across the local government.
According to the council chairman, 2026 represents a defining phase that demands accelerated governance, accountability, and deeper impact in meeting the aspirations of the people.
Sanusi stated that his administration remains guided by a leadership philosophy anchored on compassion, transparency, accessibility, and measurable outcomes, a vision he described as “Leadership with Compassion, Governance with Purpose.”
He recalled the presentation of the 2026 Budget tagged “A New Beginning,” describing it as a people-oriented fiscal framework designed to reposition Amuwo-Odofin for sustainable growth. The budget, he said, prioritises infrastructure renewal, primary healthcare, youth and women empowerment, education support, security enhancement, and expanded social welfare programmes.
The chairman acknowledged the challenges inherited by his administration, particularly infrastructure decay, environmental neglect, sanitation issues, and declining public confidence in governance, especially in communities such as Festac Town.
However, he noted that since assuming office, his administration has taken concrete steps to reverse years of neglect, citing ongoing road rehabilitation projects across major corridors in Festac Town, including 4th Avenue, 5th Avenue, 51 Road, 52 Road, and 23 Roads, with additional roads already contracted for commencement in the new year.
Sanusi also highlighted intensified environmental sanitation efforts, market reorganisation, restoration of public spaces, and social intervention programmes, including food distribution and welfare support that have benefited over 5,000 vulnerable households.
Emphasising youth empowerment as a key pillar of his administration, the chairman said investments in skills acquisition, vocational training, and entrepreneurship were aimed at preparing young people for self-reliance and economic productivity.
On security, Sanusi disclosed that the local government is strengthening collaboration with security agencies through community policing initiatives, surveillance support, and investment in safety-enhancing infrastructure to ensure peace and protect livelihoods.
Describing his position as deeply personal, Sanusi noted that he is the first indigenous son of Amuwo-Odofin to serve as Executive Chairman, a responsibility he said carries a sacred duty to preserve heritage and secure a better future for coming generations.
He also called on the organised private sector, corporate bodies, investors, and development partners to explore public-private partnerships with the local government in areas such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, security, environmental sustainability, and youth development.
Sanusi reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to open, people-centred governance, assuring residents that his government would continue to engage constructively, listen attentively, and deliver responsibly.
“As we journey through 2026, we remain committed to building a safer, healthier, more inclusive, and economically vibrant Amuwo-Odofin,” he said.
