The governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, embarked on a campaign tour of major markets populated by people from the South-East on Tuesday.
Sanwo-Olu took a tour of the markets ahead of Saturday’s governorship election, following the open endorsement for his re-election by the Ndigbo community in the state.
Sanwo-Olu received a hearty welcome at an open forum hosted by businesspeople in the Trade Fair Complex, Ojo, under the auspices of the Auto Spare Parts and Machinery Retailers Association.
At the open forum, the governor vowed to protect Ndigbo businesses and properties in Lagos State.
Sanwo-Olu also met a collection of Igbo traders in 58 significant markets in Lagos. The Ndigboamaka Progressive Markets Association, which represents the traders, garnered full support for the governor’s reelection.
Also, the governor spoke with vendors in Ikeja’s well-known Computer Village market, which sells technology like computers, smartphones, and other gadgets. The engagements were initiated in response to concerns raised over the safety of businesses and properties owned by South-East traders in Lagos.
Sanwo-Olu allayed the fears of the Igbo traders, assuring them that Lagos would continue to be a melting pot for all Nigerians. He said his administration would continue to foster security and promote peaceful coexistence among all ethnic nationalities in the state.
“I am here on a solidarity visit and to thank you for your public endorsement of my humble self, which I believe will be reflected at the polls on Saturday with the highest number of votes cast from members of your community.
“You are not giving us your support for anything; you believe we deserve this encouragement because my team and I have worked tirelessly to improve your well-being.
“Very soon, Ojo will have a brand-new General Hospital that will serve your needs. You also have seen expressways and bridges being completed on this corridor and we have awarded a rail project into Okokomaiko that will aid the movement of people and goods.”
“I am excited that Lagos is on the path of growth. Through your cooperation and peaceful coexistence, we can ensure that we will not only build the state, but we will also build a better country for ourselves,” the governor said at the Trade Fair forum.”
He reassured the Igbo businessmen that his government was committed to their prosperity and added that the state’s recent clearance for the construction of Badagry Seaport was intended to speed up economic growth and improve logistics, particularly in the transit of products.
Sanwo-Olu assured Lagos’ non-indigenes of his administration’s dedication to their safety and security while pleading with Igbo traders not to believe the rumors that they would be attacked as a result of their voting decisions.
“We will continue to work with your leadership to enhance cooperation and identify areas we can improve on to foster peace and stability. We will not be hostile to any community of non-indigenes. For as long as you conduct yourselves in a peaceful manner, your safety and security will remain our priority. There is no need for any law-abiding resident to be scared,” he said
