ANALYSIS: Appraising implementation of Lagos State’s THEMES Plus Agenda

When he was inaugurated for the first term on May 29, 2019, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo anchored his administration on what he called THEMES Agenda.
The acronym stands for Transportation and Traffic Management, Health and Environment, Education and Technology, Making Lagos State a 21st Century Megacity, Entertainment and Tourism, and Security and Governance.
The agenda guided the first term of the administration of Sanwo-Olu, the 15th Governor of Lagos State.
Analysts scored the administration high in the realisation of the set goals.
At his inauguration for the second term on May 29, 2023, the governor advanced his administration’s agenda, tagging it THEMES Plus Agenda.
“Henceforth, it will be known as THEMES Plus. The ‘plus’ represents incorporation of an intensified focus, in the next four years, on social inclusion, gender equality and youth development.
“In other words, we are strengthening and reinforcing THEMES with a No One Left Behind’ philosophy.
“ No one will be left behind on account of their social status, gender or age; we will design all our policies and programmes to ensure that everyone is carried along and catered to,” Sanwo-Olu had said.
Analysts are convinced that the administration has shown commitment to realising its THEMES Plus Agenda, 18 months after.
They observe that the administration’s commitment to improving transport and traffic management, particularly, is unwavering.
A public affairs analyst, Mrs Abiola Akinola, notes that Sanwo-Olu, on May 29, 2024, at the Badore Ajah Jetty, launched 15 49-seat boats to strengthen the state’s water transport system.
She adds that the recent inauguration of the 27km Red Line Rail – from Agbado to Oyinbo – provided another efficient alternative to road transport, significantly tackling traffic congestion.
She also notes that Sanwo-Olu, in his first term in office, inaugurated the Blue Line Rail – from Marina to Mile 2.
“The expansion of the Bus Rapid Transit network has also been successful.
“With new routes and additional buses, the BRT system has improved coverage and reduced waiting times for commuters,” Akinola says.
Lagos state Commissioner of Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, describes the launch of the new Omnibus boats as a testament to the commitment of the administration to improving quality of life for all Lagos residents.
According to him, the Sanwo-Olu administration is determined to do more to improve the state transport system.
A journalist, Mrs Francisca Okolo, is of the opinion that the Sanwo-Olu administration has also made significant progress in healthcare delivery.
“The completion and upgrading of several general hospitals and primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) have improved healthcare delivery across the state,” she says.
She also praises the government’s free medical outreach – “Alafia Eko” – aimed at providing essential healthcare services to 50,000 residents.
She notes that Alafia Eko is part of the broader Eko Cares Programme meant to reduce hardship.
“The expansion of the Lagos State Health Scheme has provided more residents with access to affordable healthcare services, reducing out-of-pocket expenses,” she argues.
Okolo, however, believes that challenges persist particularly in accessing quality healthcare in rural areas.
“There is also a notable shortage of healthcare professionals.
“Addressing this gap is crucial for effective healthcare delivery.”
Dr. Anderson Chimeziri, the President of the Nigerian Optometric Association, also believes that Lagos State is doing a lot to ensure adequate healthcare for the residents.
He, however, urges that more should be done.
“Lagos State is really making some positive impacts.
“One of the major issues we have is large population. No matter how good you prepare a system, when the population is too much, it makes it difficult.
“There is the need to make PHCs more efficient,” he urges.
He calls for more attention to eye care and dental care.
An entertainment enthusiast, Mr Lanre Ojo, strongly believes that the entertainment sector has also flourished under Sanwo-Olu’s leadership.
“Support for the creative industry through funding and capacity-building programmes has enhanced employment and talent development.
“Efforts to promote Lagos as a tourism destination have been successful, with initiatives such as the Lagos Tourism Master Plan and events such as the Eko Festival attracting tourists and showcasing the state’s rich cultural heritage,” he argues.
Ojo identifies establishment of the Yoruba Museum as one of the notable achievements of the administration in the sector.
“ This museum celebrates Yoruba culture and heritage, providing a significant boost to cultural tourism in Lagos.
According to Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, the state Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, youths in the state are being trained in various areas of filmmaking.
The commissioner says the ministry has empowered no fewer than 3,748 youths in the second tenure of Sanwo-Olu.
“Gov. Sanwo-Olu has also approved further training of over 5,000 youths.
“Lagos State Government is currently in partnership with four creative academies to enhance the capacities of young creative practitioners,” she says.
The official identifies the academies as Dell-York Film Academy, GiDi Creative Academy, Ebony Life Creative Academy, and African Film Academy.
“This gesture by the government is informed by the need to bridge identified skill-gap in the creative sector and position residents of the state who are in the creative field to compete globally with their contemporaries when it comes to film production,” she adds.
Dr Emeka Rollas, National President of Actors Guild of Nigeria also scored the Sanwo-Olu administration high in promoting Lagos as a hub for entertainment.
“One of his notable initiatives is the launch of the $100 million Lagos Film City project, which aims to establish Lagos as a major player in the African film industry.
“This project is expected to provide world-class infrastructure for film production, creating opportunities for local filmmakers and boosting the state’s economy,” he says.
Rollas adds that the administration has implemented policies to support the growth of the entertainment sector in recognition of its potential to create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
“Lots of local companies have been engaged to train individuals in film editing, cinematography and other value chains involved in film production.
“Sanwo-Olu has made remarkable impacts on infrastructure development, policy support and job creation.
Rollas, however, says there are still challenges to be tackled.
“While there are commendable achievements, present challenges highlight areas where further improvement is needed.
“ Addressing these issues will be crucial for continued well-being of Lagos residents, ensuring a brighter future for the fifth largest economy in West Africa,” Rollas says.
Analysts urge the administration to ensure effective implementation of the THEMES Plus Agenda in its remains years to take Lagos to greater heights.