Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has expressed confidence that Nigeria can overcome its security challenges through unity, collaborative governance, and empowering states and local governments.

Speaking on Tuesday at a special lecture in Kaduna commemorating Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, Sanwo-Olu emphasized the need for decentralized governance, local policing, and grassroots reforms to address insecurity, poverty, and hunger.

“The time has come for Nigeria to embrace state-driven innovation and accountability. We must strengthen local governance and ensure that every Nigerian feels the benefits of democracy,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu highlighted that effective economic reforms, infrastructure development, and inclusive governance are critical for national stability and unity. He praised Nigeria’s diverse cultural and religious heritage, noting that diversity should be a source of strength rather than division.

He also lauded President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to increase allocations to states and local governments, reform tax policies, and enhance local authorities’ financial autonomy. Sanwo-Olu noted that these measures complement Lagos State’s THEMES+ agenda, focused on infrastructure, human capital, inclusion, and sustainable growth.

“Together, we will overcome poverty, hunger, and, as President Tinubu has assured, terrorism,” the governor stated, urging Nigerians to embrace unity as the nation’s greatest strength.