SPECIAL REPORT: How Red Line Inauguration Advances Sanwo-Olu’s “Greater Lagos Rising” Mantra

The Greater Lagos Rising dream of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration in Lagos state has received a big boost with the inauguration of the Red Line Rail system on Thursday by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The great stride clearly signifies a new era in the state’s transport sector.

It would be recalled that “A greater Lagos Rising,” is the visionary campaign slogan adopted by the governor during his second term electioneering activities in 2023 to reinstate and reinforce his vision for the actualization of the mega city dream for the Centre of Excellence.

Apt, sublime and quite captivating, the mantra is a lyrical composition that captures the visions of previous administrations, refreshes the memories of residents on the abiding potentials in Lagos and defines the position of the state as a Smart City. 

From sunrise to sunset, Sanwo-Olu has left no stone unturned in his consistent pursuit of a greater Lagos since the commencement of his administration in 2019. This, he has achieved by consolidating on the blueprint of former governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu, building on the impressive legacies of Babatunde Raji Fashola, and re-activating the dreams of his immediate predecessor, Akinwumi Ambode which consequently birthed his aspiration of “A Greater Lagos Rising.”

Through a combination of resourceful thinking, tenacity of purpose and burning desire to achieve impactful administration and leave indelible footprints in Lagos, Sanwo-Olu has in the last almost four years carved a respectable niche for himself as a governor with people-centered policies. All these culminated in his rhythmic campaign mantra of Greater Lagos Rising.

Perhaps, the most empirical proof of the enormous transformations that underscores this slogan and his deliberate attempt to re-position the state is the completion and inauguration of the Red Line rail which is generally described as a cornerstone in the journey to make Lagos a global model city for urban excellence.

The project has the capacity to facilitate 37 trips and accommodate 500,000 passengers daily.

Speaking at the occasion, the President reiterated his administration’s commitment in improving on the nation’s infrastructural development, describing the facility as an intra-state rail service aimed at improving transportation within the city. 

Also in his speech, Sanwo-Olu noted that for the first time in the history of the State, there is a system comprising of, and integrating, all three modes of transportation. According to him, every day, the system serves millions of Lagosians, across these three transport options.

While the project has the potential to decongest traffic in the state, it will serve as a critical economic catalyst through the provision of a reliable and efficient mode of transport.

Similarly, it is expected to spur business activities, attract investment and significantly reduce economic shortfall majorly attributed to traffic logjam.

The strategic foresight of the Red Line rail project is a robust testament to the commitment of Lagos State government in not only improving the quality of life for residents but also laying the groundwork for sustainable smart city.

With the celebration of a new dawn in the Lagos transportation sector, the focus has now shifted towards the future benefits of the Red Line rail.

Its success will in no small measure serve as a blueprint for other Nigerian cities grappling with similar urban mobility challenges.

While the journey ahead may be long, the inauguration of the project is a promising step towards a more connected, efficient, and economically vibrant Lagos.

It is a laudable feat that has further explained the validity of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s 2023 campaign mantra, “A Greater Lagos Rising.”