Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said that genuine collaboration between government and citizens is crucial to achieving the breakthrough Nigerians desire.

Speaking on Wednesday at the 65th Independence Day celebration held at Lagos House, Marina, Sanwo-Olu noted that the anniversary theme, “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” underscores the need for unity and collective effort.

“As Henry Ford said, ‘If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.’ This means that government and citizens must find faith in each other so that the effort of one is supported by the other. As government, we remain attuned to the needs and welfare of our citizens, and we are working ceaselessly to meet their aspirations,” he said.

The governor recalled that his administration introduced the THEMES Agenda, which was later expanded into THEMES+ during his second term to scale up progress and deepen inclusion.

The addition of social inclusion, he said, ensures deliberate protection of the weak and empowerment of the vulnerable.

“In Lagos, we believe that no citizen should be left behind on the path to progress. This is why we expanded the Lagos State Social Register, which now captures over one million households across all local governments. It has become the backbone of our welfare interventions, ensuring that support gets to those who need it most,” Sanwo-Olu explained.

He added that the register has also supported the Federal Government’s ₦75,000 relief initiative and direct cash transfers to poor and vulnerable households, delivering assistance to widows, the elderly, and persons with disabilities across the state.

Listing several pro-poor projects of his administration, Sanwo-Olu urged Nigerians to recommit to the ideals of unity, hard work, and mutual respect as the nation celebrates 65 years of independence.

“Let us decide that in our words, our actions, and our choices, we will contribute to a Lagos, and indeed a Nigeria, that works for every citizen. If we hold firmly to this collective resolve, I am confident that the future of peace, prosperity, and enduring greatness that we desire will surely be ours,” he stated.