Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat, yesterday assured residents of Lagos, particularly those in Ikorodu Division, of a robust urban renewal drive and renewed efforts to engage relevant institutions toward the actualisation of state police, if he secures his party’s ticket and is elected governor in 2027.

Hamzat re-emphasised that Lagos is too important to fail. “If Lagos fails, Nigeria will experience untold difficulties.”

Despite lingering uncertainty over consensus arrangements within the Lagos APC, Hamzat continued his consultative tour with a visit to Ikorodu Division, where he met with former Deputy Governor, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye; a former Commissioner for Agriculture, Ashipa Kaoli Olusanya; and the APC chairman in Ikorodu, Olasunkanmi Tijani, among other dignitaries.

He was accompanied by former senators, Musiliu Obanikoro and Ganiyu Solomon; Chief Mutiu Are; Hon. Bode Oyedele; and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Works, Adekunle Olayinka.

Welcoming the deputy governor, Ogunleye expressed delight at the visit, noting that although Ikorodu indigenes had earlier expectations that were not realised, they remain supportive. “As believers in God, we accept that His will has been done in the choice of Hamzat. We support you and pray that God will guide you in the onerous task of serving Lagos,” he said.

During another stop, the Asiwaju of Igbogbo Kingdom and member of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), Olorunfemi Bashorun, also expressed optimism about Hamzat’s emergence, either by endorsement or through the primaries.

“I am not alone in this; the entire Igbogbo community shares this sentiment. I have no doubt about your competence, humility and dedication to duty. God, who helped your predecessors, will see you through,” the octogenarian said.

Similarly, a former Head of Service in Lagos State, Prince Adesegun Ogunlewe, attested to Hamzat’s character and capacity for leadership.

At the residence of former Minister of Works, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, Hamzat also received a warm reception, with the former minister expressing support for his aspiration. He advised the deputy governor to constitute committees that would lay the foundation for a successful administration.

In Kosofe, where Hamzat met with another GAC member, Pa Olumuyiwa Sosanya, the octogenarian recounted how he, President Bola Tinubu, and Senator Anthony Adefuye persuaded Hamzat to step down for Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in 2019 — a request he accepted.

Responding, Hamzat assured stakeholders in Ikorodu Division that their demands for urban renewal, improved infrastructure and better amenities would be prioritised.

“However, the question is: are we ready to support the government when it is time for urban renewal? People are often resistant to change, but without some level of sacrifice, it is difficult to achieve the kind of transformation we desire,” he said.

He also reiterated the importance of state policing, noting that it would enhance security in Lagos. According to him, many of the security challenges in the state are linked to actors from outside its borders, underscoring the need for a more localised policing structure.