Get Guardian on Google• Says assets must outlive political leaders, serve future generations
• Urges govt not to build infrastructure for personal enjoyment
• Sanwo-Olu unveils rebuilt Lagos Lodge, pledges residents’ support for Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged political leaders to prioritise enduring public infrastructure and institutional development, saying good governance must be reflected in the quality of assets bequeathed to future generations.
Tinubu, who was represented by the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, gave the charge yesterday during the inauguration of the reconstructed Lagos State Governors’ Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja.
The President commended Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for delivering the project, describing the new facility as a demonstration of the state’s commitment to excellence, responsible management of public resources and preservation of government assets.
He stressed that public infrastructure belonged to the people and should be maintained, upgraded and developed to serve successive generations.
Tinubu said the timely completion of the project reflected the commitment of the Lagos State Government and the dedication of all those involved in its execution.
He recalled that the former structure was demolished in October 2025 to pave the way for the new facility, which he described as a befitting official residence for the Lagos State governor and his family during official engagements in Abuja.
According to him, Lagos State, as Nigeria’s commercial hub and a Centre of Excellence, deserves infrastructure that reflects its status, aspirations and contribution to national development.
He expressed hope that the facility would serve as a place of peace, comfort and hospitality for successive administrations and their families.
Sanwo-Olu, while speaking at the event, described the inauguration as another milestone in Lagos State’s institutional development, saying that the Lodge was designed not merely as an official residence but also as a centre for government business, strategic engagements and interaction with the Federal Government.
The governor noted that although Lagos State ceased to be Nigeria’s capital following the relocation of the seat of government to Abuja, the state had retained its economic and political significance in national affairs.
He said the former Lodge had served the state for several decades but had become inadequate for its present status, expanding responsibilities and growing institutional needs.
The governor expressed appreciation to Tinubu for the Federal Government’s interventions in Lagos through investments in roads, railways and bridges, saying residents of the state recognised and appreciated the support.
He assured the President that Lagos State residents would reciprocate the Federal Government’s support on January 16, 2027, during the general elections, saying that the state’s more than 22 million residents remained grateful for the interventions, expressing confidence in the President’s continued commitment to national development.
Earlier, the Deputy Governor of the state, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, said the reconstructed lodge represented a renewed institutional presence for Lagos in Abuja.
Hamzat described the project as a strategic investment designed to provide a more conducive environment for official engagements, hospitality, government business and interactions with the diplomatic community and private sector.
He said the expanded facilities and modern infrastructure reflected the Sanwo-Olu administration’s commitment to maintaining public assets that remained fit for purpose.
