A New Beginning
I warmly extend my New Year greetings to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR; the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu; our revered Royal Fathers; the industrious youths of Amuwo-Odofin; valued community stakeholders; Apex Leaders of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC); members of the Legislative Council; the organised private sector; and all residents of our beloved local government as we step boldly into the year 2026.
The year 2026 marks A New Beginning for Amuwo-Odofin, a defining phase that calls for renewed responsibility, accelerated delivery, and deeper impact. It is a year in which governance must rise decisively to meet the growing expectations of our people. Our administration enters this new year with clarity of purpose, strengthened resolve, and an unshakable commitment to inclusive development.
My philosophy of leadership remains clear and consistent: people must always come first. To me, leadership is service anchored on compassion, accessibility, transparency, and measurable outcomes. This conviction continues to guide our governance approach, aptly captured in our defining creed:
“Leadership with Compassion, Governance with Purpose.”
In December, I presented the 2026 Budget of “A New Beginning”, a deliberate and people-focused fiscal roadmap crafted to reposition Amuwo-Odofin for sustainable growth. The budget prioritises critical sectors, including infrastructure renewal, primary healthcare delivery, youth and women empowerment, education support, security strengthening, and expanded social welfare. It is a reflection of our shared aspirations and a practical tool for translating promises into progress.
We are fully aware of the challenges we inherited. Before the advent of this administration, Amuwo-Odofin, particularly strategic communities such as Festac Town, grappled with infrastructure decay, environmental neglect, sanitation concerns, and declining public confidence in local governance. We met a system in need of urgent reform and moral renewal.
Since assuming office, we have taken firm and visible steps to reverse years of neglect. Strategic road rehabilitation projects have commenced across key corridors in Festac Town *(4th Avenue, 5th Avenue, 51 Road, 52 Road and 23 Roads whilst a number of roads have been contracted out and work will commence in the new year)* to improve mobility and economic activity. Environmental sanitation has been intensified, markets cleaned and reorganised, and public spaces restored with dignity. Our social intervention programmes, including large-scale food distribution and targeted welfare support, have brought relief to over five thousand(5000) vulnerable households.
Youth empowerment remains a cornerstone of our administration. Through skills acquisition, vocational training, and entrepreneurship support, we are deliberately preparing our young people for productivity, innovation, and self-reliance, because the future of Amuwo-Odofin must be built by empowered youths.
Recognising that development cannot thrive without safety, our administration is strengthening security infrastructure through improved collaboration with security agencies, community policing initiatives, surveillance support, and strategic investment in safety-enhancing infrastructure. A secure Amuwo-Odofin is fundamental to attracting investment, protecting livelihoods, and sustaining peace across our communities.
As the first indigenous son of Amuwo-Odofin to serve as Executive Chairman, descended from a lineage whose great-grandfather was the first king of this land, this responsibility is deeply personal. It is both an honour and a sacred duty to serve humbly, preserve our heritage, and lay a solid foundation for future generations.
I wish to particularly call on the Organised Private Sector, corporate institutions, investors, and development partners to see Amuwo-Odofin as a viable partner in progress. This administration welcomes public-private partnerships that align with our development priorities in infrastructure, healthcare, education, security, environmental sustainability, youth empowerment, and social innovation. Together, we can unlock new opportunities, create jobs, and accelerate shared prosperity.
Our government remains open, compassionate, and firmly connected to the people. We will continue to listen attentively, engage constructively, and deliver responsibly. Governance under my leadership will always be guided by empathy, accountability, and results.
As we journey through 2026, I reaffirm my passionate commitment to building a safer, healthier, more inclusive, and economically vibrant Amuwo-Odofin. This year truly represents A New Beginning and together, with unity of purpose and collective effort, we will make it meaningful and enduring.
God bless Amuwo-Odofin Local Government.
God bless Lagos State.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Released by:
Dotun Salu
Chief Press Secretary
Amuwo-Odofin Local Government
1st January, 2026
