Lagos Is Yoruba United States Setting Pace For Nigeria – Sanwo-Olu

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has described Lagos as a “Yoruba United States,” a model of diversity, unity, and progress that continues to set the pace for Nigeria’s development.

The governor made the remark on Wednesday while speaking at the South-West Citizen-Government Engagement Summit held in Akure, Ondo State.

The event brought together prominent figures from across the region, including governors, traditional rulers, political leaders, and members of the business community.

Sanwo-Olu said, “I stand here not only as a humble leader among the South-West governors, but as the governor of the largest population in our country, the economic and commercial nerve centre of Nigeria, the state of aquatic splendour that accommodates every tribe, religion, and race.
Yet, above all, Lagos stands as a Yoruba United States, a state that continues to reinvent itself and set the pace for the nation.”

In a statement shared via his social media handles, the governor called on the South-West to once again take the lead in Nigeria’s renewal through unity, shared vision, and meaningful collaboration across its states and communities.

He praised the establishment of the South-West Development Commission, initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and supported by the National Assembly, describing it as a new opportunity to pursue regional development similar to what the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo achieved in the old Western Region.

“With the South-West Development Commission, we now have a platform to plan and deliver the kind of regional progress that once defined our region under Chief Awolowo,” Sanwo-Olu stated.

The Lagos governor also commended President Tinubu’s ongoing reforms, noting that Nigeria is beginning to regain economic confidence and attract fresh investments.

“Under President Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria is regaining stability and optimism. His reforms are working, the economy is growing, investment is returning, and the future looks brighter,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu highlighted several key infrastructure projects in Lagos that are expected to benefit from improved investor confidence, including the Fourth Mainland Bridge, the Green Line Rail Project, and the Lekki International Airport.

He added by reaffirming the South-West’s leadership role in Nigeria’s socio-economic rebirth: “The South-West can, and must, lead Nigeria’s renewal. The spirit of innovation and courage that shaped our past still lives within us today, and together, we will rise to this moment.”