Lagos State Deputy Governor and All Progressives Congress governorship candidate, Obafemi Hamzat, has explained that his participation in Sunday’s governorship debate was driven by his desire to present his vision for the state and outline practical solutions to residents’ challenges.
Hamzat, in a statement shared on his X account late Sunday, said the debate offered an opportunity to communicate his development priorities and explain how his proposed administration would improve the quality of life of Lagos residents.
He stressed that effective leadership required an understanding of people’s needs and the ability to translate those concerns into policies and programmes.
Highlighting his priorities, the APC candidate identified healthcare, housing and transportation as critical sectors requiring sustained investment and improvement.
On healthcare, Hamzat promised to expand the state’s Ilera Eko health insurance scheme from its current 1.4 million enrollees to cover one in every three Lagos residents.
He also pledged to complete the ongoing construction of Massey Children’s Hospital, Ojo and Somolu General Hospitals, while increasing capacity across the state’s nine general hospitals.
The candidate further promised to strengthen primary healthcare delivery by ensuring more centres operate round the clock, alongside improved training and welfare for medical personnel.
On housing, Hamzat proposed a more accessible mortgage arrangement that would allow residents to spread the cost of homeownership over several years.
He said the initiative would complement the completion of ongoing housing estates and provide more families with opportunities to own homes.
Addressing transportation challenges, he pledged to sustain the state’s rail expansion programme, including the extension of the Blue Line to Okokomaiko and the Red Line to the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts at the National Theatre.
Hamzat said the proposed interventions were designed to improve access to essential services, create more opportunities for residents and ease the daily challenges associated with living and working in Lagos.
He also presented seven pillars of his proposed development blueprint, known as The Lagos PROMISE, which will guide his administration’s policies and programmes.
The pillars are People First, Renewal, Opportunity, Machinery of Government, Inclusion, Security and Resilience, and Everyday Dignity.
According to him, the framework will shape his approach to governance, infrastructure development and economic opportunities across the state.
Hamzat reaffirmed his commitment to building on existing achievements while pursuing policies that would make Lagos more inclusive and responsive to the needs of its residents.
The governorship debate was organised by the Nigeria Debate Consortium, a coalition comprising The PUNCH, Channels Television, TVC News, TheCable and Vanguard.