In a creative approach to proffering solution to some of the society’s challenges, the Lagos state governorship candidate under the auspices of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-olu (BOS) yesterday caused a stir at the high brow Lekki Tollgate as he personally moved in with his team to free the congested evening drive traffic between 6 – 7pm to achieve seamless free flow of the otherwise heavy congestion.
The activation which is obviously form part of the APC governorship candidate’s strategic campaign was orchestrated with the aim of engaging with Lagosians who ply the busy road.
Right above the toll bridge, two electronic billboard one on each side drive toll plaza, ordinarily display a number of commercials each taking turn to occupy the vast screen for about 1 minute, were brought to a standstill for the one 1 hour time frame which the activation lasted. Both sides simultaneously displayed the message: “My name is Babajide Olusola Sanwo-olu, I will really like to engage with you #ForAGreaterLagos Seasons Greetings”.
As this was beautifully displayed in its lush blue background and imposing print of the governorship aspirants, the organizers of the activation were said to have paid a lump sum for all vehicles using the facility for the one hour duration. Hence, the team was able to move in, deliver brochures, handbills as well as water to cool motorists’ thirst after a hectic day at work.
Like every free gifts, a few took exception to the distribution of table water, majority of motorists accepted the offer with open arms. However, the idea of toll free watch the joker of the day as it allows the motorists to patiently listen and accept leaflets.
According to the one of the materials distributed to commuters, challenges confronting the state need critical solutions as Lagos moves to the next threshold in her 51 year development trajectory. “A state which despite the smallest land mass, has one of the largest populations of about 20million inhabitants, will need about $100billion dollars over the next 20 -25 years to address its existing infrastructural deficits”. Hence, the conversation being ignited.
Yet another of the materials adds that for the state which currently runs on an annual budget of less than$3billion dollars to leapfrog to the next phase of development, quality leadership is a critical requirement.
The idea is for the aspirant to introduce himself at a closer range and start a conversation on moving the state to a greater level. Part of the conversation will be around traffic congestion, better education, security issues, health, food sufficiency and a lot more.
Speaking on the mission Sanwo-Olu says “We are doing a simulation to understand what exactly is causing traffic rigour, we want to see if we can innovatively clear the backlog. It is for us to have a first- hand feel on how we should solve a traffic challenge in this city. We could innovate with the lanes depending on which side the traffic is heavy”.
Suggesting that the problem solving conversation is better ignited where the troubles bite the most, the APC flag bearer declared, “You cannot get to the root of the matter when you’re in your office, you can only do it when you come around like this and let them test of the good things we are talking about to make Lagos, Your Lagos a greater Lagos for all of us. This is why we are here this evening and it’s just the beginning, we will be going to a lot of places with a view to jointly provide solutions to some of the challenges we all face”. This implies that more of these activation are likely to be been seen across different sectors of the state.
However, to Sanwo-Olu feedbacks from the public will be of greater significance to his team’s efforts at bringing about workable solutions for Lagosians. “We are going to elective positions to create better life for the people. We are not meant to be a stumbling block”, he promised as he stylishly rolls out his campaign. Though, he called it a simulation but the engagement with you (relevant stakeholders) #ForAGreaterLagos has really started.