The governor also pledged continued cooperation with the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, as well as other security agencies, to sustain joint operations and tackle security challenges within Lagos and the wider South-West region.

Sanwo-Olu made the pledge on Monday during a courtesy visit by the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Information and Communication Technology and Supervising DIG for the South-West region, Adegoke Fayoade, at Lagos House, Ikeja.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Tayo Ayinde, the governor stressed that security remains a top priority for his administration, noting that Lagos continues to maintain its status as one of the safest states in the country.

He commended the Inspector General of Police for his support and efforts toward ensuring safety in Lagos, describing security as a key pillar of governance.

He said:

“We do not joke with security.

“We are not taking security lightly in Lagos State.”

“We are going to continue to support the police and other security agencies to ensure that Lagos remains the safest State in Nigeria.”

Sanwo-Olu also congratulated Fayoade on his appointment as Deputy Inspector General of Police and praised officers and men of the Lagos State Police Command for their professionalism and dedication to duty.

He further assured the police of continued government support through the provision of logistics and other resources needed to strengthen security operations across the state.

Earlier, DIG Fayoade explained that the visit formed part of the policy direction of the Inspector General of Police aimed at improving operational readiness, reviewing crime-fighting strategies, and seeking additional logistics support for the Lagos State Police Command.

According to him, findings from the assessment visits would be presented to the Inspector General to improve operational efficiency and bolster security across the South-West region.

Fayoade, who previously served as Commissioner of Police and Assistant Inspector-General of Police in Lagos, commended the Lagos State Government for its consistent support to the police, describing the state as a model for effective security partnership.

He expressed appreciation for the administration’s financial and logistical assistance and called for stronger stakeholder collaboration in the areas of technology and intelligence gathering to address emerging security threats.

He said:

“The Lagos State Government has been tremendously supportive of the police. Lagos is unique as the economic hub of Nigeria and requires a multi-dimensional approach to security.”

“Technology, intelligence gathering, collaboration among security agencies, and support from residents are essential to tackling crime and other security challenges.”

The DIG also stressed the importance of sustained cooperation among government institutions, security agencies and residents, noting that collective efforts remain crucial to protecting lives and property across Lagos State.

The Lagos State Government has urged residents to prioritise safety and exercise caution as they celebrate the Easter season.

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu made the call in a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, on Thursday in Lagos.

Oke-Osanyitolu described Easter as a time for celebration, reflection, and increased social activities.

“It also comes with heightened risks—particularly on major roads, in crowded public gatherings, and within homes where improper handling of electrical appliances and open flames could result in fire outbreaks,” he said.

He advised motorists to obey traffic regulations, avoid reckless driving, and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before embarking on trips.

He also encouraged residents to remain vigilant in crowded places such as religious centres, recreational parks, and event venues, as alertness is critical in preventing accidents and ensuring prompt response to emergencies.

The agency emphasised the importance of proper fire safety practices, including the careful use of cooking gas, electrical devices, and candles—items commonly used during the Easter period.

“Residents are advised to install basic safety equipment where possible and avoid actions that could trigger fire incidents.

“LASEMA, in collaboration with other emergency response agencies, has activated a comprehensive safety and emergency response strategy for the festive period.

“This includes the deployment of personnel and equipment to strategic locations across the state to ensure rapid intervention in the event of any incident.

“All emergency responders are on high alert and fully prepared to handle situations ranging from road accidents to fire outbreaks and other unforeseen emergencies.

“Residents are strongly encouraged to promptly report any emergencies through the state’s toll-free lines—112 and 767—to enable swift response and minimise damage or loss of life,” Oke-Osanyintolu said.

He said that the governor, while extending warm Easter greetings to residents, reiterated his administration’s commitment to the safety and well-being of all Lagosians.

He urged residents to celebrate responsibly and remain mindful of their environment to ensure a peaceful, safe, and incident-free holiday.

He stated his hope to hand over the state better to the next person who will take it to a higher level.

This is as he highlighted major economic, infrastructural and cultural gains recorded by the State in 2025.

The governor said that the achievements underscored the need for collective gratitude to God for His unfailing mercies.

Sanwo-Olu spoke at the 26th edition of the Lagos State Annual Thanksgiving Service held at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos.

It had the theme: “Grateful for His Unfailing Mercies.”

He said that 2025 witnessed milestones that strengthened Lagos’ position as Nigeria’s economic nerve centre and an emerging global destination.

He highlighted major achievements to include: progress on the Lagos coastal highway, restoration of the National Theatre, hosting of the E1 Lagos Grand Prix, and the successful staging of GITEX Nigeria.

“From the progress recorded on the Lagos coastal highway to the restoration of the National Theatre, and the successful hosting of global events such as the E1 Lagos Grand Prix and GITEX Nigeria, we have seen God’s hand clearly at work in our state,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu noted that Lagos also emerged as Nigeria’s top-performing state in the 2025 Sub-National Ease of Doing Business ranking, released by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council.

“To rise from the lower ranks a few years ago to number one in the country is not accidental.

“It reflects deliberate reforms, infrastructure investment and a stable policy environment,” he said.

The governor said that the achievements reinforced the importance of thanksgiving, stressing that gratitude was not limited to religious affiliation but a shared human response to peace and progress.

“You do not have to belong to a particular faith to recognise the value of gratitude; When God grants peace, stability and opportunity, thanksgiving becomes a responsibility,” he said.

Quoting from the biblical verse of Lamentations 3:22–23, Sanwo-Olu said that God’s mercies remained constant in spite of the passage of time.

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies are new every morning, as sure as the sunrise,” he said.

He explained that the 2026 service marked the seventh annual thanksgiving organised by his administration since assuming office in 2019.

“Our first thanksgiving in 2020 started with a dream; Each year, the themes have reminded us to glorify God and to rededicate ourselves to service,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu acknowledged President Bola Tinubu for instituting the thanksgiving tradition more than two decades ago while serving as governor of Lagos State.

“We remain grateful to Mr President for the foresight that birthed this annual thanksgiving; A tradition that has endured for over 26 years,” Sanwo-Olu said.

Reflecting on challenges faced in 2025, the governor said that the state also experienced difficult moments, including fire outbreaks and flooding incidents.

“Our thoughts remain with families who lost loved ones, property or livelihoods; We continue to pray for comfort and healing,” he said.

He assured residents that the state would continue to strengthen safety standards and emergency response, while commending emergency responders and health workers for their sacrifices.

On the outlook for 2026, he noted that the year would be a defining year, with about 500 days remaining in the life of his administration.

He said that 2026 would be a year of deliberate action, driven by the state’s THEMES Plus agenda and supported by the 2026 Budget of Shared Prosperity.

“We are determined to make 2026 a year of extraordinary meaning; We will complete and commission major projects across health, transport, education, housing and infrastructure.

“We are determined to finish strong and to hand over Lagos to the next level of leadership in a better state than we met it,” he said.

More so, he assured that the state would complete and commission major projects across health, transport, education and infrastructure line, supported by the 2026 Budget of Shared Prosperity.

The governor concluded by urging residents to embrace gratitude, unity and hope in the new year.

“We are gathered to make a joyful noise unto the Lord, for His mercy is everlasting and His truth endures to all generations,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu in a Christmas message issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile, urged residents to exhibit brotherly love to one another.

The governor said that Christmas provided an opportunity for reflection on the birth of Jesus Christ and its significance to humanity.

“As we celebrate Christmas, I extend my best wishes to every Lagosian and Nigerians, especially Christians across the country and in other parts of the world,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu urged residents not to lose sight of core values of the season, stressing the need to strengthen bonds of love and unity within society.

“We must not forget the true essence of the season, which is to reflect on the birth of Jesus and its significance to mankind.

“We should seize this opportunity to strengthen our love for one another by being kind and generous to those around us,” he said.

The governor also appealed to Christians in the state to continue to live in peace and harmony with people of other faiths, describing religious tolerance as key to peaceful coexistence.

“As we mark this year’s Christmas, I urge Christian faithful in the state to continue to live in peace and harmony with believers of other faiths.

“We should emulate the virtues of humility, tolerance, perseverance and compassion as exemplified by Jesus Christ,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu noted that the Christmas season was a time to appreciate collective progress and resilience in spite of challenges faced during the year.

“This season is a time to reflect and appreciate how far we have come together as a people.

The governor prayed for peace and joy in the homes of residents and thanked residents for their continued support for his administration.

“I pray that this Christmas brings peace to your homes and joy to your hearts.

“Thank you for your continued support and belief in a greater Lagos,” he said.

The farmers made this known in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.

NAN reports that the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu recently slashed the price of Lagos Rice from N64,000 to N57,000 per bag.

The Vice Chairman All Farmers Association Southwest and Lagos State chapter, Mr Sakin Agbayewa, commended the state government for the strategic move.

Agbayewa said the development would likely bring about competition in the sector thereby crashing further the price of the commodity.

“The Lagos State Government pegging the price of a bag of rice at N57,000 is a good development.

“And hopefully, we want to believe that with this competitive price and competition, maybe in  one week or two weeks, the price of rice will further drop.

“Presently, the price of foreign rice is between N52,000 and N56,000 and that depends on where you are buying it.

“If you are buying it very close to the border, it comes at N52,000.  If you are buying it from the main market it sells between N54,000 and N55,000 per 50kg bag, the extra cost comes off as transportation costs.

“At N57,000 per bag, consumers are eating quality food. From the production to the milling plants, to the processing, to the shelf, market and consumer, you might be looking at one year,” Agbayewa said.

According to him, if you are looking at the foreign imported rice that sells between N52,000 and N56,000 the consumers may be buying  rice that has been stored for over three to five years or even expired.

“So, if you want to look at price and quality, I think the Lagos rice is good at N57,000, when you buy the Lagos rice you are looking at food safety, nutritional value and everything that it has to offer at that price.

“It is a good buy, I would prefer the Lagos rice at N57,000 than buy cheaper rice with lower quality,” he said.

On his part, the Chairman of the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria, Lagos State chapter, Mr Raphael Hunsa, commended the Lagos State Government for the initiative.

“The government is always on top in terms of policy decisions that affects the people. And  the Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu dropping the price of rice is a great move.

“If production is low, definitely the demand will be high and subsequently the price will be high too.
The Lagos State Government pegging a  bag of rice at N57,000 this season is most beneficial to  Nigerias.
“We, however, urge the government to continue to support rice farmers to increase our production and subsequently the price of rice and other staples will continue to drop.

“If we have more rice farmers producing all-year- round, definitely the price of rice will continue to be stable.

“This Christmas is now at our door and everyone will celebrate well with this drop in price,” Hunsa said.