Sanwo-Olu Seeks Partnership between Church, Govt to Curb Social Vices

• LASG committed to face the menace of drug abuse

By Segun James

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Sanwo-Olu, has reiterated the commitment of the state government to tackling the menace of drug abuse among youths in the state.

He said his government was building a massive rehabilitation hospital in Ketu-Ejirin to tackle drug abuse, adding that his administration would ensure strategic partnership with the Church to better the people’s lives

The governor, who stated this when the bishops of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) led by the Archbishop of Metropolitan and Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican), The Most Rev Henry Ndukuba, paid him a courtesy visit in Lagos, said governance starts from the leadership of spiritual homes, noting that government and the Church can jointly build a community that would outlive all.

He restated the commitment of his administration to improve the movement of people on road, water as well as building rail infrastructure to make Lagos a resilient and livable city.

According to him, “We thank the Primate for the generous and kind words that he has used to describe my person and my government. He has shown that indeed, he has been watching us meticulously. I want to assure my Primate that all of the words that he has used to describe my person and our government, we take them very seriously and we know how important these comments are, and coming from you, we don’t take them lightly at all.”

The bishops had earlier commended the performance of the Sanwo-Olu-led administration for good governance and service to humanity.

They said the governor has distinguished himself among his peers in government.

The bishops gave the commendation when delegates met Sanwo-Olu at the Lagos House in Ikeja yesterday.

Speaking on behalf of the bishops, Ndukuba hailed the performance of the governor’s administration in managing the COVID-19 pandemic in the state as well as ensuring that necessary things were done for the security of lives and property of Lagos residents.

The Primate said: “The time which we are in is a very difficult and challenging time to lead whether in the secular arena or even in the religious circle because of the numerous and enormous responsibilities and challenges that confront us, not only as individuals and families, but more importantly as a country.

“The time you (Sanwo-Olu) came to leadership is not an easy one. And we thank God that you have distinguished yourself among your peers, and you have demonstrated that which you carry has been people-focused, making sure that the necessary things are done for the security of lives and property.

“But more importantly, we admire you for your outstanding performance in the fighting against COVID-19 pandemic in Lagos State. With all the problems and challenges around you, we have seen that your policy was people-centered. I think for the first time in our national history, the ordinary person; the common man on the streets received more attention in the projects you have executed.

“Indeed we are encouraged that you have taken up the mantle of leadership and you have led well. We are assuring you of our prayers.”

Bishop Ndukuba, who commended the governor for partnering the Church in the welfare of the people, said the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) is committed to war against drug abuse in Nigeria, and, therefore, urged the youths to shun drug abuse and other social vices.