Hamzat Pledges New Ministry for Riverine Development
Hamzat Pledges New Ministry for Rural, Riverine Development
Lagos APC governorship candidate promises to explore maritime economic potential
The Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, has pledged to establish a dedicated Ministry of Rural and Riverine Development if elected governor in 2027.
Hamzat made the promise while addressing traditional rulers from Ikeja Division at the Sheraton Hotel and Towers in Lagos, where he outlined his vision for the state’s development, particularly in underserved rural and riverine communities.
He said the proposed ministry would focus on addressing the developmental challenges facing rural dwellers and unlocking the economic potential of riverine communities across the state.
Presenting data to support his position, Hamzat noted that Lagos, with a population of over 20 million people, has 152 riverine communities spread across waterfronts, islands and low-lying areas, including Badagry, Epe, Ikorodu, Ojo, Amuwo-Odofin and Eti-Osa.
According to him, many of these communities depend on waterways for transportation and fishing for their livelihoods, making targeted government intervention necessary to improve their living conditions and economic prospects.
He also highlighted Lagos State’s 180-kilometre coastline, stretching from Ibeju-Lekki towards the Bight of Benin, as an economic asset that could be better harnessed to generate revenue, create employment and strengthen the state’s maritime economy.
Hamzat said the proposed ministry would prioritise rural development and the needs of riverine communities, ensuring that residents in these areas benefit more directly from government policies and programmes.
The governorship hopeful also expressed concern about the financial difficulties confronting some rural dwellers, particularly those who have taken loans from financial institutions at high interest rates.
He disclosed that his running mate, Hon. Damilola Sonayon James, had earlier visited some riverine communities to assess the situation of residents struggling to repay loans obtained at high interest rates.
Hamzat lamented that the repayment burden had worsened the economic circumstances of some of the affected residents, underscoring the need for policies that would improve their livelihoods and provide sustainable economic opportunities.
Addressing the traditional rulers, the deputy governor stressed the importance of policy consistency and continuity in governance, urging the royal fathers to support the APC and its candidates in the 2027 general elections.
He described the forthcoming presidential and governorship elections as consequential for Lagos State and Nigeria, arguing that the decisions made at the polls would have implications for the country’s future development.
Hamzat also called for increased voter participation, noting that Lagos had more than seven million registered voters but continued to record turnout levels he considered inadequate.
He urged residents to exercise their franchise in large numbers, linking voter participation to the state’s development priorities and the continued implementation of government programmes.
Earlier, the Lagos State APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, expressed appreciation to the traditional rulers for their past and continued support for the party and the state government.
Ojelabi said one of his principal assignments at the meeting was to formally introduce Hamzat as the party’s governorship candidate. He particularly commended traditional rulers from Alimosho Local Government Area for helping to calm tensions following the announcement of the party’s choice.
Describing Lagos West Senatorial District as critical to the party’s political structure, Ojelabi noted that the district comprises two of the state’s five divisions, Ikeja and Badagry, and accounts for 28 of the 57 local government and local council development areas.
He added that Alimosho Local Government Area alone has more than 1,500 polling units, highlighting the district’s significance in the state’s electoral landscape.
The APC chairman also urged Lagos residents to participate actively in the elections, stressing the importance of the presidential poll to the state’s political and developmental interests.
Five traditional rulers who spoke at the gathering, including the Oba of Odi-Olowo, Oba Apena Williams; the Elewu of Ewu, Oba Shakirudeen; and the Ologba of Ogba, Oba Lateef Oladimeji Egbeyemi, called for increased allocations to traditional institutions and improved welfare for royal fathers.
The monarchs pledged their support for the APC and its candidates, particularly President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Hamzat.
More than 30 traditional rulers attended the meeting.
Political figures present included members of the Governance Advisory Council, Pa Taiwo, Dr. Yomi Finnih and Cardinal Omolaja Odumbaku; Senator Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon; and Senator Musiliu Olatunde Obanikoro, who serves as deputy director-general of the PBAT-KOH Campaign.
Others included Hon. Razaq Ajala, Hon. Yemi Alli, former Odi-Olowo LCDA chairman and member of the House of Representatives; the Senior Assistant to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals, Oreoluwa Finnih; Hon. Tope Adewale, member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Ifako-Ijaiye; Princess Rasheedat Adu; and former Igbogbo LCDA chairman, Hon. Sesan Daini, among others.
