Report By Blessing Osemobor
The conference, themed “Financing Water & Sanitation for a Greater Lagos,” brought together key figures, innovators, leaders, and development partners from around the world. Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted the significance of water to the state government and its citizens, pledging necessary actions to address the sector’s challenges.
“I’m hoping that the conversations in the conference will indeed birth the real convergence of ideas, opinions, and collaborative effort. Let us see that convergence and be able to improve the quality of life for our people,” Sanwo-Olu stated. He called for building genuine partnerships, identifying necessary resources, and honestly addressing the required actions.
Addressing the recent cholera outbreak in Lagos State, the governor pointed to the government’s proactive measures to control and mitigate the situation. “We all talk about the cholera outbreak that we’ve seen in the last couple of weeks. We’ve seen it because of the proactive nature of this government. We transparently have a surveillance engagement where we can raise our voices early, enabling us to reduce an outbreak that could have been catastrophic.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu urged a shift from discussions to tangible actions. “We want to move away from talk and rhetoric and move to action. Let’s not make this conference a talk show where we exchange cards and emails and nothing happens until another year. It’s the fifth conference. I want to see outcomes and outputs,” he said.
The first day of the conference coincided with the governor’s birthday, and attendees sang to celebrate the occasion. However, Governor Sanwo-Olu requested a more impactful present: “The best birthday present that I want today is not a song; it’s the fact that when we gather again for the water conference next year, the resources required to complete a 70 million gallon water treatment plant will be committed. This will change access to water and its availability.”
He called on partners from the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Minister for Water Resources and Sanitation, international development partners, and the private sector to join the state government in this mission. “Let us leave this conference with the collective commitment and single-mindedness that in the next 12-18 months, we will change the old narrative and set a positive trajectory to build public facilities of about 100-150 within the next one to one and a half years.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu concluded by urging everyone to embody the change they wish to see, emphasizing the need for collective and committed efforts to achieve the goals discussed during the conference.