The growing number of All Progressives Congress (APC) governors, now totaling 25, reflects Nigerians’ increasing confidence in the party’s leadership, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said.
He spoke at the close of the two-day Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) meeting in Lagos on Saturday, noting that the figure represents a significant rise from the 18 or 19 governors in earlier years.
Sanwo-Olu, who hosted the forum at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, highlighted that the meeting offered an opportunity for the governors to collectively evaluate key national priorities, including security, governance, and social welfare.
He commended his colleagues for their dedication and for demonstrating loyalty to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The past two days have been intense, with rigorous discussions focused on how to improve the lives of our citizens and strengthen national policies,” he said.
He praised the commitment of all governors to active participation and credited the steady increase in APC governors to the leadership of PGF Chairman, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State.
The forum also showcased unity and cultural representation, which Sanwo-Olu described as a true demonstration of “unity in diversity.”
He announced that Lagos State would host its first cultural festival in nearly a decade on December 27, involving approximately 10,000 residents.
“We are excited to revive this tradition and celebrate our culture in a grand way,” he added.
The meeting coincided with intensified security reforms at the federal level. President Tinubu has recently appointed a new Minister of Defence, a new Chief of Defence Staff, and new service chiefs for the army, navy, and air force.
In addition, police escorts for Very Important Personalities (VIPs) have been withdrawn to allow redeployment for core security duties, alongside ongoing recruitment efforts for both the police and armed forces.
Following these federal measures, APC governors resolved to strengthen community security, enhance intelligence gathering, and provide greater support for victims of violence.
The meeting underscored the need for every reform of the current administration to positively impact Nigerians, improve lives, protect dignity, and expand opportunities for all citizens, whether rural or urban, young or old, men or women.
Senator Hope Uzodinma, chairman of the forum, noted that the meeting allowed governors to align on the nation’s political, economic, and social direction, reinforcing collective responsibility to Nigerians.
He commended federal efforts to stabilise the economy and implement reforms across food security, power, transport, social investment, and enterprise development.
“Our job as progressive governors is to ensure these national reforms translate into real improvements in every ward and every community,” he said.
Uzodinma acknowledged the temporary hardships Nigerians are enduring due to rising costs of living and assured that APC governors would intensify interventions in food production, youth employment, SME support, social protection, and targeted relief for vulnerable households.
“No one will be left behind. We will intensify efforts to ease hardship and support families,” he said.
On infrastructure, the governors praised Lagos State for innovations in transport and urban renewal, pledging to deepen peer learning and expand investments in roads, housing, public transport, water, digital connectivity, and climate-resilient structures.
They also reaffirmed the importance of local government efficiency in achieving the Renewed Hope Agenda at the grassroots, committing to transparency, accountability, and enhanced citizen engagement through town halls and consultations with traditional rulers, civil society, and professional groups.
The forum concluded with a reiteration of loyalty to President Tinubu, with Sanwo-Olu affirming, “We remain committed, we remain progressive, and we remain focused on delivering for our people. Lagos will continue to stand strong for the progress of our party and our nation.”
