LASG assures residents of peaceful co-existence 

…lifts indigent citizens, pregnant women, others 

The Lagos State Government has assured residents of a peaceful and inclusive electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections, pledging that no citizen will be harassed, intimidated, or prevented from exercising their right to vote.

Speaking during a media engagement in Lagos, Abiodun Afolabi, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, said the state was actively engaging stakeholders across political, ethnic and social divides to reinforce public confidence in the electoral process.

Describing Lagos as Nigeria’s most cosmopolitan and peaceful state, Afolabi emphasised that residency—not origin or political affiliation—confers full civic protection. “No matter your background, as long as you live in Lagos, you should feel safe. Lagos does not discriminate,” he said.

While acknowledging concerns over street urchin activities in parts of the metropolis, he cautioned residents against direct confrontation, urging them instead to report incidents to appropriate security agencies.

Afolabi also highlighted ongoing social interventions under the Eko Cares programme, which he said has supported thousands of indigent residents irrespective of ethnic or state origin. He added that the Mother-Infant Initiative, implemented through his office, has provided assistance to hundreds of pregnant women and nursing mothers across Primary Health Centres statewide.

Also addressing journalists, Gbenga Omotosho, the commissioner for Information and Strategy, defended ongoing demolitions across parts of the state. He said the exercise was aimed at improving urban planning and reinforcing Lagos’ megacity status, rather than targeting any ethnic group.

Omotosho further disclosed that the government is working on legislation to curb arbitrary rent increases, while intensifying efforts to improve waste management through expanded dumpsites and faster evacuation systems.
He urged residents to fulfil their waste bill obligations to sustain sanitation gains.

Earlier in her welcome address, Sholabomi Shasore, permanent secretary, Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, said the Office was deliberately set up by the government to interface between the government and the citizens.

She said over the years, complaints have been received from the people and treated by the government to the satisfaction of the citizens.