The wicked can have only accomplices, the voluptuous have companions in debauchery, self-seekers have associates, the politic assemble the factions, the typical idler has connections, princes have courtiers. Only the virtuous have partners in progress.
True that! A studious glance at Dapo Abiodun, Executive Governor of Ogun State, who is popularly called Mr Talk and Do and his Lagos counterpart, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, affirms the notion that the people we get along with, trust, feel simpatico with, are the strongest links in our networks.
Judging by their bond and quality of their private and public interaction, it may be safe to say that Abiodun and Sanwo-Olu are connected in ways that defies that defies the cutthroat politics of the world they inhabit. Each man is the strongest link in the other’s network thus setting a new standard of relations between Lagos and Ogun seats of power.
The Abiodun-Sanwo-Olu friendship signifies the first time in political history of both states perhaps, that the governors establish and sustain a strong bond; they engage in joint pursuit of progressive ventures.
For instance, the two governors and friends recently came together under a joint development plan to synergize plans to harness opportunities both Lagos and Ogun State have in common. For the first time, hopes are high that the collaboration would be a catalyst for rapid socio-economic development within both states.
This is more so, as the two states have too many things in common, ranging from closeness in border, migration and emigration patterns, business establishment to manpower needs, among others.
It would be recalled that soon after they emerged victors at the gubernatorial polls, Abiodun disclosed that his administration and that of his counterpart in Lagos State, Sanwo – Olu had mulled plans to establish a “Joint Development Commission” to drive the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of both states.
He said the proposal is also geared towards enhancing rapid development and transformation of border communities of the two neighbouring states. These among other measures unites the governors in a bond grounded in honesty, integrity, comradeship, and a common desire to improve the lot of their respective domains.
It is often said, that, friends and good manners will carry you where money won’t go; going by the enviable relationship between Governors Abiodun and Sanwo-Olu, one could prove the notion a monumental truth.
Interestingly, however, Lagos and Ogun states last Monday signed an agreement to set up a joint development commission. The agreement for the commission was signed in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital by Lagos State governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Ogun State governor Dapo Abiodun.
Sanwo-Olu said the development agenda between Lagos and Ogun States will foster greater relationships and help in taming insecurity, drive economic activities, infrastructural and urban renewal, transportation.
The governor said the memorandum signed between both states will transform the urban areas that represent border communities between the states.
“We are driven to stimulate a socioeconomic growth to bridge the development gap and to ensure that while Lagos State remains a megacity, Ogun State can indeed help to transform that and create another megacity in our region,” Sanwo-Olu said.
“Regardless of the challenges, we are a more liveable and peaceful city – Our goal is to build a sustainable urban city where the residents of Lagos and Ogun have a sense of belonging and embrace participating in issues around governance and recognise their roles in achieving a solid urban economic growth for the two states.”
