Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, on Tuesday, began a campaign tour of major markets, populated by people from the South-East.
Sanwo-Olu took a tour of the markets ahead of the Saturday gubernatorial election.
This followed the open endorsement for his re-election by Ndigbo community in the state.
It was a rousing welcome for the governor at an open forum organised by traders, under the aegis of the Auto Spare Parts And Machinery Dealers Association (ASPAMDA), in Trade Fair Complex, Ojo.
At the open forum, the governor pledged to ensure the safety of Ndigbo businesses and properties in Lagos State.
Besides, Sanwo-Olu met the amalgamation of Igbo traders across 58 major markets in Lagos.
The traders, under the aegis of Ndigboamaka Progressive Markets Association, unanimously backed the governor’s re-election.
He also interacted with traders at the popular mobile phone, computer and other electronics market (Computer Village) in Ikeja.
The engagements were initiated in response to concerns raised over safety of businesses and properties owned by South-East traders in Lagos.
Sanwo-Olu allayed the fears of the Igbo traders, assuring them that Lagos would continue to be a melting pot for all Nigerians.
He said his administration would continue to foster security and promote peaceful coexistence among all ethnic nationalities in the state.
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“I am here on a solidarity visit to thank you for your public endorsement of my humble self.
I believe the endorsement will reflect at the polls on Saturday with the highest number of votes cast from members of your community.
“You are not giving us your support for anything; you believe we deserve this encouragement because my team and I have worked tirelessly to improve your well-being.
“Very soon, Ojo will have a brand new General Hospital that will serve your needs.
“You also have seen expressways and bridges being completed on this corridor and we have awarded rail project into Okokomaiko that will aid movement of people and goods.
“I am excited that Lagos is on the path of growth.
“Through your cooperation and peaceful coexistence, we can surely build the state.
“We will also build a better country for ourselves,” the governor said at the Trade Fair forum.
He assured the Igbo traders of his government’s commitment to the safety of their prosperity.
Sanwo-Olu added that the state recently received approval for the development of Badagry Seaport.
This, he said, will facilitate economic development and boost logistics, especially in the movement of goods.
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The governor also pledged his administration’s commitment to the safety and security of non-indigenes living in Lagos.
He urged the Igbo traders not to listen to the scaremongers, threatening to attack them because of their electoral choices.
“We will continue to work with your leadership to enhance cooperation and identify areas we can foster improved peace and stability.
“We will not be hostile to any community of non-indigenes,” he said.
ASPAMDA President, Chief Ngozi Emechebe, described Sanwo-Olu as a true friend of Igbos.
Emechebe noted that the governor had never been hostile to non-Yoruba residents living in the state.
He said that the forum was initiated as a reassurance of support of the Ndigbo community to the governor’s re-election.
“The traders will work for Sanwo-Olu’s electoral victory in their respective polling stations.
“Sanwo-Olu is a good man and has demonstrated that he is a lover of Igbo.
“We have resolved to support the governor for a second term.
“This is because of his performance and his economic policies that have supported our businesses,” he said.
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