… Governor Affirms Commitment to Human Capital Development
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Friday, March 21, 2025, presided over the inaugural meeting of the Lagos State HOPE (Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity) Programme Steering Committee at the State House, Marina. The event also saw the formal inauguration of the State Technical Committee, marking a significant step in the government’s mission to strengthen human capital development.
The HOPE initiative, supported by the World Bank, is a strategic intervention designed to enhance key sectors such as health, education, and social services. It aligns with the state’s vision of ensuring that Lagosians – especially the vulnerable population – have access to quality healthcare, improved education, and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Speaking at the event, Governor Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to human capital investment, describing it as a critical driver of economic growth and social equity.
The Steering Committee comprises top government officials, including Commissioners and Permanent Secretaries from the Ministries of Health, Education, Economic Planning and Budget, Finance, and Youth and Social Development. Other members include the State Accountant-General and the Director-General of the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency. Their mandate is to provide policy direction and strategic oversight for the successful implementation of the HOPE Programme.
Also inaugurated was the State Technical Committee, consisting of Directors of Planning, Research, and Statistics from aforementioned ministries and agencies, including the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board (PHCB), the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) alongside the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) Desk Officer. This team is tasked with developing actionable plans, coordinating programme activities, and ensuring that policy directives translate into measurable outcomes at the grassroots level.
During the meeting, the committees reviewed the programme’s implementation framework, clarified roles and responsibilities, and set priorities for the first phase of execution. Key discussions centred on strategies to enhance health service delivery, improve learning outcomes in public schools, and strengthen social protection systems for vulnerable communities across Lagos State.
Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasised that the success of the HOPE initiative would depend on collaborative efforts, data-driven decision-making, and sustainable funding mechanisms. He urged committee members to approach the programme with a results-oriented mindset, ensuring that every intervention directly benefits Lagos residents. The Governor also acknowledged the World Bank’s partnership, expressing optimism that the initiative would position Lagos as a model for human capital development in Nigeria.
With the committees now inaugurated, stakeholders anticipate a swift rollout of initiatives under the HOPE Programme, paving the way for improved quality of life and long-term socio-economic progress in Lagos State.