The Presidency has clarified President Bola Tinubu’s absence at the planned at project inauguration in Lagos, attributing it to ongoing security briefings.
Presidential Adviser on Public Communication and Orientation, Mr. Sunday Dare, defended Tinubu’s handling of security, stating military operations and intelligence efforts are paying off against terrorism.
Speaking on “Politics Today”, a Channels TV programme, emphasized Tinubu’s focus on national security, even while away from Abuja.
“The President prioritised national security developments over the event. Yes, the president is in Lagos, and I’m sure beyond the pictures, you know that the president has been busy with state matters,” he said.
Dare said recent security concerns across parts of the country required the president’s attention, noting, “You will know the last 10 days, right from the attack in Jos, we’ve seen the developments.”
According to him, Tinubu has been “busy taking constant briefs” and “has to prioritise when it comes to state matters, especially security”.
He further explained that the president remained actively engaged with security agencies, and was “monitoring development, working with the intelligence community, and taking constant security briefs.”
He assured Nigerians that the administration is consistently responding to threats and remains committed to protecting lives and property.
Inaugurating the Ojota-Opebi Link Bridge, a project conceived in 2002 but completed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Tinubu said it reflects Lagos’ commitment to development and aligns with his Renewed Hope vision for a modern, digitally-enabled, and economically strong Nigeria.
The bridge, a 5.04-kilometre transport corridor, is one of the three key Lagos projects inaugurated on Wednesday by Tinubu in the first of his two-day official visit to Lagos for commissioning.
Other projects include five-storey Lagos State Geographic Information Service (LAGIS) Building and Lagos Multi-Agency Building, both in Alausa.
Tinubu, who was represented by the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, congratulated Lagos residents, saying the projects delivered by Sanwo-Olu spoke to the importance of putting people’s wellbeing at the centre of development.
Tinubu said: “The Ojota-Opebi Link Bridge is more than an infrastructure; it is a bridge to opportunities. In a busy city like Lagos, vehicular movement is more than just commuting; it is associated with the city’s economic wellbeing.
“When traffic flows, productivity improves. When time is saved, businesses grow. When access is made easier, living standards get improved.”
Tinubu thanked Lagos Government for making the new Administrative Complex after him, noting that he accepted the honour with humility.
Sanwo-Olu, said the projects were distinct but complementary investments, with each addressing a critical aspect of governance.
The bridge, he said, would address congestion and mobility around Ikeja-Maryland-Ojota corridor, while improving the quality of life for commuters.
He said the Ojota-Opebi Link Bridge would improve efficiency of traffic circulation, with noticeable impact beyond the immediate environs of the bridge.
He said the road project was completed with walkways, bicycle lanes, solar-powered street lighting and embedded service ducts.
“We have built, not just for today’s needs, but with a clear eye on the ever-expanding demands of the future.
“As part of this project, we have integrated a comprehensive stormwater management system to address the long-standing challenge of flooding along the Odo-Iya-Alaro corridor, thereby strengthening environmental resilience,” he said
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