Lagos State Deputy Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, has explained that his participation in the Lagos Governorship Debate was an opportunity to present his development agenda and outline practical measures to improve residents' living conditions.

Hamzat stated this in a post on his X account late on Sunday, following the debate organised by the Nigeria Debate Consortium, comprising The PUNCH, Channels Television, TVC News, TheCable and Vanguard.

He said leadership required understanding the needs of the people and developing policies that addressed their concerns.

The APC candidate identified healthcare as a major priority, pledging to expand the state's Ilera Eko health insurance scheme from its current 1.4 million enrollees to cover one in every three Lagos residents.

He also promised to complete the Massey Children’s Hospital, Ojo and Somolu General Hospitals, while increasing capacity across the state's nine general hospitals.

Hamzat added that more primary healthcare centres would operate round the clock, supported by improved training and welfare for health workers.

On housing, he proposed introducing a more accessible mortgage system that would allow families to own homes through payments spread over several years.

He also pledged to sustain the state's rail development projects, including the extension of the Blue Line to Okokomaiko and the connection of the Red Line to the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts at the National Theatre.

The deputy governor said the proposals were intended to improve access to essential services, expand homeownership and ease transportation challenges across the state.

He outlined seven pillars of his proposed development agenda, tagged The Lagos PROMISE, representing People First, Renewal, Opportunity, Machinery of Government, Inclusion, Security and Resilience, and Everyday Dignity.

According to him, the framework would guide his administration's approach to governance, infrastructure development and the creation of opportunities for residents.

Hamzat said he remained committed to listening to Lagosians, building on existing achievements and delivering development that benefited all sections of the population.

The debate, held on Sunday, November 8, brought together governorship candidates from the APC, African Democratic Congress, Nigeria Democratic Congress and Peoples Democratic Party to discuss issues affecting Lagos, including infrastructure, housing, healthcare, transportation, security and economic development.