SNOW TV NEWS DESK
The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has criticized successive Lagos State administrations over what he described as development policies that favor wealthy communities while leaving ordinary residents struggling with basic needs.
Rhodes-Vivour, popularly known as GRV, made the remarks on Sunday during a governorship debate organized by the Nigeria Debate Consortium in Lagos, where candidates presented their ideas for addressing the state’s major challenges.
He argued that despite Lagos recording impressive internally generated revenue (IGR) figures over the years, the benefits have not translated into meaningful improvements in the living conditions of many residents.
According to him, government policies over the past two decades have placed greater emphasis on developing affluent neighborhoods, particularly in the housing sector, without giving sufficient attention to low-income communities.
He specifically referenced Makoko, a waterfront settlement that has remained at the center of controversies surrounding urban renewal, demolitions, and the displacement of residents.
Rhodes-Vivour argued that development should not come at the expense of vulnerable communities, stressing that urban planning must consider the welfare and rights of people who have lived in such areas for generations.
“Lagos government, in the last 20 years, has focused on elite policies and eyebrow areas for housing. That’s why on paper, Lagos celebrates a high IGR, but on the ground, people are not feeling it. We would focus on people; our policies are tailored towards that,” he said.
The ADC candidate further maintained that his proposed administration would prioritize policies that directly address the everyday challenges facing Lagosians rather than focusing mainly on projects that benefit a privileged section of society.
He identified poor waste management, persistent traffic congestion, inadequate healthcare facilities, and the shortage of affordable housing as some of the critical issues requiring urgent attention.
“My manifesto has always stood with the people, putting the interest of the people first. I have that track record. We’re bringing solution thinking to the problems of Lagos State, waste management, traffic, healthcare, and housing,” he added.
As part of his housing proposal, Rhodes-Vivour pledged that an ADC-led government would work towards delivering 100,000 housing units to address the state’s growing accommodation challenges.
The debate was organized by the Nigeria Debate Consortium, a coalition comprising The PUNCH, Channels Television, TVC News, The Cable, and Vanguard.
His comments come amid longstanding concerns over the rising cost of housing, urban displacement, traffic congestion, and access to essential services in Lagos, a state grappling with rapid population growth and increasing pressure on its infrastructure.
At the heart of Rhodes-Vivour’s argument is a broader question about governance: whether Lagos’ economic growth and rising revenue are translating into better living conditions for the majority of its residents.
“Sir Bartholomew White Ebe is a Lagos-based media personality, Music Artist, Producer, and a Relationship Coach and independent journalist. With over seven years of experience tracking political developments and cultural shifts in Nigeria, he specializes in local current affairs, grassroots politics, and community-driven reporting across Lagos State. As the founder and chief editor of Snow Multimedia Connect {SNOW TV}, he leads the editorial team to deliver verified, high-impact stories to digital audiences.”
Email: snowmediaconnect@gmail.com
