Welcome Address by Biodun Coker (FCCA, AFA)
Director-General, SMA Movement At the Declaration of Renewed Hope 2.0 for the Reelection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Organized by the SMA Movement
11th March, 2026
Distinguished leaders of our great party,
Members of the SMA Movement,
Respected elders, women and youth leaders,
Members of the press,
And our dedicated party faithful,
Good day to you all.
On behalf of the organizers and our host, it gives me great pleasure to warmly welcome every one of you to this historic gathering as we come together for the declaration of Renewed Hope 2.0, in support of the reelection of our President, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Let me begin by specially appreciating the visionary leadership of the SMA Movement and its convener, Dr. Samuel Mawuyon Ajose, for bringing us together at this very important moment in our political journey. Your dedication, courage, and unwavering commitment to the progress of Lagos State and Nigeria are deeply commendable.
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, today marks the official flag-off of a strategic grassroots mobilisation effort — a door-to-door campaign — in support of the son of the soil, the father of modern Lagos, our leader and President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Importantly, today marks the statewide activation of the SMA Movement across the 376 wards and the 57 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas of Lagos State, as our mobilisation structure begins to reach every community, every ward, and every corner of our great state.
This activation represents the beginning of a coordinated grassroots movement that will strengthen our political structures and deepen engagement across Lagos State.
At a time when the global environment is facing significant uncertainty, including tensions in the Middle East involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, we must take a moment to reflect on the bold and courageous decisions taken by our President.
Today, it would have been extremely difficult for Nigeria to secure sufficient fuel to power our vehicles, businesses and industries if not for the courageous decision of President Tinubu to remove the fuel subsidy and create an enabling environment for local refining.
That courageous reform has paved the way for the strengthening of domestic refining capacity, including major investments such as the Dangote Refinery and other refining initiatives across the country.
Because of these strategic decisions, Nigeria is gradually reducing its dependence on imported petroleum products and building a more resilient energy future.
That is leadership.
That is foresight.
That is Renewed Hope in action.
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, Lagos remains the political home base of our President, and therefore we must lead by example.
We must also be honest with ourselves. The outcome of the 2023 presidential election in Lagos was not what we expected. One of the reasons was that many of us within our great party, the All Progressives Congress, became complacent.
But today, we are here to say clearly: that will not happen again.
I am pleased to state that Dr. Samuel Mawuyon Ajose has made a firm commitment to work with all stakeholders across communities, wards and local governments to ensure that no stone is left unturned in mobilising support for our party and our candidates.
Let me also assure you that the effort many of you witnessed during the recent APC membership registration exercise was only a small glimpse of what is to come.
The mobilisation that will take place across Lagos State in the coming months will be massive, coordinated and strategic.
Our strategy is clear.
Our mission is defined.
And our determination is unwavering.
As we proceed with the activities of today, I encourage everyone here to maintain decorum, unity and discipline, which are the hallmarks of a progressive political movement.
Let us continue to work together in the spirit of loyalty, solidarity and collective victory.
By the grace of God, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu will secure a resounding reelection victory nationally, and Samuel Mawuyon Ajose will lead Lagos forward in a way that has never been seen before.
And together, we will ensure that Lagos remains the stronghold of progressive leadership and the heartbeat of Renewed Hope in Nigeria.
Together, we will deliver Lagos.
Together, we will strengthen our great party.
Together, we will advance the vision of Renewed Hope for Nigeria.
Because if Renewed Hope succeeds, Lagos will not only succeed, but it will move forward.
Thank you for being here.
And may God bless Lagos State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Thank you.
