Today, we celebrate a new dawn in the life of the good people of Lagos State; the glorious dawn of community development accelerated through our vision of inclusive governance.
All of us can recall the conversation we had when I came to you as the candidate of our great party, the All Progressives Congress. Our contract to create a greater Lagos State in which no one shall be left behind, a state in which all communities shall feel the impact of our vision, where ever they may be.
On May 29, 2015, I re-echoed this contract of hope in my inaugural address as the governor you have given the responsibility to change your lives for the better, to create the conditions for prosperity in every home and to make our communities vibrant and exciting to live
In January, this year, I announced the flag-off of the 114 road projects in 20 local governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas.
I give thanks to God that your prayers and your co-operation have made it possible to translate our collective dream to reality. It is a testimony to the saying that nothing can stop a people who have resolved to move forward.
It is therefore my pleasure to inform you that your Government is delivering 114 Local Government access and link roads in all the Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas of the State.
This means that the road network in our State of Excellence has increased by 56.1 Kilometers. It means that we have added 112 kilometres of walkways and covered drains. And it means additional 56 kilometres of our roads are being lit by independent powered street lights to improve the security of our neighborhoods’, the visibility of pedestrians, commuters and motorists as well as creation of a night economy.
At a time the national economy is facing financial challenges, our administration is able to inject over N19 billion into the economy of our state, stimulating employment and engaging the business sector. No fewer than 89 local companies executed the road project with thorough supervision by the communities and the Government. About 5, 700 direct jobs were created for professionals, artisans and laborers in the construction industry. A larger number of people, approximately 10,000 suppliers and dependants felt the positive impact of this stimulus package in their lives.
The idea of 114 roads with streetlights simultaneously executed across 57 local governments at the rate of two roads per local government is a historic leap of faith for our administration and the citizens of Lagos. It is a test of our capacity to create a goal, set targets, mobilise the resources and manage the funds with extra-ordinary prudence and commitment. It is also a learning process that has given us greater confidence and trust in the human and material resources of our dear state.
In line with our principle of civic empowerment, we encouraged the community development associations to suggest the roads requiring construction according to their needs and worked with them to participate in the monitoring of the projects towards taking ownership on completion.
As we hand over the roads to the communities, our Administration continues to display its confidence in the people by allocating to them the task of maintaining the street lights and monitoring the maintenance of the roads. We shall support communities with stipends to perform this task.
Let me also reiterate our offer to landlords with public spirit: power the streetlights on your streets with your generators and get a discount on your land use charge fees and a certificate of recognition signed by the Governor.
Our dignitaries, leaders and the good people of our state, the 114 road projects as a collaborative intervention of the state and local governments to make Lagos a true megacity shall be an annual rite of development. As I speak, the process for the second round of 114 road projects is beginning. I urge all the communities to be part of it.
The road being commissioned today- Jimoh street in Ikorodu North LCDA- is one of the community driven development projects identified by you to improve our State and make it the preferred investment destination worldwide. We have chosen to flag off the commissioning here to appreciate the diligence and seriousness of the contractor, DC Engineering, for being the first to complete the project within the stipulated six months. I congratulate the contractor for this exemplary feat while I urge others to emulate the good example or face sanction.
Let me therefore appeal to our elders, the youths and indeed the entire residents to guard jealously the infrastructure provided by the Government so that more projects can come to your communities again.
In the spirit of our inclusive governance, the remaining 113 roads will be commissioned by other dignitaries including Obas, CDA Chairmen, political personalities and other Government officials.
Fellow Lagosians, let us work together to build a clean, secure and prosperous State where everyone counts.
Thank you and God bless.
Itesiwaju Ipinle Eko, lo je wa logun.
His Excellency
Akinwunmi Ambode
Governor, Lagos State.
September 17, 2016