Yesterday, April the 11th, marked exactly one year since the elections which brought this government into office took place. On that day, Lagosians came out and put their faith in me. In the course of the campaign, I had assured Lagosians that my administration would light up the State and create a 24-7 economy.
On March 24th, this government commissioned the Rural Electrification project to connect 68 communities in the Ibeju Local Government and Lekki LCDA to the national electricity grid. On that day, I stated that our Light Up Lagos Project is built on a tripod consisting the Light Up Lagos Power Advisory Committee, Community Electrification and the Street Lighting Initiative.
Today, we are here to commission the Street Lighting aspect of our Light Up Lagos project which lights up the roads from Ile Zik in Ikeja to the old Sango toll gate and from Murtala Mohammed International Airport to Oshodi. These projects will provide adequate illumination on these strategic highways in keeping with our vision to light up all major roads and border towns in the State.
It is very important to note that the Light Up lagos Project goes beyond lighting up roads. As a State, we have keyed into the CHANGE mantra of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government and have taken the project to Federal Roads. We have gotten the support of Federal Government agencies to take over federal roads, put new installations and retrofit existing installations that are not working.
The Street Lights we are commissioning today are on Federal and State Roads. Other Federal Roads we have lit up include:
- Maryland to Mile 12 and
- Retrofitting of Third Mainland bridge
Some of the State Roads are:
- Agidingbi and Acme Roads in Ikeja
- Allen Avenue – Opebi Road
- Ekoro and Afa Nla Roads in Alimosho
And so many other roads too numerous to enlist here today.
The Light Up Lagos initiative is an integral part of our administration’s programmes to put Lagos on the same pedestal and status as similar megalopolis in the world. This initiative is in line with our commitment to build a 24/7 economy that will create employment and wealth for our people. The Light Up Lagos project is also part of our security strategy to make our State competitive, safe and secure.
Significant progress has been recorded since this initiative commenced on 9th December 2015. There has been an increase in commercial activity in the areas where we have installed street lights. Driving on major highways and streets in Ikeja, Alausa Central Business District, Third Mainland bridge, Iyana Oworo/Berger axis amongst others have become more pleasurable as a result of the improved illumination.
The Gateway town of Seme in Badagry and other border towns will have their streets lit by September.
Let me use this opportunity to assure all Lagosians that no part of the State will be left untouched in this project. If we have not lit up your street, give us a little time, we will soon get to you. We shall also ensure that these street/public lights are properly maintained through a private sector partnership that will guarantee efficiency, sustenance of standards, cost effectiveness and job opportunities.
I wish to also renew my call to communities, organizations and individuals to key into this initiative through the ‘Adopt A Street Light’ programme. We shall reciprocate with concessions in the payment of Land Use Charge as well as presentation of letters of commendation.
Finally, I enjoin all Lagosians to take ownership of this public facility and protect them from willful damage by those who thrive in criminality under the cover of darkness. If you see any actions aimed at destroying these facilities, please call the State Emergency number 112 and our security agencies will be at the location in no time.
Together, let us protect our facilities and work to light up Lagos.
Thank you.
Itesiwaju Ipinle Eko, lo je wa l’ogun!
Akinwunmi Ambode
Governor of Lagos State,
Alausa.
12th April, 2016