In line with fulfilling his inclusive governance mandate, on Thursday 14th of April 2016, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, met with residents of Ikorodu during the quarterly Town Hall Meeting, which is the 3rd in the series since the commencement of his administration on the 29th of May, 2015.
During the quarterly meeting, His Excellency, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode gave a detailed report on the developmental achievements of his administration in the last 11 months. During the briefing, the Governor touched on investment and business oriented collaborations the state had sealed to fast-track economic growth, and also, the efforts of his administration to position Lagos as a destination choice for Sports, Tourism and investment in Africa, he also touched on the electrification project – essentially the Light up Lagos Project, which spans across different parts of the state.
Further highlighting some of his administration’s strides in the last quarter, Governor Ambode said the State achieved major breakthrough in security, saying that since the launch of the N4.78 billion equipment, the state had won several battles against crime. He said the quick response in the rescue of the kidnapped girls in Ikorodu and the quelling of the Mile 12 riot were testimonies of the effectiveness of the security system in State. He added that many criminals had so far been arrested since the launch of the security equipment, saying that he was ready to pay for information given that would lead to the arrest of hardened criminals.
“I am ready to pay monetary compensation for information on hardened criminals as we proceed to make Lagos crime-free. We are happy to report that crime rate has also reduced in the last three months,” he said.
On attracting investment to Lagos, Governor Ambode said investors have shown interest in the redevelopment of the fish market to an international Fish Market and the redevelopment of inner roads in Epe and Ibeju-Lekki.
While addressing issues on transportation in Lagos, Governor Ambode said before the end of May 2016, the State Government will formally sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), with investors for the construction of the proposed 4th Mainland Bridge. He further assured residents that once the MoU is signed, work would begin on the 4th Mainland Bridge, emphasizing that the project would go a long way to boost the economy of Lagos East Senatorial District.
“Many investors have shown interest in the actualization of our dream for the 4th Mainland Bridge which will run from Ajah to Ikorodu to Isawo and berth at Ojodu, Ikeja back to the Ibadan expressway. By the grace of God, we will sign an MoU and commence action before May 29”, he said.
According to Governor Ambode, his administration is keen of inclusive governance. Saying no one, or any part of the State will be left behind or underdeveloped. The Governor expressed optimism that the Lagos East Senatorial District which used to be the economic hub of the state in the then Western Region will regain its position in a short time.
“Over the years, the economic activities have continually dwindled resulting in urban migration, underdevelopment and unemployment. It is with a view of revitalizing the economic activities of this zone that Government has identified the need for urgent intervention.
“To this end, Government will be relocating the Mile 12 Market to Imota. Work on this will commence next week. Our vision is to make the East Senatorial Zone economically viable and liveable”, he said.
During the question and answer section, His Excellency responded to complaints by residents on the menace of motorcycles, otherwise known as Okada in the State, Governor Ambode asked the people whether they would support a total ban on such mode of transportation in this age and time and in a city like Lagos, a question which was answered in the affirmative by majority of the stakeholders in the hall who raised their hands in support.
“I’m encouraged by this very transparent, credible, free and fair affirmation which I just got from the people. From the response, many of the people in this hall are in support of a total ban on Okada and since this is a government of the people, all the security agencies in Lagos including the Police, Task Force, LASTMA and others, to start with, are hereby directed to fully enforce the ban on Okada between Mile 12 and Ikorodu. “We will not tolerate Okada on the road and I hereby emphasize that there is no more Okada on Mile 12-Ikorodu Road. Anyone caught flouting this directive will have their Okada impounded and we would prosecute such people as well before the court,” the Governor said.
Speaking on the need for the youths in the state to key into the programmes lined up for them by his administration, Governor Ambode urged street urchins and youths involved in social vices such as cultism to lay down their arms and shun violence, assuring that they would be empowered to be gainfully and productively engaged.
He said the plan of his administration is that youths, artisans and entrepreneurs in each of the Senatorial districts and divisions in the State would be able to access at least N1billon between now and June, and use same for their greater economic prosperity, and by extension that of the State.
Governor Ambode, who also responded to pleas by residents in Ikorodu on the need for the expansion and rehabilitation of the road network, assured that government will explore the Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiative to transform the Ikorodu-Imota-Agbowa-Itokin-Epe Road into a standard 8-lane Road.
Governor Ambode, directed the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources as well as the State Electricity Board to look at the possibilities of providing electricity for Igbo-Olomu community, a suburb in Ikorodu, which has been without light for over 10 years.
Closing the question and answer segment of the quarterly meeting, Governor Ambode appealed to Lagosians present to ensure that they continue to pay their taxes, and also take ownership of projects in their domain.