Emmanuel Thomas
April 23, 2015 – The Lagos State Government said it has paid N30.3 million as compensation to communities at Gayingbo for the five hectares of land it secured for the proposed forensic laboratory.
Commissioner for Science & Technology, Mr. Adebiyi Mabadeje who made the disclosure in Lagos said the money was paid following approval by the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola .
He said the master plan for the project has been submitted and that soil test for the site has also been carried out. The commissioner added that Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is now being done along with perimeter fencing of the location.
“The State Government wants to make it a Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiative”, he said adding that discussions are presently ongoing with interested potential vendors.
The commissioner said that because it is a very technical area, the state government is taking time to evaluate proposals that have been submitted for the project.
On Closed Circuit Television (CCTV), he explained that the Lagos State Government is committed to the project and that those that have been deployed are working and that the state government is currently negotiating with NEC Japan, with a view to procure additional 1000 CCTV to beef up what has been deployed with assistant from the Federal Government.
He said the state government has established 120 ICT laboratories in schools to enable pupils gain first hand practical experience on science, technology, engineering and mathematic subjects.
He said the state government has also promoted creativity and innovation by establishing an Innovation and Research Council Development Council to promote entrepreneurship by evaluating ideas from the public and work on commercializing them in tandem with academia and the private sector.
The commissioner said the state has shown commitment through grants of N3 to 12 million to 32 deserving ideas either directly or through tertiary institutions.
