December 26, 2014 – Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola has said that 77 percent of residents in the state feel secured while 89 percent feel that the rate of crime has reduced.
Fashola who was addressing members of the Yoruba Tennis Club and their Island Club counterparts at their respective Club Houses in Onikan said the statistics is based on a recent poll conducted in the state, adding that this is taking place in Lagos despite security challenges confronting the nation.
He expressed gratitude to board members of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, particularly its Executive Secretary, Mr. Fola Arthur-Worrey, whom, he said, has continued to provide the institutional capacity to keep the Rapid Response Squad(RRS) going.
“We have been inventive, we have been determined and we have been unyielding as far as crime fighting in Lagos State is concerned”, he said.
On Education, the governor said confidence in public schools has risen tremendously, pointing out that a recent survey on the issue returned 53 percent of Lagosians preferring to have their children in state owned primary schools as against 47 percent that opted for private schools while 69 percent as against 31 now prefer to have their children in state owned secondary schools.
He said that in the West African School Certificate Examination (WASCE), Lagos State has moved from seven percent pass for students who obtained five credits at a sitting in 2007 to 45 percent in 2014.
He attributed successes recorded so far to the support and taxes of residents. “When you understand the ratio of private schools to state schools, which is about four private schools to one tate owned school, you will appreciate the enormity of the task we undertake. But we are happy to undertake this challenge because Lagos is working with your support and with your taxes”.
Fashola said the state’s the financial indices remain stable adding, it is the only state in the Federal Republic of Nigeria that still enjoys an A in positive outlook in Fitch rating.
“I am proud because many sectors of our national life show progress and results of the hard and dedicated work of the public servants of Lagos State. The unemployment index in Lagos State is eight percent compared to the national index of 24 percent; and this is in spite of our size because this is the home of every Nigerian”, the governor said.
In his welcome remarks, Chairman of the Yoruba Tennis Club, Mr. Babaseyi Joseph, regretted the downturn in the nation’s economy and the quality of life of Nigerians.
According to him, fall in the price of crude oil is a strong indication that serious effort should be made for the diversification of the Nigerian economy for sustainable development.
Chairman of Island Club, Prince Ademola Dada described Fashola’s eight years in the saddle as a glorious tenure in Lagos and prayed that whoever would succeed him would share his philosophy for the people of Lagos State.
