AMBODE APPROVES N2.5BN FOR SCHOOLS’ UPGRADE

Emmanuel Ukudolo

January 19, 2016 – Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode today said his government has approved N2.5 billion to upgrade public schools in the state.

He said the state government is coming up with a new model for all public schools. He said the upgrade is funded by the state and the Universal Basic Education(UBE) with additional N526 million added by Lagos State.

The Governor, who spoke while rendering his account of stewardship at the second quarterly town hall meeting in Lagos, said his administration will continue to stay true to its overall policy built on a tripod of security, infrastructural development and job creation.

Ambode said his administration is fully aware that a safer Lagos will attract more investments from local and foreign investors, hence he kept to his promise in the first quarter to improve on the security in the state with investment in security equipment worth over N4.7billion.

“I am happy to report that our state is a lot safer today as statistics show that crime rate reduced by 65% during the last quarter compared to Year 2014,” he said.

He said that since crime is committed under cover of darkness, government opted to embark on “Light Up Lagos” project, which has since restored light on major highways and inner roads.

He announced that an Advisory Committee on Power, chaired by the Deputy Governor was also set up to keep faith with the promise to ensure that every nook and cranny is lit-up, just as he urged residents to key into the project in return for a reward.

“In the past few months, we have fixed street lights from Berger in Ojodu to Lekki, Ikorodu to Lagos Island, the entire Ikeja axis, Victoria Island and Ikoyi. We are taking this project to every part of the State. If we are not yet in your neighbourhood, give us a little time; we will soon be there. As we light up the State, we expect crime to reduce as criminals will have nowhere to hide and operate.

“I call on individuals and corporate bodies to join our “Light Up Lagos” project by adopting a street and lighting it up either by connecting it to your meter or your generator. In return, these individuals and institutions will receive special concessions on Land Use Charge and commendation from the State and Local Governments”.

The Governor also said in the last quarter, 49 transformers were donated to communities that were hitherto in darkness for five years, while electricity has now been restored to 63 Communities starting from Eleko to Ode-Omi in Ibeju Lekki Local Government.

“We also commissioned the 33kva Electrical Sub-Station in Gberigbe Community, Ikorodu. This is expected to improve the electricity situation in that axis,” he said.

On infrastructural development, Governor Ambode said that over 300 roads were rehabilitated during the period under review, adding that 66 major road projects are at various stages of completion while grading and surface dressing of 80 road will soon be completed in all the LGs & LCDAs of the State.

He listed some of the completed roads to include Afa Nla Road, Agege, CIPM Road, Alausa, Ijegun-Ikotun Road, Mba Street, Ajegunle, 1st and 2nd Avenue, Festac Town, Afolabi Ege Street, Ojo, Thomson Road, Ikoyi, 2nd Avenue, Ikoyi, Queens Drive, Ikoyi, Ebutte Ero Road, Lagos Island and Akin Adeshola
Road, Victoria Island.

“In addition to this, construction of two roads in each of the 20 Local Government and 37 Local Government Development Areas in the State was flagged off last week. A total of 114 roads will be delivered through this intervention in the next six months at a cost of N17.5b,” the governor said.

Ambode also listed other strides of his administration in the last quarter to include injection of 434 new BRT buses, the commencement of construction of fly-overs in Ajah roundabout, Abule – Egba Junction and Berger Bus stop as well as the resumption of work on the Blue Line Rail Project expected to be completed by December 2016.

On the projection for the first quarter of 2016, he assured that with the budget already in place his administration will kick-start the N25billion Employment Trust Fund, employ new staff into LASTMA, Fire Service and Hospitals, strengthen the state security infrastructure as well as take the Light Up Lagos Project to more areas.

“As your Governor, I am resolute in my commitment to you; to serve and justify the trust you have reposed in me and work tirelessly to deliver good governance for the collective good of all Lagosians.

“All we need is your support and cooperation. We thank you for your direct feedback to us. We take them on board but we also need you to always fulfill your side of the social contract by ensuring regular payment of your taxes and willful compliance with the State Laws.

“There are better days ahead. Together, we are building a Lagos that we are all proud of”, he said.