NAIRA RAIN AS LAGOS MARKS COMMUNITY DAY

Nine Hilux vans for selected Neighbourhood Watch[/caption]But beyond the fun, it was another opportunity for the CDAs in the state to secure commitment from the Lagos State Government to assist communities who have initiated self-help projects. CDAs whose performance puts them in the first 23 got cash sums of at least N150,000 each to complete projects they have initiated in their communities.

However, UNILAG Estate CDA in Ikosi/Isheri LCDA came first and won a cash prize of N2 million. UNILAG Estate qualified for the prize having spent N4 million on road construction. Tiwadire CDA in Igando/Ikotun LCDA was second and got a cash prize of N1.5 million while Iututun CDA in Olorunda LCDA was third and was rewarded with a cash prize of N1million.

Nine Toyota Hilux vans were also presented to selected Neighbourhood Watch posts in some LCDAs in addition to office equipment like refrigerators and computers, etc.

Speaking at the event, the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola explained that the strength of the society depends on the strength of the community adding that communities thrive on the peaceful co-existence and on the interrelationships that goes on there.

According to the governor, the harmonious relationship explains why Lagos State has no issue of religion because in almost every home, one would find a Muslim or a Christian just as in almost every family, you will find a husband and a wife who are either of Christian and Muslim background, stressing that it is because of the tolerance and understanding that Lagos is the Centre of Excellence and a home of first choice for every Nigerian in the Federal Republic.

“Many people who came to our state came with only their dream, a dream to achieve all that they can be and this land of immense opportunities has helped them, many have become champions and leaders of industries, many have found expression on the political platform successfully, many have found expression in banking and in education and so many other fields”, he said.

Fashola said Lagos has over time become the land of opportunities where dreams are realized. “That is why I tell people that if you want to define the Nigerian dream, the expression of the Nigerian dream is living here on the streets of Lagos. It is a land where you can be everything from nothing”.

While commending the harmonious and peaceful co-existence in the State, the governor added that every resident owes it a duty to preserve and to protect the place that provides the beneficial opportunities for all.
He saluted all the communities who have taken the initiatives on their own like Ilututun in Olorunda Local Council Development Area, Tiwadire community in Igando/Ikotun LCDA and UNILAG in Ikosi/ Isheri LCDA who instead of waiting for government has shown their commitment by taking initiatives of their own.

He explained that though government has done alot, more still needs to be done and called on residents to be patient with him.