Lagos State Government

….Solves Persistent Flooding Issues in the Area’ 

• Governor Flags Off Reconstruction of Another Set of Roads 

Heavy flow of traffic associated with the perennial flooding in Ikoyi-Obalende area of Lagos State is now past, with the complete regeneration of four arterial roads network in the axis by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. 

The Governor, on Friday, commissioned the newly rehabilitated Thompson Avenue, Milverton Road, McDonald Road and Lateef Jakande Road, which are all in Ikoyi, Eti Osa Constituency 2. 

The roads, which have a combined length of 3.75km, were in deplorable conditions, following the failure of the aligning drainage channels. 

Last year February, Sanwo-Olu awarded the rehabilitation project to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, with the aim of solving the persistent flooding on the roads and upgrading their designs for durability. 

The projects brought relief to Ikoyi-Obalende residents, who turned out in fanfare to receive the Governor for the formal handover of the rehabilitated roads. 

Sanwo-Olu said the delivery of the projects was a testament to his administration’s resolve to improve people’s living conditions through well-thought-out policies and programmes. 

He said: “Our administration is cognizant of the fact that strategic investment in infrastructure is the foundation for long-term growth. We equally understand that, provision of adequate road infrastructure will generate a strong economic base for improved productivity and standard of living. 

“Given the economic importance of Ikoyi as the real estate hub of Lagos and to address the perennial flooding issues peculiar to the axis, we formally flagged off the regeneration work last year July, comprising upgrade of the roads and drainage channels in the area. Today, it is gratifying to note that, we have re-engineered and reconstructed these roads network for efficiency and improved traffic flow. We have also addressed perennial flooding in the area.” 

To further improve traffic connectivity in Ikoyi, the Governor, on the spot, approved immediate rehabilitation work on three other arterial roads in the area. They are Cooper Road, McPherson Road, and Queen’s Drive. 

Sanwo-Olu disclosed that similar regeneration projects were currently being carried out in other areas of the State, including Lekki-Epe, Victoria Island, Alimosho, Kosofe, Ojo, Lagos Island, Badagry, Ikorodu and Ikeja GRA. This, he said, is part of the efforts by his Government to bring development to all communities in the State. 

He urged commuters and residents to protect the roads from activities that may damage their features and designs. 

He said: “Maintenance of these roads is the collective responsibility of the Government and members of the community. We are ready to collaborate with the Residents’ Association and Community Development Association to develop and promote local initiatives for the community to participate in the maintenance of this network of roads to reduce road damage and infrastructure theft.” 

Special Adviser on Works and Infrastructure to the Governor, Mrs. Aramide Adeyoye, said the projects were in line with the Sanwo-Olu administration’s resolve to connect more communities and residents with roads. 

She said the projects held considerable socio-economic benefits for residents living and working in Ikoyi. 

She said: “The rehabilitation work will abate the perennial flooding and erosion usually experienced within the axis. The roads will also reduce vehicular congestion, decrease travel hours for commuters, enhance safety and security along the corridor, and provide aesthetically pleasing environment that will further increase property value.” 

An Ikoyi resident and member of Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), Mr. Wale Edun, gave a thumbs up to the Governor for turning around the roads, which, he said, were in a “woeful state” before their rehabilitation. 

“We thank the Governor for this intervention, which has brought the long sought relief back to the area. Residents can now live without the fear of flood,” Edun said. 

Hon. Gbolahan Yishau, representing Eti-Osa Constituency 2 in the House of Assembly, described the projects as “needed catalyst” to boost socio-economic activities in the Ikoyi-Obalende, conveying residents’ appreciation to the Governor on the projects. 

After the commissioning, Sanwo-Olu joined residents in a long trek on the roads to confirm the quality of work done by the contractor.

The Progressive Governors’ Forum has commended Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for providing patrol vehicles and various security equipment to boost the morale of security agencies to enhance security of the State.

Speaking to journalists after the Progressives Governors’ Forum meeting held in Abuja on Wednesday, chairman of the forum and Kebbi State Governor, Senator Atiku Bagudu, appreciated the success recorded by the Muhammadu Buhari-led All Progressives Congress (APC), despite the constraints occasioned by limited resources.

He said the meeting of the governors elected on the platform of the ruling party was to review a number of issues relating to the assignments given to committee members, which participated in party affairs, national security and economy.

President Muhammadu Buhari had last Thursday, June 10, joined Governor Sanwo-Olu to officially handover patrol vehicles and various security equipment procured by Lagos State Government to security agencies in the State.

They were 150 Double Cabin Vehicles, 30 Saloon Patrol Vehicles, 1,000 Ballistic Vests, 1,000 Ballistic Helmets, 1,000 Handheld Police Radios/Walkie Talkies, 100 Security Patrol Bikes, two Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs), four High Capacity Troop Carriers, two Anti-Riot Water Cannon Vehicles and  Office/Command Furniture and other Ancillary Support Resources.

Governor Bagudu said the recent defection of Governors Dave Umahi (Ebonyi) and Prof. Benedict Ayade (Cross Rivers) and other prominent politicians to the ruling party is a testament that APC is Nigeria’s preferred party.

He said: “We took report from the National Chairman of the Caretaker Extra-Ordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), His Excellency, Mai Mala Buni, Governor of Yobe State and we commended the Caretaker Committee under his able leadership for all the successes recorded by the party, particularly that, on daily basis people are joining the party. Even in the last few months, we had former Governor Gbenga Daniel, the governors of Ebonyi State and Cross River State, former Speaker, members of the National and State Assemblies, many illustrious citizens of Nigeria and we are still counting.

“This is a testament to the fact that APC is Nigeria’s preferred party. It is the party Nigerians will continue to aspire and continue to be proud of. We also appreciate the successes recorded despite the constraints of the economy. We equally discussed the time table for our congresses and we reviewed the security situation and acknowledged some of the challenges as well as the successes achieved.

“We acknowledged the constraints of the economy and the successes that are being achieved.

We noted that Mr. President visited Lagos to commission the Lagos/Ibadan railway, the Deep Sea Project and other items provided by Lagos State Governor to enhance the security of Lagos State. Just yesterday, Mr. President commissioned the backbone of the 7th Strand of the NLNG. We believe these are among many other legacy projects that will continue to bring more income for the country.”

Speaking on APC National Convention, Governor Bagudu said there is a proposal before President Buhari and once he approves it, the National Caretaker Committee will announce the date for the party’s convention.

“We considered the timetable and we have made some inputs particularly to comply with the Electoral Law and the party’s constitution.

Remember we (PGF) are just one organ of the party, though a very important organ, we advised the Caretaker Committee to ensure that they consult with all, so that at the end of the day, the final output will be such that all party members will be happy,” he said.

. . . Eulogises Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has eulogised the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service for its commitment to the protection of lives and property of Lagosians.

Sanwo-Olu spoke at the unveiling of the Emergency and Security Dispatch Regional Centre, Epe, which will serve as a hub and one-stop facility for the efficient and rapid deployment of first responders to emergencies within Epe division. The agencies that will operate from the Centre include the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) among others.

The Governor recognised the achievements of the Fire Service, through prompt arrival and attendance to emergencies in Lagos, especially in unforeseen fire incidents along highways, commercial premises and markets in various areas the State.

Noting that the facility will aid the provision of seamless and effective safety, security and disaster management operations in Epe and environs, Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed optimism that the new Agency Law of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service will soon be passed by the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Also speaking at the event, the House Committee Chairman on Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, Mr. Kazeem Raheem Adewale, informed the gathering that a new bill for the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service Agency Law has been assigned to its Committee for further legislative proceedings after the second reading.

In her contribution at the programme, the Director, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Mrs. Margaret Abimbola Adeseye gave an assurance that her team would remain efficient in the discharge of their duties at the newly commissioned Emergency and Security Dispatch Centre in Epe.

Mrs. Adeseye applauded Governor Sanwo-Olu for bringing the services of first responders to the people of Epe, pledging that the firemen would remain prompt and professional in their service delivery to residents along the axis.

The Fire Service boss said the Station in Epe will be manned by well trained and experienced firefighters. Some of the officers displayed the Aerial Ladder Platform Fire Engine, just as others lined up a Guard of Honour inspected by Mr. Governor.