Lagos State Governor Akinwumi has built on the achievements of his predecessors-Babatunde Fashola and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu-in the last one year. His performance is a sign of more good things to come for Lagosians in the next three years, reports Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU
In the last one year, Lagos State has stood out in the federation. The former Federal Capital Territory and economic nerve centre has become a huge construction site. Under the dynamic, hardworking and diligent governor, Akinwumi Ambode, the state has continued to shoulder enormous national, sub-regional and continental responsibilities. It is evident that Lagosians did not vote for the former Accountant-General in vain. The financial surgeon has won the hearts of critics who felt that it will be difficult for him to fit into the shoes of his predecessor.
His performance has changed the perception. Ambode is a silent worker. The technocrat-turned politician is not a noise maker. He only allows his work to do the talking for him. The style of the shrewd administrator, which has yielded enormous dividends, appears to be beyond the ken and understanding of those who had earlier underrated his capacity.
The governor had swung into action from the first day. He inherited the traffic snarl in the metropolis. The governor urged the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) to adopt new strategies, instead of impounding vehicles. His advice was misconstrued by some motorists to mean that they could get away with any offence. Traffic robbers took advantage of the gridlock on the bad roads. Armed robbers were on the prowl at two new generation banks at Ipakodo Ebute, Ikorodu. The governor received the blame.
However, he was undaunted. For him, governance is not a 100-metres dash that requires hasty decision making, but a four-year journey requiring careful, thorough and coordinated policy and decision making.
In his inaugural speech, Ambode reiterated his commitment to the State Development Plan (2012 – 2025) built on four pillars of Social Development and Security; Infrastructural Development; Economic Development and Sustainable Environment. These he had narrowed down to a tripod of security, job creation and infrastructural development.
On Saturday May 30, the governor unfolded his vision to the body of Permanent Secretaries. The result has been a more efficient and service-oriented civil service. The streamlining of some ministries, departments and agencies has reduced the cost of governance. The creation of new offices has catered for the emerging needs of the people.
The governor realigned the Ministry of Rural Development, Parastatals Monitoring Office and the Political and Legislative Powers Bureau. He established the Office of Overseas Affairs and Investment (Lagos Global), the Office of Civic Engagement and the Ministry of Wealth Creation.
He also scrapped the Office of the Special Adviser on Taxation and Revenue, and the Debt Management Office. Also, he merged the office of Works and Office of Infrastructure, the Office of Drainage Services and the Office of Environmental Service.
In his drive for investment, Ambode has held fruitful discussions with the President of Namibia, Dr Hage Geingob, the President of Dangote Group of Companies, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, investors from Dubai, United States of America, and envoys from several European and Middle East countries. Through these meetings, possible partnerships in areas of power, healthcare and capacity building have been ignited.
Ambode has been putting smiles on the faces of people. It was distressing to him that last year’s baby of the year, Oluwajomiloju, was diagnosed with a heart defect. He approved that the baby be flown to India on the expense of the state government. The surgery was successful. Next was Mrs. Ruth Uche, whose husband had fled his Agege home when his wife gave birth to triplets. When he read her story in the newspapers, the governor directed the deputy governor, Dr. Oluranti Adebule, to provide official assistance to the family. Later, Mr. Uche came out from his hideout and returned home to his family.
Retirees are not left out. In August last year, Ambode approved N11billion to offset the arrears owed them since 2010.
Security is a major priority of the administration. To curb petty crimes, cultism and armed robbery, the governor rebranded the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Nigerian Police. In an unprecedented move, he donated equipment worth N4.765 billion to the police. The items include 100 4-Door Salon Cars, 55 Ford Ranger Pick-Ups, 10 Toyota Land Cruiser Pick-Ups, 15 BMW Power Bikes, 100 Power Bikes, Isuzu Trucks, three helicopters, two Gun Boats, 15 Armoured Personnel Carriers, revolving lights, siren and public address system, Vehicular Radio Communicators, Security Gadgets including Bullet Proof Vests, Drones Helmets, Handcuffs, etc, Uniforms, Kits and Improved Insurance and Death Benefit Schemes for officers.
The governor also donated 48 patrol vans, 385 walkie talkies, 11 base and repeater stations, 1,150 uniforms, 570 handcuffs, 1,150 belts, berets and boots to boost the operation of the Neighbourhood Watchers. The move has improved security in the state.
Hailing the security agenda of the Lagos State government, the Minister of Interior, Lt-General Abdulrahman Dambazau (Rtd.) said it is unprecedented in the history of Nigeria.
The “Light Up Lagos” project has also assisted in boosting security. Major highways in Lagos have been lit up, improving driving experience for motorists and reducing criminal activities at night.In the past few months, the government has fixed street lights from Berger to Lekki, Third Mainland Bridge, Iyaba Ipaja, Ikorodu to Lagos Island, the entire Ikeja axis, Victoria Island, and Ikoyi. Also,49 transformers were donated to communities that were hitherto in total darkness while 67 communities in Ibeju-Lekki, starting from Eleko to Ode-Omi, were connected to the national grid. There are plans to connect 34 communities in Badagry to the National Grid in September.
Ambode has approved new 500KVA transformers for three communities in Palmgroove Estate, Ijegun and Alapere. In April, he commissioned a 36km stretch of Street Lights from Ile-Zik to Sango Toll Gate, while the entire stretch of Murtala Mohammed International Airport Road has also been lit up. He said the project will be extended to other parts of the state.
In furtherance of the government’s commitment to the criminal justice reforms, plans are underway to establish the first high-powered DNA Forensic Laboratory in Nigeria. The proposed Lagos State DNA Forensics Centre (LSDFC) would fulfill the need for DNA profiling, which is a unique forensic technique. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with ITSI Biosciences LCC for the commencement of the establishment of the Centre.
Ambode has achieved a lot in road rehabilitation and reconstruction in many parts of the state, including Ipaja, Mosan-Okunola, Oshodi- Isolo, Ikotun-Ejigbo and Somolu. Having started his career at the grassroots, the governor has not forgotten his past. He is committed to the happiness of the grassroots people. The Lagos State Public Works Corporation has been directed to move into these areas to give the roads a facelift.
This has improved the driving experience of motorists and reduced traffic gridlock. Most of the roads were not captured in last year’s fiscal year. The federal roads were also rehabilitated. These include the Lagos/Abeokuta and the Lagos/Badagry Expressway. No fewer than 500 roads have been rehabilitated while 189 have been earmarked for the next phase.
The major roads that have been completed include the Ago Palace Way, Capitol Road, Ajasa Command Road, Ejigbo Ikotun Road, Okota Road, Isolo, Metal Box Road, Ogba, Daleko Road, Mushin, Brown Street, and Oshodi.
Local government roads are not left out. In fulfillment of his campaign promises to ensure rehabilitation of inner roads, the governor approved the construction of 114 roads; two roads each across the 20 local governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs). Next month, these roads will be completed. Also, the construction of flyover bridges in Abule Egba junction and Ajah round about, two of the State’s high-density traffic zones, was approved by the Lagos State Executive Council.
The projects will be completed within a period of 16 months.
To boost public transportation, 434 New BRT Buses now ply the Ikorodu Corridor. This followed the commissioning of the Mile 12-Ikorodu Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Extension Project. The Blue Line Rail Project was re-launched by the governor. When completed, 500, 000 passengers would be conveyed daily between Marina and Okokomaiko.
Recently, Ambode unfolded plans for the construction of the Fourth Mainland Bridge. If this feat is achieved, history will not forget the governor. The project, which would be built under a Public Private Partnership initiative, will run from Ajah through Ikorodu, Isawo and berth at Ojodu, Ikeja, to the Lagos/Ibadan expressway. Investors have already shown interest in the project. The MoU for the project is about to be signed.
To discourage traffic and environmental abuses, a Special Offences (Mobile) Court was set up to deal with such cases, with the view to bring restoring sanity and orderliness. The move will curb the activities of traffic offenders, including motorcyclists, who violate traffic rules.
The administration has defended the health sector. In August last year, Ambode commissioned 20 Mobile Care Units Ambulances and 26 Transport Ambulances, which were deployed to the General Hospitals and 24 hour primary healthcare centres. He also approved the purchase of generators and x-ray machines to all general hospitals to ensure that 24-hour power supply is not compromised while cost incurred by patients in carrying out x-ray is reduced. The governor has tried to resolve outstanding issues relating to the welfare of doctors, thereby engendering stability in the sector. More paramedic staff and special medical coordinators have been recruited. Last week, the government announced that it has entered into a Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiative for the construction of a Medical Park in Ikoyi. It will gulp N49billion. The project has already been awarded to MEDIPARK International Limited Consortium, which comprises of MEDIPARK International Limited, Cleveland Clinics Ohio, United States; St. Barnabas Healthcare System, New Jersey; and American Hospital Management Company, Washington DC. It is expected in 20 months. Ambode is committed to educational development. In a move to resolve the protracted crisis at the Lagos State University (LASU), he came up with an Executive Bill proposing a five-year single tenure for the Vice Chancellor. It was signed into law after itspassage by the House of Assembly. According to the new law, LASU is now a residential institution and the retirement age for professors is 70.
No fewer than 1,300 qualified teachers have been recruited for the primary schools. Over N1billion was used to renovate and supply educational infrastructure to secondary schools.
The governor has also lived up to expectation in job creation. The launch of the N25bn Employment Trust Fund is a right step in the right direction. Soft loans with very little interest are being given to entrepreneurs. In February, Ambode inaugurated the Board to manage the fund.
In the quest for food security, the government has entered into a deal with the Kebbi State Government for the Development of Commodity Value Chain Rice Production.
The government has not neglected tourism. It has partnered with the private players and Nollywood to tap the limitless talents of the sector. Recently, the government rebranded the ‘One Lagos Fiesta’ to boost the industry.
As the state prepares for the 50th year of its creation on May 27, 2017, Ambode has put in place an elaborate plan for the celebration. A committee headed by Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, with economist Rasheed Gbadamosi as co-chairmen, has been set up.
Many people believe that Ambode’s sound financial management is an advantage, especially at this period of the national economic downturn. At work in Lagos is the blueprint put in place by Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, which was built upon by former Governor Babatunde Fashola. Working with the blue-print, Ambode is living to expectation as the consolidator.
