The Lagos State branch of the Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE), in collaboration with The Nigerian Institution of Highway and Transport Engineers (NIHTE), Lagos chapter, has held this year’s public lecture and awards with the theme: “Nigeria’s Transportation Navigating Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities for Sustainable Growth.”
The guest speaker, who is also the Deputy National Chairman of The Nigerian Institution of Highway and Transportation Engineers (NIHTE), Dr Bola Mudasiru applauded the Lagos State government for the infrastructure development currently being witnessed in the state in terms of Blue, Red, and the16 kilometer Green lines that will soon be in place.
“Imagine a scenario, where you have multi-modal transportation system in Lagos and Nigeria, life will become better, traffic congestion will reduce, and economically, there will be a boost along major routes,” he said.
Dr Mudasiru emphasized that Lagos has moved from being a state to a region, and that Nigeria remains the big brother of Africa.
He said: “People want to invest where there is progress, like what you experience with the Lagos State Government and the Federal Government.”
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Dr Mudasiru said that with what’s going on in Lagos and at the federal level with Lagos to Calabar Coastal Road, there’s need for public, and private partnership.
He stated that some of the road projects are jointly done with private consortiums, adding that Nigeria as a developing country must get it right.
The Chairman of the branch, who is also the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mrs Olukorede Kesha, provided answers to various questions asked during the lecture session.
Kesha urged the citizens to look after government property, saying that the infrastructures belong to all Nigerians.
She said that the government, and law enforcement agents may not be present at all times, and that the people must take charge.
“Therefore, if you see anyone tampering with government properties, don’t say ‘it does not concern me,’ call relevant agencies. Nigeria is a developing country, we will soon get it right,” she said.
Kesha also appealed for continuity in the nation’s policies.
She said; “when one leader goes, another one doesn’t want to continue his projects. With this, nobody wanted to invest in the country, but people have realised that the current government is genuine as they have continued to complete past projects, so investors are now willing to invest in the country.”
The event also witnessed the induction of new members and presentation of awards to deserving organisations and individuals.