Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, on Monday urged community leaders, youths and residents of the state to take ownership of the 114 newly constructed roads across the 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas, just as he vowed to continue to implement people-oriented projects and policies.
Ambode, who spoke during the commissioning of the 114 roads, held simultaneously in 10 local governments, said residents must guard the infrastructure provided by government jealously, assuring that more projects would follow those already completed.
In Epe, the governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Wasiu Anifowoshe, and a party chieftain, Shakiru Seriki, commissioned about 610 meters road in Ajijolaiya Street, Papa Epe and another 620 meters road in Adegoke Atowa Street, Epe.
In his keynote address, Ambode said that the construction of the roads across the 57 councils, made the Lagos economy the most viable in the country between the period of January to August, adding that the completion of the roads was a glorious dawn of community development accelerated through inclusive governance and a historic leap of faith for his administration and the citizens.
“At a time the national economy is facing financial challenges, our administration is able to inject over N19 into the economy of our state, stimulating employment and engaging the business sector.
“No fewer than 89 indigenous contractors executed the road project with thorough supervision by the communities and government. About 5,700 direct jobs were created for professionals, artisans and labourers in the construction industry. A larger number of people, approximately 10,000 suppliers and dependants felt the positive impact of this stimulus package in their lives,” Governor Ambode said.
In Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government Area, Ambode also commissioned Molade and Temidire roads.
Represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Toyin Suarau at the commissioning of Temidire Street road, Ambode said; “We gave jobs directly to 5,000 construction professionals and artisans and indirectly to over 50,000 dependents.”
Also at the commissioning of Molade Street road, being the second road project in Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government, the Ojora of Ojora Land, Oba Abdul-Fatai Oluyinka Aremu Aromire, who represented the governor said road projects are vital to the development of any community; adding that motorable roads make business strive and engender development.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Sole Administrator of Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government, Mrs. Feyintola Danmole, thanked the governor for initiating the road projects, saying Molade and Temidire roads were in bad shape before their reconstruction and rehabilitation.
In Ojokoro LCDA of the state, Bioyin and Ademola Abiola streets were also commissioned.
Ambode, who was represented by a member of House of Representatives, Kosofe Federal Constituency, Rotimi Agunsoye, also urged elders, youths and residents to guard jealously all the infrastructure, expose cultism and vandals in their areas, to bring more community driven projects.
At Eti-Osa East LCDA, Prince Murphy Adetoro and Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, who represented Governor Ambode at the inauguration of 800km Busola Adalemo Street in Langbasa and 480km Shola Omole street in Ado respectively, said the dream of making Lagos a megacity would be actualized if the government continues with the construction of 114 roads annually in all the 20 LGs and 37 LCDAs across the state.
Adetoro noted that the roads had been in bad shape for years, but the recent development had brought relief to residents and motorists linking Ajah Badore axis.
While inaugurating the Erejuwa street road in Yaba LCDA, Governor Ambode who was represented by the state Assembly Committee Chairman on Local Governments, Mr. Kazeem Alimi, thanked the local contractors for delivering the projects and demonstrating tube capacity of the construction industry in the State.
A chieftain of the APC, Chief Mutiu Are, who commissioned the Igbore-Omitogun street Iwaya, also in Yaba LCDA, on behalf of the Governor said the roads would contribute massive to the economic landscape of the area.
At the commissioning of Matthew and Famuyiwa Olayiwola Streets in Mangoro and Agege area of the state, Governor Ambode, who was represented by the state’s Commissioner for the Environment, Dr Babatunde Adejare and the Olu of Agege, Oba Kamila Oyedeji respectively, said his administration remains committed to running an all-inclusive government.
Governor Ambode, represented by the Deputy Chief Whip in the State House of Assembly, Mrs. Omotayo Oduntan and Chairman, Ikeja Community Development Council, (CDC), at the commissioning of 41 Road, Gowon Estate and Remi Ogunjimi Street in Mosan Okunola LCDA, assured residents that more community infrastructure would be delivered in the next one year.
In Lagos Island, two roads, 320metres Agarawu Street and Sanusi Olusi Street were commissioned by Governor Ambode, who was represented by House of Representatives member, Lagos Island Federal Constituency, Hon. Yakub Balogun and Deputy Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Wasiu Eshinlokun.
