Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, on Wednesday approved the termination of the concession granted by the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC) to Afriland Properties for the redevelopment of the Falomo Shopping Centre, Ikoyi.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Habib Aruna, the governor said that the decision was carried out based on a recent discovery that the concession was grossly detrimental to the interests of the people of the state.
According to him, only N50million was paid by the concessionaire, Afriland Properties, for a 50-year lease of the property belonging to the government.
He said the State Government as custodian of the interests of Lagosians is committed to the restructuring of the LSDPC to ensure it begins to provide positive capital returns for the ultimate benefit of the people.
Ambode relieved former Managing Director of the LSDPC, Mr. Biodun Oki of his appointment two months ago, just as he appointed Mr. Jacob Agosu as Acting CEO of the Corporation, in a bid, according to the statement, to stem the tide of negative capital returns of the corporation.
Wife of former Ekiti State Governor, Erelu Angela Adebayo, is the chairman of Afriland Properties.
Ambode also on Wednesday expressed displeasure at the slow pace of work on the reconstruction of some of the road projects in the state, saying he would not accept anything that would make life difficult for residents.
Speaking during a project inspection tour in Bariga, Alimosho, Oshodi, Ambode reiterated his determination and commitment to make life comfortable for the people.
During his inspection of the road project in Somolu/ Bariga, he said the reconstruction of the road is so important to his administration because of its strategic location and link to other areas in the metropolis.
He however mandated the contractor to commence work immediately and to deliver the work before Christmas, adding that while the work is going on the contractors should provide palliative measures for the residents so that they can live their normal lives.
“We are not pleased with the slow pace of work in this area. I want to tell the contractors that we would not accept anything that will make life difficult for the residents. This project must be delivered by before Christmas and ensure you create palliative measure while the work is going on,” Ambode said.
In Alimosho, the governor, who described Alimosho as the most populous local government in Lagos, expressed empathy with the people on the untold hardship being experienced daily by commuters and promised to ensure completion of ongoing works on the road within the next three months.
“In the course of my campaign, I came to this neighbourhood three times asking you to vote for me, I am back here to let you know that this road that is so important to the economy of this area, we would complete it within the next three months” he said.
Speaking further, Ambode appealed to residents for their patience and perseverance, while assuring them that the deplorable condition of the road would soon be a thing of the past.
“I want to appeal to all our people living here. The contractor is going to work day and night and also create palliative for you to be able to use the road while he is working. Please cooperate with them to carry out their work; it’s for our own general good,” he said.
In Oshodi, Ambode, ordered immediate reconstruction of Brown Street, just as he advised traders to immediately vacate the right of way to ease free flow of vehicular movement in the area.
