Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi
Ambode on Thursday released the policy direction of his
administration for the next three and half years, just as he appealed for the
support and cooperation of all Lagos people in moving the state
forward.
The Governor who spoke at the inaugural retreat organised by the State
Government for Commissioners, Special Advisers and body of Permanent
Secretaries in the state, expressed deep concern over the persistent traffic
gridlock in the metropolis, and the increase in spate of robberies.
He said in the interim, he has directed the
fixing of all potholes to ease vehicular movement, just as security agencies
have been mandated to enforce the ban on commercial motorcycle operators
popularly called Okada riders on highways noting that aside the risks of
accidents, such can also be a security threat to the people.
Governor Ambode, who said the
government is also working hard to restrict street hawking, urged the people to
stop patronising them, so as to discourage street traders from the highways.
“We have already hit the ground
running. I’m deeply concerned about the issues that Lagosians are sending back
to me and the issues range from security issues, traffic gridlock and the
environment itself. But again just as we are looking at the immediate solutions
to them, there are medium term solutions that Lagosians will see in the next
few weeks that we will roll out.”
“We have declared zero tolerance
on potholes and we are deploring more men to ensure free flow of traffic. As we
are now in the ‘Ember’ months, I just want to appeal to Lagosians to be more
vigilant, and cooperate with us in all the measures we will be carrying out,”
Governor Ambode said.
Highlighting key components of
the Lagos Development Plan, Governor Ambode said the first pillar of the plan
hinges on economic development, and that it would fundamentally be about wealth
creation through employment for the people.
He also stated that the second
pillar of the plan harps on infrastructure development, explaining that
government would make money available for long term investment in
transportation, power, housing and water.
“We will work with the private
sector to achieve these and set out to complete the Blue Line light rail,
improve our bus network and make better use of our water assets for transport
purposes,” he said.
The third pillar, according to
Governor Ambode is social development, promising that his administration would
invest in the people by ensuring that their health, education and security are
not compromised.
The fourth pillar, Governor
Ambode said, is sustainable development.
He also assured that he would
invest in new technology and related infrastructure, adding: “This government
will prioritise access to broadband and utilise digital approaches – for
example in the land administration where our processes can be transformed for
the benefit of our people and business.”
In his presentation, keynote
speaker at the retreat and former Minister of Economic Development in the
Bahamas, Hon. Zhivargo Laing, said it is the responsibility of the Executive to
promote peace, justice and make citizens know that they have a say in the
government.
Laing, who spoke on the theme:
“Leading For Change,” urged the participants to be accountable, responsible,
make quality decisions and work in unity to make Lagos work for all.
He added, “If Lagos can achieve
its dream, not just Africa will see it, the world will know. You must size up
this moment and seize it because you cannot do anything later about this
moment.”
“You must explain your decisions.
Any leader who wants to be liked by everyone may soon be unliked by everyone.
The best you can do is to make the best decision you can make,” Laing
counseled.
-Vanguard
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