...To bridge infrastructure gap between the divisions, districts to make every part livable
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday pledged his readiness to make every part of the State livable by bridging the infrastructure gap between the divisions and senatorial districts.
The Governor who spoke through the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Tunji Bello, at the opening ceremony of the 4th summit of the Association of Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries with the theme "IBILE ECHOES" added that the present administration will make every part of the State economic centres.
“Making every part of the State economic centres is a key strategy to address the challenge of rural-urban migration which has a negative impact on urban infrastructures and other social and economic challenges”, the Governor stated.
He noted that part of what had been done by the Government in this regard is the connection of communities in Ibeju- Lekki and Badagry to the national grid after several years without electric power supply.
“Part of what we have done in this regard is the connection of communities in Ibeju Lekki and Badagry to the national grid after several years without electric power supply. In addition, the 114 roads initiative has been delivered while the 181 new roads will commence very soon”, he said.
Governor Ambode expressed the belief that every division of the State has something to contribute to its collective prosperity if properly harnessed, adding that one of the key policy objectives of the administration is to ensure even development among the five divisions or three Senatorial districts.
He cited the example of the Badagry and Epe axis with its great tourism potentials, stressing that it is one sector with limitless opportunities in terms of wealth and employment creation.
In his words: “We are therefore committed to opening up these two axes through massive investment in infrastructure development and renewal to attract both local and foreign investors. When fully developed, our State will join other cities and countries whose major chunk of foreign exchange comes from tourism”.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Head of Service, Mrs. Olabowale Ademola said members of ALARHOSPS are at a critical turn in the history of the State because its 50th anniversary has been celebrated and this gave them the opportunity to reflect on history and the reasons that Lagos
State is a Centre of Excellence.
She added that the forum will leverage on lessons learnt to chart the course for a brighter and rewarding future.
She, therefore, urged ALARHOSPS members to focus deliberations on the impact of Government’s policies, programmes and projects on communities with a view to developing strategies to improve the effectiveness of Government’s interventions in the areas of socio-economic development, inclusive governance and environmental sustainability.
Also speaking, the President of the Association of Lagos State Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries, Alhaji Omokayode Anjorin who was represented by the 1st Vice-President, Alhaji Mohammed Olagbaye, said in the almost three years of its existence, ALARHOPS has been waxing stronger, expressing appreciation to the Governor for his support at all times.
