Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, on Saturday said the state has witnessed significant influx of investors and visitors in recent times, saying it was largely due to the aggressive upgrade of infrastructure, especially road construction and rehabilitation.
Governor Ambode, who spoke in Somolu Local Government at the climax of the inauguration of 114 roads constructed across the 20 Local Government Areas (LGs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), said each infrastructure provided has further improved the status of Lagos, both locally and internationally.
The Governor who was represented at the commissioning of two of the 114 roads – Okesuna and Anifowoshe roads, in Somolu LG by the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts & Culture, Mr. Folarin Coker ,said from provision of security apparatus, roads, ‘Light Up Lagos’ project and other infrastructure has further improved the confidence of tourists and investors in the state.
According to him, “Construction of 114 roads not only gives access, but further boosts the state’s economy, social welfare, creates employment and provides other benefits within the state.”
In Isolo LCDA, Governor Ambode inaugurated Panada/Lafenwa Road, off Mushin Road, in a ceremony attended by the Oba of Isolo, Oba Kabiru Adelaja, All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman in Lagos State, Chief Henry Oladele Ajomole, party chieftains.
The Governor, who was represented by the APC South West Women Leader, Mrs. Kemi Nelson, said that the construction of the roads across the 57 Councils has made the Lagos economy the most viable in the country assuring that no effort would be spared to make life more comfortable for residents.
Earlier in her welcome address, Sole Administrator of the Council, Hon. Abimbola Osikoya, thanked the governor for the promise kept in the construction of the road, noting that the road had been unmotorable and would no doubt improve the economical pursuit of the residents of the area, especially because of its proximity to the popular Aswani Market.
At the inauguration of Olorunfunmi Street in Oworonsoki and Okeowo-Somorin Street in Ifako-Gbagada, both in Kosofe LG, the Governor said the selection of 89 local contractors to execute the project was a deliberate strategy to empower the people and stimulate the local economy.
The Governor was represented by a member of the House, Hon. Bayo Oshinowo.
A House of Representatives member, representing Ikeja Constituency, Hon. James Faleke, lauded Governor Ambode’s effort at turning around the face of Lagos.
Faleke who spoke at the commissioning of Abiodun Jagun Street and Ishola Bello Street, both in Ojodu LCDA, where he represented the Governor.
“We cannot help but commend the efforts of our astute governor in this state. Governor Ambode has demonstrated that he is a man who thinks outside the box. He has been able to make judicious use of funds even in these very trying times,” Faleke said.
In Ikeja Local Government, Governor Ambode who inaugurated Onilekere Street, where he was represented by Iyaloja- General, Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, said Lagosians should expect nothing but a better and safer Lagos in the next three years.
During the commissioning of the road in Olu Akerele Street, also in Ikeja LG, former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Adeyemi Ikuforiji, lauded Governor Ambode’s administration for taking the dividends of democracy to the grassroots.
At Apapa LG, Governor Ambode through the Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, and a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Apapa Constituency 1, Hon Mojisola Lawal, commissioned 648 metres North Avenue Road and 227meters Caulcrick Road.
In his address, Sola Administrator of Apapa Local Government, Mr. Tunde Alao, commended Governor Ambode for the initiative to engage indigenous contractors, describing it as wise economic decision especially in the face of the dwindling rate of Naira against the dollar.
Governor Ambode also inaugurated Jinadu Street and Folawiyo Bankole Street in Itire-Ikate LCDA and was represented by Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi.
