November 12, (THEWILL) – Recent infrastructural developments in the city of Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital, are pointers to a Greater Lagos in the works. Ongoing projects embarked upon by the Lagos State Government, back-to-back, are, indeed, huge and massive.
A drive through the major streets in the mainland and island, even the waterways, on a bright day will surely gladden the heart of any pessimist and compel him to have a change of mind and agree that something good can come out of Lagos.
Without an iota of doubt, great efforts of past and present governments in transforming Lagos into a megacity that residents and visitors alike will be proud of are beginning to yield positive results.
The recent inauguration of the Yaba, Oyingbo-Ebute Metta and Tejuosho – Yaba flyovers, among others, are testimonials to the concerted efforts to change the face of Lagos.
The six-pillar policy programme, tagged T.H.E.M.E.S and aimed to solve problems in Lagos State through good governance, is surely right on track. The six pillars are Traffic Management and Transportation; Health and Environment; Education and Technology; Making Lagos a 21st Century state; Entertainment and Tourism; Security and Governance.
The railway infrastructure, which costs over N100bn, include the Blue Rail Line that was recently inaugurated along the Okokomaiko-Marina axis and the ongoing Red Rail Line which runs from Marina to neighbouring Alagbado in Ogun State. These are simply amazing as Lagosians and Nigerians at large now know what a working railway system looks like, especially with the electric trains deployed on the Blue Rail Line.
Truly, the Lagos Masterplan is working and the labour of past and present leaders in the face of obvious challenges are now paying off. While it must be noted that the task of governing and administering a sprawling state like Lagos is very daunting, the achievements recorded so far are no mean feats to be envied by a lily-livered leader who may want to give up easily.
It is interesting to note that the Lagos State Government now boasts a multi-billion dollar infrastructure funding plan to accommodate the gigantic projects meant to catalyse rapid economic development in the planned mega city. This includes the $2.5 billion Fourth Mainland Bridge to be constructed by a Portuguese company, Mota-Engil Group, and two Chinese ventures.
Continuity and perseverance have therefore paid off in the case of Lagos and kudos must be given to the leaders right from the solid foundation laid by the then Governor Bola Tinubu who is now the President of Nigeria.
Following Tinubu’s footsteps in Lagos, his successor, Babatunde Fashola, consolidated on what he met on ground and for eight years, he made an indelible mark before handing over to Akinwunmi Ambode, who continued on the masterplan for four years.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who is on his second term in office, has not disappointed in any way as his openness and proactiveness have further helped in pushing the T.H.E.M.E.S policy. His leadership qualities and sincerity of purpose stood him out during the COVID-19 pandemic and he has continued to exhibit uncommon commitment to the realisation of a Greater Lagos.
We therefore call on all to rally around the amiable governor as he continues to push through the development agenda of Greater Lagos despite the obvious challenges and flip sides of life in the state of over 23 million people.
