Oduduwa News

A pan-Fulani group for cattle breeders, Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, has alleged that Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, created the Western Nigeria Security Network, also known as Amotekun, to kill the Fulani and northerners residing in the South-West.

National Secretary of the Association, Saleh Alhassan, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

Alhassan called for calm among his people, assuring them that efforts were ongoing to proffer a permanent solution to the challenges.

He urged state governments to quit enacting laws that will widen cracks in the unity of Nigeria, but rather promote steps that will further strengthen the fragile peace and unity in Nigeria.

Alhassan, however, lauded Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, for constantly speaking for the Fulani pastoralists who, he said, are being persecuted in many states through the enactment of negative obnoxious laws against their means of livelihoods, and issuance of illegal eviction notices from their places of abode against the constitutional provisions.

Alhassan also accused Akeredolu of being “the brains behind the creation of Amotekun” allegedly unleashing terror on herders and northerners in the Southwestern states of Ondo and Oyo”. 

He said, “Akeredolu created an ethnic militia (Amotekun) that is now unleashing terror and mayhem on innocent herders and northerners living in the South-West against unconstitutional and blanket eviction notices for herders to vacate places where they earn their livelihoods (sic). 

“Akeredolu will be held accountable for the ongoing genocide against innocent pastoralists and northerners living in the South-West.”

Akeredolu had last month issued a seven-day quit notice to the herdsmen operating illegally in the state’s forest reserves.

The governor also banned underage grazing, night grazing, and movement of cattle within cities in the state and on highways.

The issue generated an uproar and after a meeting with different stakeholders, Akeredolu asked herdsmen to register with the government so that they can operate unhindered in the forest reserves.

The Governor of the State of Osun, Adegboyega Oyetola, on Thursday flagged off the construction of Olaiya flyover in Osogbo.

He said the project was in swift response to the need to secure the future population explosion, meet traffic needs, eradicate needless auto crash and enhance the quality of lives of the people through timely and prompt infrastructure development.

The proposed flyover, which will be handled by Messrs Peculiar Ultimate

Concerns Limited, is a 4-span of 15m each, with two Underpass bays for U-turning to Fakunle/Justrite and MDS/Post Office.

It is a 295.95m length of Bridge Approach Ramp, 196m long Fakunle Ramp, 99.95m long MDS Ramp, with slope of Ramp being 3 percent.

Similarly, the project is designed to accommodate articulated vehicles with intelligent lightening devices and smart traffic control devices.

The project is expected to be completed in nine months.

Addressing the people at the ceremony, Governor Oyetola disclosed that the project would cost the State a total sum of Three Billion, One Hundred and Eight Million, Three Hundred and Seventy-Nine Thousand, Eight Hundred and Twenty-Nine Naira, Seventy-Six Kobo (N 3,108,379,829.76).

The Governor said the expenses comprised the net sum of N 2,688,748,552.74 and a 13.5 percent statutory deductions which include the percentage withholding tax, 7.5 percent Value Added Tax and 1 percent stamp duty deduction.

Oyetola diaclosed that the project would be funded through the Alternative Project Funding Approach (APFA).

According to him, the APFA entails that the contractor will fund the project, while the State repays the contractor over a period of time so as to enable government to free up resources for other important obligations.

He added that the construction of the flyover would not in any way stop the government from delivering on other dividends of good governance, including citizens’ welfare, regular payment of workers’ salaries and pensions, completion of ongoing projects and initiation of more.

“Indeed, the adoption of Alternative Project Funding Approach is another leg in our model of creative funding of projects in a depressed economy and an assurance that we shall always keep our pact with our people.

“The Olaiya Flyover project is in response to the need to enhance the quality of lives of our people and improve the infrastructure our city, which in recent years is becoming more populated and boisterous on account of increasing business activities.

“The implication of this is the growing traffic around major routes in the State and specifically, the Olaiya axis, leading to waste of man hours by residents in our State.

“Sadly too, there have been countless cases of accidents of commuters. I have personally witnessed few of these unfortunate incidents. We cannot afford to waste more lives.

“Besides, response to the infrastructure needs and demands of a growing city is a proactive exercise. Therefore, this flyover is a project for today and the future because when the project is completed, we are assured that it will significantly eradicate traffic hassles and make the lives of our valued citizens more secured.

“Just as I promised in my inauguration speech, our Administration is committed to providing relevant infrastructure that supports the prosperity of our people. With this project and many more across our State, we are keeping faith with that promise,” he added.

Governor Oyetola, who assured the residents, particularly business owners around the site, of government’s consciousness to their livelihood, said, “we are therefore appealing to owners of businesses around the project site to bear with us, as we will try as much as possible to minimise inconvenience.

“Realising that the closure of this road will bring some temporary difficulties, we have made enough provision for alternative routes to serve vehicular needs.

“The demonstration we carried out a few weeks ago has provided us relevant information with which to plan and make life easier for you all.

“I urge you all to bear with us as we strive to improve the socioeconomic status of our State, and I assure you all that this project will be completed in record time,” Oyetola added.

Earlier, the Speaker, Osun House of Assembly, Hon. Timothy Owoeye, lauded Governor Oyetola for giving Osun, particularly Osogbo, a facelift of socioeconomic and infrastructural development.

In his remarks, Commissioner for Works and Transport, Engr. Remi Omowaye, said the idea to construct the flyover was conceptualised as part of efforts to reduce traffic, lessen accident rate and advance the infrastructure development in the State.

He said the project would as well go a long way to complement some of the new roads approved for construction and rehabilitation by the Oyetola’s led administration.

Also speaking, the Chairman/CEO Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Limited, Mr. Abel Adeleke, assured the government and residents of quality and standard service that can stand the test of time.

Adeleke who promised to bring his repository of experience in civil engineering to bear on the construction of the flyover, pledged that the project would be delivered within the stipulated record time.

“What we are operating in Osun is based on integrity and this project will be done in such a way that will not impact negatively on the debt profile of the State. We are glad to have this opportunity and I assure you that we will deliver the project within the stipulated time,” he stressed.

The Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, applauded Governor Oyetola, for taking the welfare and well-being of the people as priority just as he commended the government for deeming it fit to build the flyover as part of efforts to complement the existing road infrastructure.

Also speaking, a frontline Osogbo indigene and business mogul, Chief Olatunde Badmus, said the project is a confirmation of the fact that Osun has always been blessed with good leadership.

He commended Oyetola’s concerted effort to engender good governance as reflected in the monumental achievements the Administration had recorded so far despite the socioeconomic challenges occasioned by global realities.

Those in attendance were the Wife of the Governor, Alhaja Kafayat Oyetola; the Deputy Governor, Mr. Benedict Alabi; the Speaker, Osun House of Assembly, Hon.Timothy Owoeye; former Osun Deputy Governors, Chief Adeleke Adewoyin; Senator Christopher Iyiola Omisore and Mrs. Titilayo Laoye Ponle; and Secretary to the State Government, Prince Wole Oyebamiji; traditional rulers among others.

Youth and Sports Development Minister Sunday Dare has petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to investigate Sylvanus Ofekun for alleged criminal defamation and incitement capable of threatening national security.

The petition, submitted to the IGP on February 16, alleged that Ofekun, with the moniker “Sleeky Sly” on social media, accused the minister of daily benefitting from Lagos Concession Company (LCC), operator of the Lekki Tollgate, which has been at the centre of the #EndSARS protests.

The petition reads: “Our client was surprised when Mr. Sylvanus Ofokun, also known as Sleeky Sly, published unfounded and baseless allegations of corruption against our client through direct reference and innuendo.

“Mr. Ofekun is a sports journalist who currently plies his trade with Kiss FM radio station, Abuja. The summary of the allegations was to the effect that our client was receiving constant revenues from the LCC, the managers of the Lekki Tollgate. Our client was, therefore, alleged to have deployed governmental resources to reopen the tollgate for personal profit.

“According to the publication, evidence of our client’s receipt of funds from LCC could be found in bank statements, which were attached. A cursory look at the said bank statements will show that the transactions contained therein are between LCC and Loatsad Media and our client’s name did not appear in any of the transactions.

“The facts can be gleaned from the public records available at relevant government agencies that our client has since 2017 relinquished all interests he had at Loatsad Promomedia Limited (as it was then known) and stepped down from its Board of Directors. It is, therefore, clear that not only were the allegations false, they were published with malice aforethought with the intent to disparage our client.”

“The facts can be gleaned from the public records available at relevant government agencies that our client has since 2017 relinquished all interests he had at Loatsad Promomedia Limited (as it was then known) and stepped down from its Board of Directors. It is, therefore, clear that not only were the allegations false, they were published with malice aforethought with the intent to disparage our client.”

The Olubadan-in- Council has hinted that the decision of Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration to make use of the State Security Committee as well as the local government security committee has signalled the end of insecurity in the State.

The disclosure was made on Tuesday by the Balogun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Olakulehin Owolabi at the swearing-in ceremony of the new executive committee of Nigeria Automobile Technicians Association (NATA) which was held at Ibadan.

Olakulehin was the royal father of the day at the event said the decision by the State government should be supported by all indigenes of the State as security of lives and properties required volunteering information for the security agencies to nip crime in the bud.

He urged members of NATA in Oyo State to key into the security programmes of the government and solicit information as according to him, no successful crime could be perpetrated without the use of automobiles.

“It is no more what the government will do or is doing to address insecurity, the government has taken the right step by giving logistics support to the agencies in charge of security and has also recently adopted the use of State and local government security committees to preempt and nip the crisis in the bud.

“What is left is to give our support, as the traditional council or traditional institution is concerned, in Ibadan for example, every compound has a Mogaji, it is the duty of this Mogaji to bring reports of security breach to the ears of the committee before it escalates, this is the best way to go.”

The State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, who was represented at the event by the Director Public Enlightenment and Mass Mobilization, Mrs Busola Adetunji, called on NATA members to continue in giving its support to the State government by being security conscious.

Olatubosun said the unity of the association was sacrosanct to get success in their immediate and future endeavors, charging them to use their position as individuals who see and hear information about what is happening in the society to brief security accordingly whenever they noticed any attempt to disrupt the peace in Oyo State.

The newly-sworn in Chairman of NATA, Oyo State, Comrade Wemimo Oladokun said the power of number, which the association has would be deployed to support the present administration in Oyo State to succeed in stamping out insecurity.

Oladokun said the 2.5million members of NATA in Oyo State would be engaged to be the eyes and ears of government at every nook and cranny of the State.

He however sought the intervention of governor Seyi Makinde in helping the association achieve its aims and objectives in moving the association forward, part of which he said was the need for an association bus and empowerment programme for members.

“We have over 2.5million members in the State and we are ready to mobilize them to be the eyes and ears of security agencies so as to give support to the stride of our dear governor in ridding Oyo State of crime.

“The governor has shown us all that he is all ears especially on issues that affect the common citizens like security, health, public education and public infrastructures, we need to give him our own support and I pledge this before my people that we will start doing that to make Oyo State the best among its equals.”

Among the dignitaries at the event was the Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment and Co-operative, Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi, represented by Mr Olanrewaju Olawale, National President of Nigeria Automobile Technicians Association (NATA), Alhaji Muhammed Mogaji Sanni who was represented by the National Secretary, Comrade Oladokun Samuel, His Royal Majesty, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, Balogun Olubadan of Ibadanland, invited State Executive members of NATA from the Southwest States, Alhaji Mogaji Musibaudeen Salaudeen, representatives of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Mrs Titilayo Olayiwola among others.

…as gov presents another N963m bond certificates to retirees

The Governor of Osun, Adegboyega Oyetola, on Tuesday disclosed that the Administration has released and paid about N31billion as pensions to all categories of pensioners in the State since 2018.

He said his administration had equally kept faith with his promises to ensure prompt and adequate payment of salaries and pensions to all categories of workers, both active and passive.

This is even as the Governor presented a total sum of Nine hundred and sixty three million, two hundred and forty-six thousand, five hundred and thirty naira, fifty-three kobo (N963,246,530.53) to pensioners in the State.

Governor Oyetola spoke while addressing the retirees at the presentation of bond certificates to retired public servants, at the Multi-purpose Hall, Local Government Service Commission Abere, Osogbo.

Oyetola who said the Administration has been doing everything possible to fulfil his promise despite the harsh economic conditions arising from national economic challenges, said the administration has been consistent in ensuring the release of Five Hundred and Nine Million (N509,000,000.00) on a monthly basis to cater for pensioners under the old pension scheme.

“So far, we have released about 31 Billion Naira since 2018 when we came in, to cater for our pensioners. This represents about N26 billion for those on the old Pension Scheme and about Five Billion for those under the Contributory Pension Scheme.

“Since we came on board in November 2018, our administration has been doing everything possible to fulfil this promise despite the harsh economic conditions of our State arising from national economic challenges.

“Our Administration’s commitment to the welfare of workers, both serving and retired, remains unwavering. This, we have continued to do through regular and prompt payment of full salaries and allowances to all categories of active workers as well as full pension to all our pensioners at all levels.

“To cater for our pensioners under the old pension scheme, we have been consistent since November 2018, in ensuring the release of Five Hundred and Nine Million (N509,000,000.00) on a monthly basis.

“Similarly, we have never defaulted in discharging our responsibilities to those under the Contributory Pension Scheme.

“Apart from this enviable position among the comity of States, especially in the Southwest, we have been attending to other issues related to Pensioners in the State.

“Despite the lockdown occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic, which sorely affected our economy, our government ensured prompt full payment of salaries and pension without fail all through.

“At a time when it seemed impossible and when most States were thinking of downsizing their workforce, we implemented the new minimum wage and lifted ban on promotion and conversion to the surprise of all and sundry,” Oyetola added.

Presenting the bond certificates to the beneficiaries, Oyetola said the decision was in continuation of his administration’s irrevocable commitment to the welfare of retirees, especially those who retired on the Contribution Pension Scheme.

“Of this number, sixty nine (69) retired State Civil Servants and those that retired from Higher Institutions in the State will receive bond certificates to the tune of five hundred and nine million naira (N509, 000,000.00).

“Forty seven (47) retired Primary School Teachers will receive bond certificates worth four hundred and four million, seven hundred and thirty five thousand, ninety nine naira, fifty three kobo (N404,735,099.53) while twenty seven (27) retired Local Government Staff will receive one hundred and forty nine million, two hundred and forty-six thousand, five hundred and thirty naira (N149, 246,530.00),” he said.

While commending the workers for their continued support and loyalty to his government, Oyetola pledged his commitment to continue to champion their welfare and well-being.

He therefore urged them to continue to put in their best and rally round government in its onerous effort to reposition the State and stimulate its economy for prosperity and abundance.

He said: “We shall not relent in our efforts to ensure that all categories of workers and retirees get their entitlements as and when due. As a responsible government, we shall continue to adopt creative measures to power our economy, including intensifying efforts to encourage our people and our teeming youths to imbibe entrepreneurship as a way of creating jobs and defeating unemployment.

“Let me also use this opportunity to once again charge all public servants in the State to double their efforts in the area of internally generated revenue (IGR) to enable government to continue to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the entire citizenry of the State.”

In his remarks, the Head of Service, Dr. Festus Oyebade Olowogboyega, applauded the Administration of Governor Oyetola for prioritising the welfare and well-being of the citizens, particularly both active and passive workers in the State.

Olowogboyega who enumerated some of the tremendous achievements of the administration so far, said it is worthy of note that the State government had released and paid a whopping sum of N31billion to all categories of pensioners in the State.

Also, the State Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Jacob Adekomi, expressed gratitude to the Governor for taking the welfare and well-being of the civil servants as priority.
He described the Administration of Governor Oyetola as one whose passion and love for workers is second to none.

… As Kimberly-Clark Nigeria Donates 6000 Packs of Sanitary Towels in Support of Project

The Lagos State Government has launched the Girl/Boy Child Engagement Initiative conceptualised by the Office of Civic Engagement towards ensuring that children are protected and free from all forms of abuse, which stand at variance with the rights of the child to good quality of life and mental well-being.

In her opening remarks at the launch, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mrs. Folashade Jaji, commended the initiative, adding that as responsible adults, it is important to ensure that children are well taken care of and protected against abuse that could destabilise them psychologically and emotionally.

Mrs. Jaji advised all children in the State, especially school children, to see themselves as the future of the nation, urging them to face their studies and avoid distractions that could jeopardise their academic progress.

Admonishing them not to go anywhere they feel unsafe in order to avoid exposure to abuse, the SSG encouraged all school children, particularly girls, to take care of their personal hygiene and make it a habit to maintain cleanliness at all times.

“Inculcating the habit of cleanliness is the only way you can show appreciation to Kimberly-Clark, Nigeria, the company that has donated 6000 packs of sanitary towels to support the girl/boy Child Engagement project”, Jaji said.

She expressed gratitude to Kimberly-Clark Nigeria for the donation of the sanitary towels in support of the Girl/Boy Child initiative, promising that the items would be put to judicious use by the State government.

Speaking in the same vein, the Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Folasade Adefisayo, stated that the project with the theme “My Voice, Our Equal Future”, focuses on the right of the girl/boy child to equal opportunities for self-actualisation.

The Commissioner also thanked the donors for the kind gesture, stating that the singular act was a demonstration of their support for the initiative, noting that the donation of sanitary towels, particularly to the girl-child, would make them understand the importance of maintaining good personal hygiene and cleanliness at all times.

Earlier, in her welcome address, the Special Adviser Office of Civic Engagement Princess Aderemi Adebowale, stressed that the Child Rights Act, which has been domesticated in Lagos, is designed to guarantee that children are protected and free from all forms of abuse at all cost.

She expressed gratitude to the SSG and the Commissioner for Education, respectively, for supporting and collaborating with the Office of Civic Engagement on the project to ensure its success.

Princess Adebowale also appreciated Kimberly-Clark Nigeria for donating 6000 packs of sanitary towels to support the Girl/Boy Child Engagement Initiative, while calling on well-meaning individuals and corporate organisations to support the project.

In her remarks, the Government Relations Manager, Kimberly-Clark Nigeria, Miss. Zainab Obagun, said her company deals in care products and would always support any programme that cares about the people, particularly in the area of hygiene.

Obagun disclosed that the company donated 6000 packs of sanitary towels to Lagos State Government in support of the Girl/Boy Engagement programme to encourage good hygiene and wellness, advising school children to work hard and remain focussed so that they would achieve their aims in life.

Meanwhile, the sanitary towels, as well as soaps and hand sanitisers, have been distributed to male and female children in several secondary schools which include, Agege Junior/Senior Secondary School, Iloro Junior Academy, Abibatu Mogaji Senior Secondary School, Ikeja Military Cantonment Secondary School, Community Junior School Alapere, Aje Comprehensive School and Herbert Macaulay Girls Schools, among others.

The Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan the State apital has nullified the park management in the state. It will be recalled that the Park Management System was constituted by Gov. Makinde.

Details later.

The Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), on Tuesday, pledged to help rebuild the Sasa Market, Ibadan, which was burnt down in the wake of the crisis that engulfed the market last week.

A delegation of the NGF led by the governor of Kebbi State, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, which visited Ibadan, delivered the promise after a tour of the trouble spot.

Bagudu, who was joined by his colleagues from Zamfara, Kano, and Niger States, said that the city of Ibadan was calm, contrary to the pictures being circulated on social media.

He commended the Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde for what he has done so far in restoring peace and normalcy to the community, adding that the streets of Ibadan are calm and peaceful.

Bagudu said: “We, the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, are going to support. As a matter of fact, we have given a token to those who are already displaced, and we will meet at a wider table tomorrow and can assure that more support will be mobilised.”

Governor Makinde, who led Governors Atiku Bagudu, Kebbi; Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Kano; Bello Muhammad Matawalle, Zamfara; and Abubakar Sanni Bello, Niger, to Sasa community, said that his government would continue to look for avenues to restore peaceful co-existence.

He declared that the unity of Nigeria and the need to restore peace were weightier than political divides, adding that his administration was ready to ensure peaceful co-existence among the residents of Sasa community in Akinyele Local Government Area of the state.

While speaking at the palaces of Seriki Sasa and Baale Sasa, the governor called for calm and unity among the Hausas and Yorubas living in the community, urging everyone to join hands with the administration.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicated that he appreciated the governors for coming together in one accord to find a way to restore peace to Oyo State and to the country.

He said: “As a government, we will continue to look for an avenue to restore a peaceful co-existence for all of us. Please, I want you to join hands with us and we also acknowledge that sometimes, we process information and we may not get to the roots of the issue. If you see something, say something to us and we will address the challenges frontally.”

The governor explained that his relationship with the Arewa community through the Seriki dated back years before he became governor of the state, adding that his message to all sides is to give peace a chance.
The governor said: “Even before I became the governor, I have always had solid interaction with the Arewa community through Baba. I still remember that in 2013, I came here, and Baba was trying to make me feel comfortable.

“So, we have been together for long. I feel the pain of everybody involved here because properties were lost, and we can replace properties. It may be painful, but when the fire started, and I was contacted. I said they should send a fire truck here and the fire truck was vandalised, damaged.

,,, suggests security summit in each Constituency.

Following the clash between Yoruba and Hausa traders at the popular Shasha Market in Ibadan last week Friday, the Oyo State House of Assembly has urged the State Government to consider the possibility of relocating the market to a new and bigger site.

The House made the suggestion on Tuesday while deliberating on the urgent need for the State Government to intervene in the recurring clashes between Yoruba and Hausa traders at Shasha Market, Ibadan .

Hon Olatunde Kehinde (Akinyele 2) who brought the matter before the House recalled with bitterness how lives were lost and properties destroyed during the clash , and said it was disappointing that the security operatives were slow in responding to the crisis

The Lawmakers in their resolutions noted that the present place where the Market is located can no longer accommodate the number of traders and the volume of goods in the market hence Government can move the Market to a new area.

They also urged the State Government to set up panel of enquiry to ascertain the cause(s) of the clash with a view to prosecuting those responsible for the mayhem.

The House further called for security Summit in all Constituencies across the State to enable stakeholders to appraise and address the present situation and suggest ways of averting future security crises .

The Nigerian Police and other Security Agencies were equally asked to be more proactive in responding to conflict situations to prevent such from degenerating into full blow crises.

The Speaker Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon Adebo Ogundoyin said it was unfortunate that the crisis was not well managed by the Hausa and Yoruba indigenes at the market.

Hon Ogundoyin said the rising spate of insecurity across the State demands that the various security agencies rise up to the challenge.

” They need to put their professional training to bear in the discharge of their duties. We need our security agents to react on time to emergency situations whenever they are called upon. The clash between traders of Yoruba and Hausa extractions should not have been allowed to snowball into a situation where lives and properties would be lost . Our Police should collaborate more with various security agencies to enable them arrest criminals who are bent on tormenting trouble amongst us ” Hon Ogundoyin said.

The Deputy Speaker, Hon Muhammad Fadeyi, Hon Adebayo Babajide (Ibadan North 2), Hon Dele Adeola (Iseyin, Itesiwaju) and the Majority Leader Hon Sanjo Adedoyin commended the Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde for his commitment to the protection of lives and properties of the citizenry, while also appealing to Security Agencies especially the Nigerian Police to go back to their duty posts.

According to the lawmakers including Hon Ayo Fatokun (Akinyele 1), Hon Francis Adetunji (Oluyole) ,Hon Isiaka Tunde (Oyo East West) and Hon Owolabi Olusola (Ibadan North East 2), there is the need for security agencies to strategize so that crises will be nibbed in the bud before they occur.

Others like the Minority Leader, Hon Asimiyu Alarape, Hon Seyi Adisa (Afijio), Hon Simeon Oyeleke (Ogo Oluwa,Surulere) called for caution in handling the present insecurity situation across the State.

…President Buhari, WTO’s Okonjo-Iweala Support Lagos’ Growth Plan

Lagos State has set off an ambitious plan for its development over the next decade. By 2030, the State, which has the 5th largest economy in Africa, will have a running city-wide network of colour-coded Metro Lines that will move over 34.5 million people monthly and cut travel time in the metropolis drastically.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday, outlined key infrastructural deliverables being undertaken by the State at the 8th Lagos Economic Summit, otherwise known as Ehingbeti. The three-day event with the theme: “Greater Lagos: Setting the Tone for the Next Decade”, is facilitated by the organised private sector in support by the State Government.

The summit is largely virtual, but some sessions are to be held physically at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island.

Ehingbeti Summit, co-chaired by chairman of Citi Bank, Mr. Yemi Cardoso, is an initiative introduced in 2000 as a biennial event aimed at creating a credible forum to discuss and formulate policies for accelerating infrastructural development and stimulating economic growth for Lagos.

The event was virtually attended by President Muhammadu Buhari, newly appointed Director General of World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and President of Africa Development Bank, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, and founder of Mo Ibrahim Foundation, Mr. Mohammed Ibrahim, among others.

Sanwo-Olu, in his address, disclosed that the race to digitise every community in Lagos had begun with the ongoing laying of 6,000-kilometre fibre optic infrastructure across the city, stressing that the Smart City agenda of the Government would fully materialise by 2030 when the entire landscape of Lagos would have been covered by a network of several thousands of kilometres of fibre optic carrying broadband internet into all homes, offices and schools.

The move, the Governor said, is to leverage technology to revolutionise business culture in Lagos by energising Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) that form the backbone of the State economy.

He said: “I invite every well-meaning Nigerian to join me to look ahead at the next decade, and the possibilities that lie ahead for Lagos. What will Lagos State look like by 2030? There will be a city-wide network of colour-coded Metro Lines, the first two of which – Red and Blue lines – will move over 34.5 million people monthly, cutting travel time by over 250 per cent. In 2030, Lagos will proudly stand beside every other megacity in the world, in terms of its capacity to transport its people efficiently and responsively.

“Water transportation infrastructure being put in place will make waterway transport systems a central element of life in the metropolis. The Fourth Mainland Bridge will come to define the cityscape of the 2020s in the same way the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge defined it a decade earlier. By 2030, Lagos will be a Smart City, fully covered by a network of several thousands of kilometers of fibre optic infrastructure that will carry broadband internet into homes, offices and schools

“The Smart City that is unfolding will also be home to a network of intelligent cameras that will support not only security and policing across the State, but also traffic management and data collection for urban planning. By 2030, Lagos will be home to one of the largest Rice Mills in the world, after we deliver our 32 metric tons per hour rice factory in Imota, which will produce 2.8 million bags of 50kg bags of rice per annum.”

The Governor said the implementation of the plan would not only create millions of direct jobs for skilled youths, it would also empower women, who own substantial MSMEs in Lagos.

Sanwo-Olu said plans were underway in Lagos to reverse the tide of billions lost nationally to medical tourism. He disclosed that Lagos was pushing ahead with a move to develop a Medical Park in Ikoyi in partnership with the private sector, which is expected to offer world-class medical and diagnostic services.

He said his administration’s development blueprint, known as Project THEMES, was designed to build on the achievements of previous administrations and lay foundations for future growth.

Sanwo-Olu, having reviewed the progress recorded within the past decade, said there was so much to be celebrated in the State, but added that so much was needed to be done in expanding the frontiers of growth in Lagos.

President Muhammadu Buhari pledged the Federal Government would continue to bring massive investments into Lagos in order to boost the State’s economic potential as one of the world’s fastest growing megacities.

The President said Lagos had demonstrated how understanding between national and subnational governments could be leveraged for accelerated growth, alluding to concession granted the State Government to rebuild the federal highway leading to Murtala International Airport in Ikeja.

Buhari said: “The Federal Government is today completing the Standard Gauge Railway Line that links Lagos to Ibadan in the first instance, and from there connects to Abuja and Kano, and brings ease and efficiency to what is Nigeria’s busiest transportation corridor.

“Just last month, this new Rail Line achieved a milestone extension into the Port Complex in Apapa, setting the stage for a long overdue decongestion in that area.”

The WTO Director General made a case for the creation of massive industrial hubs to harness the potential of the youth and women in artificial intelligence and digital economy.

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala commended the Lagos Government’s action to build digital infrastructure around the city, noting that the fibre optic programme makes the State a new manufacturing hub of digital products that will shape the global economy in the next decade.

On his part, Dr. Adesina believed the increasing youth population in Lagos must not be seen as a problem, but rather as an asset that should be harnessed for growth.

The Africa apex bank chief said it was time for the State Government to create a youth based economy that specifically targets skilled young population. He applauded Lagos’ Digital Skill Empowerment for the youth, and the rollout of broadband Internet infrastructure across the State.

“The future of Lagos must be knowledge based and the State Government must sustain its investment in education to produce knowledgeable, skilled young people for the jobs of the future,” the AFDB President said.

The event also featured discussion panel sessions that focused on how Lagos could harness its human capital to accelerate its development and bring the State closer to developed mega cities.

Ehingbeti Summit has led Lagos, in the last two decades, to achieve the delivery of five Independent Power Projects (IPPs) on the Mainland and Island. Other notable infrastructure conceived from the summit include Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge, Pen Cinema Bridge, Agric Isawo Road, International Airport Road, opening of Regional Road and rehabilitation of Ibeju Lekki-Epe road network, among others.