To get peoples’ input in policy formulation and implementation, the Lagos State government recently held a town hall meeting where residents made far-reaching demands that will test the mettle of the All Progressives Congress-led (APC) administration, KEHINDE OLATUNJI reports.
The significance of civic engagement between the government and the people, especially in connecting needs and policies, was at the centre stage recently when Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu held a town hall meeting in Lagos.
The meeting gave Lagosians, especially from Lagos West Senatorial District, the opportunity to tell the governor some of the challenges facing the residents and to hear what the government is doing to make life better.
The importance of the meeting is not unconnected with the status of the state, both in Nigeria and West Africa. Lagos, the economic capital of the country, is estimated to have over 20 million population with a myriad of needs. Its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $130 billion makes the state the fifth largest in Africa.
For such a mega city and economic hub, residents said the sub-national is most deserving of special status in the federation, State Police, a state-owned airline, a better road network, and traditional rulers being part of advisory councils in the state.
Lagosians also urged the state government to create a department for early intervention for children born with a disability, physiotherapy units in all primary health sectors, creation of an ultra-modern library and encourage young people to do research and learning.
Specifically, Lagos State Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bishop Stephen Adegbite, spoke on the need for Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) to be alive to its responsibilities by apprehending traffic rules offenders, particularly the commercial transporters, who behave as if they are above the law of the land.
He added that there are several abandoned buildings belonging to the federal government, which the state government should make use of to reduce accommodation problems.
On his part, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabir Shotobi urged urgent action against insecurity in the state, saying if Lagos had established its police, criminal activities would be minimal.
He said: “The state can ensure the security of the residents. We are always number one and we should push for state policing.”
Responding to the questions, the governor stated that it is the constitutional responsibility of the members of the National Assembly to bring the case of Lagos’s special status forward.
In his words: “State policing is an ongoing conversation at the federal level, and we are not giving up on it, but we need to have it in mind that we are a federation and there must be a negotiation. Nobody can just make a pronouncement, there have to be constitutional changes for it to happen. We will continue to push it forward.
“Regarding insecurity, we are putting our destiny in our hands, we are supporting all the existing security architecture we have in the state. We have a functional Neighbourhood Watch, which is about 6,000-7,000 men, who are in the nooks and crannies of the state. We also want to increase the number because we have seen the efficiency and benefits of their work.
“We will fashion additional ways to ensure that we have a regular dialogue of information and engagement with traditional rulers.”
Speaking on the responsibility of LASTMA, the governor said the agency will continue to raise the bar and ensure that their responsibility is done without fear or favour.
Responding to a question by former Permanent Secretary and retired Auditor General for Local Government in the state, Pa Muhammed Hassan, on the state having its airline just like Ibom Air, owned by the Akwa Ibom State government, Sanwo-Olu noted that the plan has been in the pipeline for months and the state is already finalising the financing model for the project.
According to the governor, what the state is waiting for is the Federal Government’s approval and operational contingency for the airline.
He said: “Over the last five months, Mr Deputy Governor and I have been working to put a concise plan together for the establishment of an airline, but we did not make the plan open because of the need to get adequate knowledge about the operational procedures of airlines. The business plan is viable and there is no issue about financing. The conversation has gone to an advanced stage but we need to get the proper information on operations before we go ahead to implement the plan.”
The governor stated that the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Fourth Mainland Bridge will take place before April ends. He disclosed that the construction would be in phases, adding that the state government has done extensive work on the proposed new bridge.
Sanwo-Olu stated that the government has reached the final point of the construction of the bridge, disclosing few buildings would be demolished during the construction of the bridge, assuring that owners of the properties will be duly compensated.
He said: “Our project financing plan for the construction of the Fourth Mainland Bridge is being finalised. When completed, the project will be one of the longest bridges in Africa, providing a much-needed alternative to existing routes while also opening up new parts of the metropolis.”
The governor hinted that in the first quarter of the year, the state government will take delivery of an additional 100 units of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses from the Federal Government for deployment on defined routes. According to him, the goal is to raise the fleet to about 1,000 units before the end of 2024, noting that Lagos is making steady progress in its zero-carbon programme to become an emission-neutral city by 2050.
The governor noted the state government will continue to encourage vocational and skills acquisition as a pragmatic approach to alleviating poverty and promoting financial sustainability, adding that his administration will not hold back investment in these programmes, believing firmly that lifting people out of poverty and setting them on the path to prosperity is the cardinal objective of the government.
“There is no gainsaying that Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are the backbone of any economy, contributing to economic development and prosperity in many ways, chief among which is job creation of employment opportunities for people.”
Speaking on civic responsibility, the governor said the government will not condone disregard for the law, saying without adherence to the rule of law, chaos and disorder are inevitable.
“That will not happen in Lagos. I, therefore, implore every Lagosian to play their part in respecting and obeying the laws of the land. From paying our taxes to obeying traffic rules to disposing of our waste responsibly to speaking up when we see other people breaking the law. These are all attitudes and habits that we must imbibe on this journey to Greater Lagos.
“On our part, as Government, we will continue to strive to make it easier for you to be law-abiding. We recognise that it is not enough to say the laws must be obeyed, we must also ensure that the laws are clear, fair and just. We have a duty, as a government, to make it easier for taxes to be paid, and for waste to be properly disposed of. If we want Lagosians to take our ‘Say Something If You See Something’ campaign seriously, then we must make it easy for them to make reports, and we must guarantee quick and efficient responses.”
He noted that this is the beauty of a functioning society, where everyone has a part to play, and everyone playing that part responsibly makes life easier and better for all.
“Let me again acknowledge that things are tough, and challenges abound. We will never shy away from acknowledging this reality. But on top of that, we will continue to strive to communicate and engage with you, to paint a clear picture of the way out into the glorious future that beckons.”
Part of the highlights of the event was the reactions of beneficiaries of the programmes by the state government to address the personal needs of vulnerable residents.
In his testimonial, Mr Abiola Adepoju, on behalf of the Lagos State shoemakers’ association commended the governor for the privilege of the 2022 skill capacity programme for artisans and tradesmen.
He said: “This capacity building is an eye-opener and has helped me in the area of expansion. The training has equally expanded my understanding of handling my business dimension better than before. I have three students undergoing training free of charge. I appreciate the state government.”
On her part, Mrs Kehinde Agiri, a single mother of three, from Lagos State Catering and Decoration Association, said, “Though I was into catering through the programme of the state government my business has upgraded. Before now, taking care of my children wasn’t easy but since 2022 the Lagos State Government has empowered me with tools for my business, I am now a professional caterer and I also train people. Now I can take care of my children by myself.”
Odeyale Tolulope, a single mother, who has a son diagnosed with a hole in the heart said, “When I gave birth to him, he had lots of health challenges that required surgery. After that, he started using colostomy to defecate. It was after that we discovered that he had a hole in the heart, which made his medical condition critical. Since then I couldn’t go to work to take care of my only child. I thank the governor for his help through civic engagement. But I need more assistance for my son as I am left alone. My husband and relatives have deserted me.”
A native of Delta State, Uche Goodson said, “I graduated from the higher institution with distinction but decided to do handwork. So, I went to WAPA, where I was told that the government had a package for me, which turned out to be an oven. This transformed my life around. Today, I am an employer of labour.”
Also speaking Akanimodo Bukola, from Ikoyi Obalende, said, “I used to have a group that takes care of physically challenged people but see me now I am also physically challenged. The people of civic engagement took my case to the governor and I was given a grant to help my disability. The governor gave me hope to live and continue to do the work I do for the people.”
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