…inaugurates 5 additional roads
Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has tasked members of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission, LASIEC, to be free, fair and credible in the conduct of the forthcoming 2025 Local Government elections in the state.
Sanwo-Olu, in another event, unveiled five more new roads in Lagos Mainland, Somolu and Kosofe Local Government areas of the state, urging the residents to take good care of the upgraded roads, to ensure that they stand the test of time.
Sanwo-Olu, while reiterating his administration’s unwavering commitment to democracy, accountability, and the rule of law, said, “Credible elections are the bedrock of sustainable development, and we will continue to support LASIEC in fulfilling its mandate.”
The members of LASIEC, who are expected to coordinate the proposed local government elections in Lagos State, are led by Justice Bola Okikiolu Ighile. The members are Mr. Samson Ajibade, Mr. Akin Durojaiye Oluwo, Dr. Olumide Olusola Metilelu, Mr. Abeeb Dapo Aileru, and Hon. Oladele Adekanye.
The Governor also swore in three newly appointed Permanent Secretaries: Mr. Fashola, Abdul Rafiu Omowole; Mrs. Sarumi, Kaphayah Olayemi and Mr. Muri-Okunola, Abdul-Rasheed Abiola. He advised them to be creative in order to effectively drive the state’s THEMES+ Agenda.
Speaking during the swearing-in of the Chairman and members of LASIEC and the newly appointed Permanent Secretaries at the Banquet Hall, Lagos House, Ikeja, on Friday, Governor Sanwo-Olu urged them to be guided by a deep sense of duty, a commitment to justice, and an unwavering dedication to the people of Lagos State, adding that everybody should work together to build a Lagos where every voice is heard and every vote counts.
He said, “LASIEC stands as a pillar of our democratic framework, entrusted with the noble duty of organising free, fair, and credible local government elections. This is not just an administrative task; it is a sacred responsibility that shapes the future of our communities.
“I recall vividly the excitement and hope in the air during our last local elections, a testament to the power of democratic participation. This is the spirit we must nurture.”
Road inauguration
The governor in his address at the formal commissioning of the rehabilitation of St. Finbarr’s College Road , Asani, Tijani Ashogbon , Jagunmolu, Shogbamu and Diya streets.
Sanwo-Olu who had in the previous day commissioned Oba Dosumu Street, Oduduwa Way, Oduduwa Crescent, Sobo Arobiodu, and Sasegbon streets said the areas covered by the projects hold cultural, educational and historical significance for Lagos State.
He stressed that St Finbarr’s Road was built by the British during the colonial period and served as a route for their administrators and missionaries.
The governor said, “We have kicked off this year on a note of project commissioning, and this is how we intend to carry on throughout the year. Just yesterday, I signed the 2025 Appropriation Bill into law, paving the way for the implementation of a budget that is now in excess of N3 trillion.
“Lagosians should therefore expect an immediate scaling-up of the focus on infrastructure; the completion of existing projects and commencement of work on new ones.
“No part of the state will be left out; we will continue to ensure that this development is equitably distributed.’’
Earlier, the Special Adviser to Lagos State governor on Infrastructure, Engineer Olufemi Daramola said the projects do not only represent a critical part of the state’s infrastructure master plan but aligned with the THEMES agenda, particularly in transportation and traffic management.
‘’Spanning 4.7 kilometres with an average width of 73 metres dual carriageway, the rehabilitated St. Finbarr’s College Road/Asani/Tijani Ashogbon/Jagunmolu/Shogbamu/ Diya Streets is a major arterial road that connects three local government areas and serves as a lifeline to educational institutions, residential communities, and commercial hubs in the axis.
‘’This strategic arterial road is immersed in history and cultural significance. It connects renowned institutions like the University of Lagos, St. Finbarr’s College, and the Federal College of Education, Bariga Waterfront Jetty through the earlier completed Haje Road alongside a thriving network of small and medium enterprises, vibrant residential neighbourhoods and the iconic headquarters of Deeper Life Church.
‘’Before rehabilitation, the road was way past its service life, with inadequate drainage and increased traffic, resulting in significant inconveniences to residents, business and commuters. Recognizing its importance, the government embarked on this transformative project to restore functionality, reduce travel time, improve aesthetics, and ensure long-term durability,’’ he said.(Vanguard)
