Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State says the high rate of robbery and the chaotic traffic across the state are worrisome.
He, therefore, urged his commissioners and advisers to come up with ideas that would help alleviate the sufferings of Lagosians.
The governor was quoted as saying this at the inaugural retreat organised by the state government for commissioners, special advisers and body of permanent secretaries in the state, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, on Thursday.
Ambode also released the policy direction of his administration for the next three and half years, just as he appealed for the support and cooperation of all Lagosians in moving the state forward.
The governor said he had directed the repair of all potholes to ease vehicular movement just as security agencies had been mandated to enforce the ban on commercial motorcycle operators popularly called okada riders.
He said, “We have already hit the ground running. I’m deeply concerned about the replies that Lagosians are sending back to me and the issues range from security, traffic gridlock and the environment itself. But again, just as we are looking at the immediate solutions to them, there are medium term solutions that Lagosians will see in the next few weeks that we will roll out.
“We are repairing potholes and we are deploring more men to ensure the free flow of traffic. As we are now in the ‘ember’ months, I just want to appeal to Lagosians to be vigilant and cooperate with us in all the measures we will be carrying out.”
Ambode, who said the government was also working hard to restrict street trading, urged motorists to stop patronising them so as to discourage street traders from the highways.
Highlighting key components of the Lagos development plan, the governor said the first pillar of the plan hinged on economic development, and that it would fundamentally be about wealth creation through employment.
He said the second component of the plan harps on infrastructural development, adding that the government would make money available for long-term investment in transport, power, housing and water.
