Ikorodu Forum was founded in 1995 by a Group of concerned citizens of Ikorodu Division of Lagos State. Its membership is drawn from high profile professionals, academics, civil servants and Businessmen dedicated to transforming Ikorodu Division, Lagos State and Nigeria in general to a better Society.
At the last monthly meeting of the Group held at Ikorodu on Friday, February 24, 2017, the leadership of Ikorodu Forum had a critical and objective appraisal of the performance of the current administration of our dear state from inception.
The intention of this particular presentation is not to give a TOTAL assessment of the situation, but a bit by bit approach report, determined by availability of time and newsprint space constraints. However, the Group will endeavour to regularly keep up the beat.
The leadership of the Group discussed extensively on the underlisted areas amongst others. On a final note, there was a general consensus that His Excellency, Governor AkinwunmiAmbode deserves applause and commendation ‘for his untiring efforts in the development of the state.
- Security Situation in the State
- Road Networks
iii. Transportation
- Food Security
SECURITY SITUATION IN THE STATE:
- Creation of enabling environment by the government for effective policing by security agents (moral and financial support e.g special allowance as inducement for law enforcement officers)
- Empowerment of the Police Force with aerial Survey Helicopters, Patrol Vehicles and motorbikes, Communication gadgets ete,
- Encouragement and empowerment of local Vigilante groupse.g “ONYABO” in Ikorodu to complement the efforts of Nigerian police for Community policing.
- Signing into law recently of death penalty for kidnappers to curb incessant kidnappings in the State.
ROAD NETWORKS
- Signing of Memorandum of Understanding (M.O.U) between the State. Government and a consortium of Nigerian ‘Banks for the construction of 4th Mainland Bridge to link Langbasa, Ajah Area of Lagos with Ikorodu and other communities of the Lagos East.
- Concerted effort by the State Government to network inner roads within various Local, Governments. The first phase of 114 roads have since being completed and commissioned for use, while the second phase of 181 roads would commence soon.
- Re-designing and re-construction of round-abouts along Lekki- Ajah-Epe dual-carriage way to reduce daily vehicular gridlock along this corridor.
- Dualization of Epe, Itoikin highway which is ongoing.
- Construction of Pedestrian and Overhead bridges along major roads in the State, notable amongst which are Ikorodu, Agege/Abule-Egba/Sango Otta Road.
TRANSPORTATION
Completion of LAMATA/BRT Corridor, at Ikorodu and recent supply of over 300 new BRT air-conditioned buses to alleviate the sufferings of daily commuters along the Ikorodu, Lagos route.
Continuation of the construction works on Lagos light-Rail project which commenced from previous administration, linking Okokomaiko in Ojo Local Government Area with Marina in Lagos Island.
ABANDONMENT OF IPAKODO-IKORODU FERRY JETTY
- While Ikorodu Forum gives kudos to the present administration for its performance in the areas of rail and road transportation, networks, the same cannot be said of water transportation.
- Ipakodo -Ikorodu Ferry-jetty which has gulped Millions of Naira to construct by the last administration has since been abandoned.
The reason behind the above is unknown to the Group, we however reason, that if the jetty is put to use it would go a long way to give succor to the sufferings of daily commuters and a needed relief to Ikorodu road with its attendant pressure from Vehicular movement.
- Of course, new employment opportunities would be created, while the economic situation of the environment will improve.
FOOD SECURITY
- Ikorodu Forum is quite aware of laudable efforts of the State Government regarding price subsidy given to farmers through Agric- inputs Agency of the State Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, in areas such as fertilizer supplies; half-bored engines for fishing boats, fishing nets and other accessories to fishermen.
- Equally important and of landmark significance is the Memorandum of Understanding (M.O.U) signed between Lagos and Kebbi State Governments for regular supplies of raw rice from Kebbi State farmers and its processing and packaging by Lagos State Government. This has given birth to the production and marketing of LAKE Rice which hit the market sometime in December, 2016.
OUR REQUEST
- Your Excellency sir, Ikorodu Forum on behalf of Ikorodu Division of Lagos State, wishes to request His Excellency to consider amongst others the implementation of the following:-
- The activation of Ipakodo-Ikorodu Ferry-Jetty and putting same to use as early’ as possible for the good of our teeming population which is increasing geometrically.
- Ikorodu Division, being of coastal area has the potential to provide enabling environment for Tourists and Tourism related employment generating services, provided the government could make available the necessary wherewithal.