Bu Ebunoluwa Sessou

Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have called on the governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to expedite action on the award of contract for the light-up Lagos project as presented in the 2025 budget appropriation.

The lawmakers made this resolution on Monday under Matter of Urgent Public Importance on streetlight in Lagos moved by Lukmoh Olumoh (Ajeromi-Ifelodun 1).

Olumoh explained that in the past, the House had made resolutions on the siting of streetlights across the state , lamenting that Lagosians were not enjoying any streetlight.

He added that the unavailablity of streetlight in the state is paving way for insecurity and darkness ravaging the state.

The essence of Light up Lagos project is to prioritize the welfare of the citizens. Adding that there is need to explore other alternatives in sourcing for energy.

The State government through its 2025 budget allocation has provided N24billion to move away from fossil fuel to solar energy so that Lagosians can have constant streets light.

Corroborating, his counterpart, Gbolahan Yishawu, representing Eti-Osa 2, highlighted the importance of power saying it is key to the security of lives and property of the people within the state. “Security is key because it affects economy and business and that is why we cannot jettison the issue of sustainable solar as an alternative source of power”, he said.

In his contribution, Desmond Elliot representing Surulere 1, urged the local governments across the state to compliment the work of the state government in the area of street lights.
“Every road must come with complimenting solar streets light. Lighting up Lagos is what we cannot compromise”, he said.

A member representing Badagry 1, Bonu Solomon, said, one of the challenges of street lights is the activities of vandals who carts away wires in Lagos. We must put security in place so as to apprehend vandals.

Also, Stephen Ogundipe representing Oshodi/Isolo 1, added that, “Light up Lagos is an initiative of this present administration. It is high time we moved away from fossil fuel. We need to consider solar as an alternative energy.
“The issue of accident is rampant when there is no light. Open defecation is also an issue when there is no light on our streets”, he said.

Femi Saidi, representing Kosofe 2, said, “We need to have attitudinal change. Citizens must play a complimenting role in getting dividends of democracy.
“We should be conscious of all our facilities including schools, health centres among other things in Lagos.

In his opinion, Abiodun Tobun called for an adhoc committee to be put in place in order to investigate the 2025 budgetary performance. “If funds were allocated into the light up project in Lagos, then my humble suggestion is that those in charge must come and explain to us why we have darkness all over Lagos state.

Corroborating, Ajayi Oluwadamilare representing Ibeju Lekki 2, lamented that, insecurity and activities of robbers especially in Ajah, Ibeju Lekki areas of Lagos are on the increase. “Ibeju Lekki should not be cast out in the light up project because there had never been light in Ibeju Lekki for the past 15 years.

Also, the majority leader, Adedeji Adewale, opined that, “The budgetary allocation in Lagos need to be reviewed. “There is need to look into the bugetary allocation and its performance.

“In Ifako/Ijaiye, robbery activities has taken over the place. We need to set up an adhoc committee to look into the amenities in Lagos. Let the people concerned be called for questioning.

Tijani Surajudeen said, we need evaluate the performance of Eko Electricity in Lagos state. Students in Epe are complaining that they do not have light.

In her contribution, Omolara Olumegbon representing Lagos Island 1, urged the House to call on companies including Dangote especially in Ibeju Lekki to carry out Corporate Social Responsibility to compliment the light up project.

Meanwhile, the speaker, Princess Mojisola Meranda reacted that, “Light up Lagos is essential to us. Adding that it is mandatory to sensitise all local governments to prioritize streets light when embarking on road contract projects within the state.

According to her, solar streets light is possible. “The ministry of energy and WAPA need to train people on how to create and install solar lights. If we can produce transformers through ministry of energy, solar streets light should be the least we should create. All hands must be on deck to light up Lagos.

“Our maintenance culture should be prioritized. Every citizen must be responsible to guide our facilities”, she said.

However, the speaker, Meranda set up a 7-adhoc committee to investigate the 2025 N24 billion budget allocation and its performance. The committee include Abiodun Tobun, Desmond Elliot, Oluwa Akanbi, Stephen Ogundipe, Femi Saidi and Abimbola Orekoya and it will be headed by Lukmoh Olumoh.