By Olasunkanmi Akoni

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode with the mantra “Itesiwaju Eko lo je wa logun.” (We are committed to ensuring progress of Lagos), during his electioneering campaign did promised residents of better welfare package and improved economy if elected. One of such promises is “Light Up Lagos Project,” an initiative aimed at making the street lights work again and better in every nook and crannies of the state.

In fulfillment of the above statement, having signed the 2016 budget into law, state government flagged off the light up  project across the state just as it intensified efforts in other areas yet to be covered. Already, most major highways and streets have been lit while massive repair of street lights are being carried out in other strategic places.

It will be recalled that to realize the mission aimed at creating an enabling environment that will ensure 24-hour power supply to residents in the next two years, Ambode set up an Advisory Council chaired by the Deputy Governor, Dr. (Mrs) Idiat Oluranti-Adebule, The governor charged the council to make electricity available to residents for both business and domestic use.

Ambode had equally urged individuals and corporate bodies to light up their streets and neighborhood, with a promise that such gestures would be duly rewarded and recognized by the state. According to a Lagos resident, Mr. Akinola Emmanuel, “Recently, if you move from Berger to Lekki, Ikorodu to Lagos Island, the entire Ikeja axis, Victoria Island, Ikoyi and so on, it is very clear that there are more street lights in Lagos today more than ever before.

“It will also reduce the incidences of armed robbery and other criminal activities often carried out under the darkness of the night. It will also boost night commerce across the state. When contacted, Lagos State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Wale Oluwo confirmed the efforts being made by government toward lighting up the state in line with the campaign promise made by Ambode to the people.

Oluwo said to underscore the commitment of government, arrangement has also been concluded on having Bus Rapid Transport, BRT, buses to work at night once the light up project is completed. He said: “This is one of the campaign promises made to the people by the Governor and just like he has fulfilled others, this project will not be an exception.