- says projects align with FGs efforts in infrastructural development
- Ambode says projects would not have been possible but for Buhari’s support
It was a very busy one day working visit for President Muhammadu Buhari in Lagos state yesterday as he commissioned five major projects executed by the government of the out-going governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode.
The President arrived at the Murtala Muhammad’s International Airport at about 10.45am and went, straight after the airport reception, to inaugurate the Institute of Maternal & Child Health, Ikeja popularly called Ayinke House.
From there Buhari proceeded to commission the 500-seater Lagos Theartre, Oregun, Oshodi Transport Interchange, 820 Mass Transit Buses and the International Airport Road, Ikeja.
Ayinke House, which is Nigeria’s biggest Maternity Hospital, was upgraded from an 80-bed facility to a 170-bed healthcare centre with state-of-the-art medical equipment, as well as information technology services.
While the Oshodi Transport Interchange is designed to “transform Oshodi into a world-class Central Business District with travel and leisure activities conducted in a serene, clean, orderly and hygienic environment, comparable with other transport terminals around the world”.
The four lane International Airport Road which has been expanded to 10-lane with two fly-overs and five pedestrian bridges which end traffic gridlock and security challenges associated with the road.
Speaking at the commissioning of the transport exchange, Buhari said he is delighted to commission three key projects that reflect the drive and success of his administration in pursuing policies and programmes that will positively impact on our citizen.
“The New Oshodi Transport Interchange, the mass transit medium and high capacity public buses and the reconstructed Murtala Mohammed International Airport Road by Lagos State Government clearly demonstrate the need to continue to provide high impact projects for the development of infrastructure and opportunities for job creation at all levels.”
The President said the Oshodi transport interchange with different terminals is going to change the face of public transportation. The mass transit buses totaling 820 buses will also move the people of Lagos State in a more comfortable and more efficient manner.
“These projects by Lagos State perfectly align with the efforts of the Federal Government to improve the country’s infrastructure especially in the transport sector.
“To complement Oshodi Transport Interchange, the Federal Government has recently approved the reconstruction of the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway up to Oworonshoki and Old Toll Gate which was last attended to 40 years ago.
“We have recently commissioned the new International Airport Terminals in Port Harcourt and Abuja, as well as the rail lines from Abuja to Kaduna. The Lagos to Ibadan Rail Line is under construction. Our government will continue to prioritize high impact infrastructure which will vastly improve the lives of our people.
The President thanked Lagosians for him supporting during the last Presidential election.
“Earlier this morning, I commissioned the Ayinke House of the Institute of Maternal and Child Health and also the Lagos Theatre in Oregun. Your Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode has performed satisfactorily and we should all commend him for his contribution to the growth and development of Lagos State.
“I once again thank all the people of Lagos State for their support for our government and our party.
Speaking at the commissioning of the transport exchange, Ambode said the projects would not have been possible without Buhari’s direct influence and support.
“These projects and facilities are: Oshodi Transport Interchange, Murtala Mohammed International Airport Road and 820 Medium/High capacity Transport Buses”, adding that the projects high-impact projects that have the utmost interest of Lagosians at heart.
“In our promise to deliver people-oriented projects and programmes, a closer look at all the projects indicate that nearly all the different pillars of our development plan as a State have been affected positively through these projects. The Institute Of Maternal and Child Health at LASUTH contributes to our health and education sectors simultaneously.
“The Lagos Theatre, Ikeja is about our Social Development Sector while the Oshodi Transport Interchange and Buses come under our Transport, Infrastructure and Commerce sectors. The Murtala Mohammed International Airport Road is an Infrastructural Development project.
“All these projects together form the thrust of our vision as a government and the end result is to make life better for all our people, irrespective of gender, tribe or political leanings.
The governor said he has no doubt that the future prosperity of the State is secured. “It is on record that our State has never had this measure of support from the Federal Government as we have enjoyed under your leadership.
“Mr. President, we believe strongly that the projects being commissioned today are our own modest contributions to the national development of Nigeria. As I said earlier, these projects would not have been possible without Mr. President’s quiet but impactful decision to approve and release the payments of the Paris Club refund and the refund on Federal Road projects incurred by the States.
“Mr. President, the first tranche of the Paris Club refund to States approved by Your Excellencywas what we used to pay the 40% down-payment for the 820 buses you see here today. We are grateful Mr. President.
“It may also interest you to know Sir that, our second tranche of the Paris Club refund, in addition to the refund by the Federal Government onFederal road projects executed by States, are the resources we applied to the construction of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Road and this First in Africa Transport Interchange.
“This is our report card, Mr. President. We have used your approval and releases judiciously because we believe strongly in you, in your leadershipand in your vision for our country. This is our modest contribution to the growth and development of our State and to the country in general.
Ambode said the projects are ready to go fully operational to serve the needs of Nigerians. The Murtala Mohammed Airport Road and the U-Turn Flyover will be open for public use immediately. The Two Flyovers will be open for use from May 10th after the quality assurance work is completed.
“Of the 3 Terminals at the Oshodi Transport Interchange, Terminal 3 will become fully operational on May 1 while Terminals 1 and 2 will become operational by the end of May.
“We have, in the last four years, invested so much in strengthening the social and physical infrastructure base of the State economy. The dividends of these efforts are becoming manifest in all sectors of the economy.With the completion of these projects and given the level of commitment of the next administration as well as the continuous support of the Federal Government, I am assured that the immediate and future prospects of our State is very bright.
“Mr. President, Lagos State will continue to support your aspirations to move Nigeria to the Next level. The business community in the State are desirous of partnering with your government in moving our economy forward.
Speaking earlier at the commissioning of Ayinke House, Ambode described the development as historic, expressing optimism that the facility would provide world class childbirth and maternal care services to Lagosians and Nigerians at large.
“Today, seven years after the closure of the facility, the new edifice is now a 170-bed facility with 5 surgical theatres. It has a 16-bed emergency care units with 3 organ support facilities, 30 bed special baby care unit, 5 neo-natal intensive care units, a fully equipped laboratory with support services, laboratories and a blood bank.
“Beyond the significance for the health sector, this institute is a major contribution to our education sector also; as it becomes a veritable platform for our medical students in the State University to enhance their exposure and experience with the top-class medical equipment provided,” Governor Ambode said, just as he revealed that Ayinke House had also been completely digitalised with state-of-the-art medical equipment as well as information technology services supported by the State Ministry of Science and Technology.
He said in view of President Buhari’s determination of making universal and basic primary healthcare as one of the cardinal priorities of his administration, the State Government, under him, had consciously worked to bring quality, affordable and modern healthcare to all our citizenry, among other initiatives in the health sector.
Aside the entourage of the President which included Ministers and Special Advisers, Governors of Ogun (Ibikunle Amosu ), Oyo (Abiola Ajimobi), Ondo (Oluwarotimi Akeredolu), Ekiti (Kayode Fayemi), Jubrila Bindow, Adamawa, Acting Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu; Lagos State Governor-Elect, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat; Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, among others were in attendance.