Why Lagos will continue to do well, by Fashola

Lagos State governor, Babatunde Fashola, says the state will continue to do well because a capable All Progressives Congress (APC) governor will take over from him and continue the good work from 2015.

Fashola made the declaration while addressing thousands of people at the Police College, Ikeja, venue of the 2014 Community Day, an annual event organised by the government to recognise the contributions of communities to the development of Lagos.

“This will be the last time I will stand here as your governor. But I’m optimistic that even a better government on the platform of APC will be here to continue. You must therefore do your best to participate in the process,” Fashola said.

“From communities to communities, we have made promises to you in the last seven years, and I have kept all of them; check my inauguration speech. The Federal Government that collects 52 percent of total revenue has made promises that they have not kept. Despite that, Lagos is rocking and our impacts are in your communities. And it is because you are paying tax.

“If they come with promises of better life where you will not pay tax, be careful. Allocations to state government are reducing, and prices of oil are dropping. Several states are now borrowing to pay salaries. That is not your lot in Lagos. So, remember all these when they come with their deceptive umbrella to give you empty promises”, Fashola said.

Cornelius Ojelabi, the commissioner for rural development, who also spoke at the event, said a lot have been achieved in the rural areas of the state with the support of Community Development Associations (CDAs).

“Through community mobilisation, no fewer than 3,360 CDAs meet on monthly interactive stakeholders’ forum, where issues bordering on government policies, programmes and activities particularly security related issues and tips are disseminated.”

The commissioner explained that such collaboration has resulted in improved security with the support of the Neighborhood Watchers.