Lagos made a whooping N503.7bn in 2017 as Ambode makes revelations about his government (photos)

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Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos on Thursday, January 11, commended residents for supporting his administration to deliver on key projects in various sectors and as he revealed the state generated a total of N503.7 billion revenue in 2017 despite the harsh economic climate in the country.

Governor Ambode spoke at the first quarter town hall meeting in 2018, which is the 10th in the series since his assumption of office in 2015.

“As we celebrate entering a new year, we thank you all for your support and cooperation last year. It was your backing that enabled us to achieve the modest successes we recorded last year and commence the transformation of the landscape of our state. In the last year, we delivered on our promises to Lagosians despite the harsh economic climate.

Ambode meets residents, reveals details about his government as Lagos makes N503.7bn in 2017

Ambode with other dignitaries at the event. Credit: Lagos Press

“Despite the harsh economy, our state budget performed at 82 percent. Total revenue generated was N503.7bn representing a performance of 78 percent; total recurrent expenditure was N281.33bn representing a performance of 92 percent, while total capital expenditure was N387.60bn or 76 percent performance," the governor said.

Ambode listed some of the key projects delivered last year to include the new Tafawa Balewa Square bus terminal, new Ojota pedestrian bridge, Aboru - Abesan link bridge and adjoining inner roads, Ojodu Berger slip road and pedestrian bridge, jubilee bridges in Ajah and Abule Egba, Freedom and Admiralty Road in Lekki, new Lands Registry, newly upgraded Jubilee Chalet in Epe, among others.

Governor Ambode further said as at December 2017, the state Employment Trust Fund (ETF) had disbursed a total of N4.5 billion to 5,500 beneficiaries who also received training on financial literacy and business management, while keys were presented to beneficiaries of the first set of allottees of the Rent-To-Own Housing scheme, as well as creation of Neighbourhood Safety Corps and beautification of the state with the er*ction of monuments, parks and gardens.

The governor noting some complaints and questions. Credit: Lagos Press

In the last quarter of 2017, Governor Ambode said between the period under review, the government commissioned the first state-owned DNA Forensic Centre in Nigeria and West Africa.

He added that the government would soon sign a contract to upgrade the facility to offer toxicology services, which will make it the first in Sub-Saharan Africa.

“In fulfillment of our promise to our students in tertiary institutions across the state, this administration disbursed a total sum of N635.5million to 8,419 students across the state.

"Our government acquired healthcare equipment worth N2.5 billion. The equipment will strengthen the capacity of our health facilities to render improved health services and also facilitate smooth take off of the Lagos state health scheme which is designed to enable residents enjoy unfettered access to qualitative healthcare.

“Since the last Town Hall meeting, we have continued the renovation and upgrade of our Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) and our people at the grassroots have started to witness a revitalized healthcare delivery.

"In order to meet the needs of the youth in the area of technical and vocational development, we have approved the establishment of three other technical colleges bringing the number of technical colleges in the state to eight,” he said.

Ambode with traditional rulers at the town hall meeting. Credit: Lagos Press

Concerning prospects for Governor Ambode assured that he would sustain the momentum of development and vigorously pursue all on-going projects, with special focus on health and education.

The governor assured that the state would pay compensation to all those whose structures gave way for construction of the 1.4 kilometre Pen Cinema Flyover/Bridge, as well as those in Igbogbo, Ikorodu, Owutu and other areas where construction activities are ongoing.

He ordered the Public Works Corporation (PWC) to immediately move in to fix bad roads in Computer Village, Abesan Estate, Oriade, Abule Egba, among others, while the office of the special adviser on primary health care was directed to make the PHC in tesettlement area of Eti-Osa functional in two weeks.

The governor with elders from the state. Credit: Lagos Press

“I urge all taxpayers to be alive to their responsibility of fulfilling their obligations to the State. Regular payment of taxes remains the major source of funding the infrastructure being put in place to ease transportation, provide security build new roads and refurbish existing ones," he also said.

Responding to a question from a resident on efforts made to forestall any invasion by herdsmen, Governor Ambode allayed fears, saying that the state government had taken precautionary measures to ensure safety of lives and property of residents.

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“We have already prayed at the beginning of this year, herdsmen would not be our portion, but after prayer, we will work.

"So, all the issues that you have raised, I am not taking them for granted, I will look at them and also make sure that all our security agencies are on alert and up to date to mitigate any action or intrusion that may arise from that particular quarters,” he said.

NAIJ.com earlier reported how Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, on Thursday, January 11, carried out a major cabinet reshuffle, dropping three commissioners and appointing five new ones.

In a statement signed by the Secretary to the state government, Tunji Bello, the three affected cabinet members are Adebimpe Akinsola, Femi Odubiyi and Anifowoshe Abiola.

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