President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday urged Nigerians to support his administration, despite the economic hardship they are going through.
The President spoke during a visit to Lagos to inaugurate some projects carried out by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration.
He was represented by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who said: “This country is going to be a nation where there will be abundance and prosperity, but there are teething problems and a lot of repair to be done. There is a lot of re adjustment and a lot that we have to do to ensure that our country becomes the kind of country that it really should be.”
He added that the government had approved N500 billion for social investment as part of its measures to tackle the myriads of economic problems and provide palliative to unemployed graduates.
He said the investment plan will address the challenges of unemployment, industries,manufacturing, Agriculture, among others.
According to him, there were plans to create 500,000 employment opportunities for graduates with another 370,000 for non-graduates.
He said besides, there would be provision of micro loan facilities for market women, using the various market unions and associations.
Projects inaugurated the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) Response Unit in Cappa, near Oshodi, which he described as not only the first of its kind in Nigeria, but one that would go a long way to improve response time during emergencies.
“With this special rescue unit, it is evident that we have moved a notch higher. There is no question at all that this facility is a world class facility.”
The LASEMA Response Unit boasts of an initial acquisition of 51 equipment including three Forklifts, one Crane, 13 trucks, 10 Paramedic Motorbikes, two Fire Trucks, Ambulances, among others.
Also inaugurated was the Ago Palace Way, Okota road, which he described as an important economic road to promote trade and investment and enhance movement along that corridor.
The Ago Palace Way is a link road that connects about four local governments, providing a viable alternative route for motorists trying to access Festac, Mile 2 and Apapa areas with ease thereby reducing travel time.
At the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, where he handed over security equipment purchased by the State Government to the tune of N1.85billion, the President said that it was a testament to the premium the administration of Governor Ambode has placed on safety of lives and property of its citizenry.
Among the equipment are 140 brand new Ford Ranger Pick-Ups and 335 Power Bikes fitted with communication gadgets, Helmets, Bullet-proof vests and other kits.
The President said: “I have also seen already so much attention being paid to security. In fact virtually all the security agencies including immigrations and Customs including NDLEA are to benefit from this latest gift of the Lagos State Government.
He said the State Government was blazing the trail with several commendable projects, including the two roads being constructed in each of the 20 local governments and 37 local council development areas of the State.
He commended Governor Ambode for the achievements recorded within the first year of his administration assuring that now that the state is in the same party with the government at the centre, it will certainly get all the support that is due for the Lagos.
“I’m amazed by the achievements of the Lagos State government so far, he said.
The president said the Federal Government will soon embark on infrastructural development in the state adding that the Lagos stands a great deal to benefit from this corridor.
“The focus of the Federal government budget is on infrastructure and parts of that infrastructure are the rail route. Both rail routes start from Lagos the Lagos to Kano and Lagos to Calabar. So they are incredible opportunity for Lagos with the development of the rail routes both the one going to the north and the coast one going to calabar.
“The Lagos-Ibadan expressway is also an important project which we will be focusing on in this budget circle. I am convinced that we have everything going and this state has a lot to benefit from this government.
Ambode expressed his administration’s commitment to the protection of lives and property and urged security personnel to continue their good work by making Lagos safer for all and sundry.
“My administration is committed to improve security being a sine-qua-non for economic and social development.”
Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase who received the equipment on behalf of the other security agencies, assured government that his men will reciprocate the gesture by putting more effort in ensuring security of life and property in the state.
Arase said: “When you (Governor Ambode) gave us the first set of equipment, I did promise you that to whom much is given, much is expected and the officers and men of the Command have worked tirelessly and assiduously to ensure that the crime rate in Lagos is within tolerable limit that will attract foreign direct investment and other investment to the State.
“I can’t thank you enough but I can also promise you today that we are not going to rest on our oars. We will continue to work and ensure that the peace and stability of Lagos State is guaranteed.”