Lagos State
Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday charged
traditional rulers in the State to brace up and rise to their responsibilities
and ensure that the menace of ritual killings and kidnappings happening within
their communities is quickly stamped out of the State.
Governor Ambode,
who spoke while commissioning the rehabilitated Fire Station in Itamarun, Epe,
said he was deeply concerned about the spate of kidnappings and the recent
cases of killings perpetrated by a faceless cult group, popularly known as
Badoo, assuring that he would leave no stone unturned to rid the State of their
activities.
Speaking specifically
on the recent killings by the Badoo group, the Governor said there were
intelligence reports that their activities had the backing of some persons,
saying that it was the responsibility of the traditional rulers to speak up
against such happenings within their vicinity, as members of the group were not
spirit but human beings.
Governor Ambode
said: "This is a good opportunity for me to say this, since the majority
of our traditional rulers are here. We just want to pass a message to say that
we need to come together and ensure that we speak to all our Baales in the
communities that we are having issues and also in Ikorodu to say that we must
speak to ourselves.
"We have
intelligence here that some of these things are coming from within and our Kabiyesis
and Obas need to do something as quickly as possible to arrest this decadence
that we have here.
"As far as the
Badoo case is concerned, I don’t believe that it has anything to do with a
disappearing ghost. I don't also believe that the rituals can be taking place,
without some people not being behind it.
"So, I
challenge all our Kabiyesis and all our traditional rulers and Baales, we must
arrest this situation as quickly as possible and show that traditional value
that we have always been known for and then we would continue to support
you."
Assuring that his
administration was not relenting in its commitment to ensure the safety of
lives and properties of all residents, the Governor said that there would be no
stone left unturned towards ensuring that the nefarious activities of
kidnappers and ritual killings have no place in the State.
Giving an update on
the six abducted Igbonla Model College students, the Governor said that efforts
have been stepped up to secure their release and reunite them with their
families, assuring that government would spare nothing to ensure their safe
return.
"We know that
no amount of expenditure is enough to keep the city safe. I just want to assure
Lagosians that we are doing everything possible.
"We don't run
the government on the pages of the newspapers, and that's why you see that we
do not make comments on the newspapers, but we are trying as much as possible
to make sure that we get these children back safely which is more important for
us," he said.
Besides, Governor
Ambode said that the State Government would tighten security in all the water
ways and continue to provide adequate support to security agencies towards
ensuring that the State remains safe and secured for residents and investors.
He said the decision
to rehabilitate the fire station was part of ongoing efforts by his
administration to upgrade the firefighting capacity of the State Fire Service.
Governor Ambode
said that in addition to providing modern equipment, the government would also
establish more fire stations across the State especially in areas that are
considered high risk due to population and level of industrial and commercial
activities.
“We shall ensure
synergy and effective coordination of efforts between the current 14 fire
stations and other emergency responders for effective response to distress
calls in any part of the State,” he
said.
While commissioning
the Jubilee Chalet in Epe, Governor Ambode said his administration thought it
wise to expand the old Government VIP Chalet built by the Alhaji Lateef Jakande
administration, in line with its objective to strategically reposition the town
to take maximum advantage of the economic benefits from the huge investment
activities in and around Lekki Free Trade Zone.
He said beyond the
Jubilee Chalet, his administration was taking deliberate actions to promote
tourism, leisure and recreation, including the construction and upgrading of
road projects in Epe, adding that ongoing Epe Marina project will soon wear a
new look.
“As we are changing
the face of Epe, we are doing the same thing in Badagry in a twin-pronged
approach to promote tourism in the State. The Government VIP Chalets in Badagry
is currently being rehabilitated and will be commissioned early next year. Work
is also going on at the Badagry Marina to prepare it for the investors and
tourists that the Badagry Deep Sea port will attract ,” the Governor said.
Governor Ambode
also said that aside enhancing the tourism potential of the Epe axis, the
facility which would be managed professionally by a hospitality services
company, would provide employment opportunities for different categories of
individuals and companies, boost economic activities in the community as well
as generate additional revenue into the State coffers.
“The Jubilee Chalet
and Epe town are ready for you. This facility is not only for tourists but also
for corporate institutions looking for a serene location for their retreats and
all Nigerians looking for vacation spots within the country. l assure you all
that this facility will deliver services that will surpass your expectations
and someday be ranked amongst the best hospitality properties in Africa,” he
said.
Speaking at the
commissioning of ultra-modern Access Bank branch in Epe, Governor Ambode
expressed optimism that the development would stimulate the socio-economic
activities of the town and raise service standards, just as he charged other
corporate bodies to take advantage of the new emerging economy being created in
the Eastern axis of the State by his administration.
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