By Jabiru Hassan, Kano.
The Honorable Minister of State for Works (HMSW), Muhammad Bello Goronyo, Esq, has commissioned a solar- powered streetlight project in Lagos on Monday, 2nd December, 2024.
The streetlights being provided by the Federal Emergency Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), are a relief and a welcome development for the residents of the community of Isale- Eko in Lagos State.
Goronyo identified the benefits of the project to include improvement in the socioeconomic well-being, as well as mitigating insecurity challenges confronting the area.
“This aligns well with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,” he added. The Minister further urged residents to take full ownership of the project with a view to safeguarding it from vandalisation by unscrupulous elements.
The HMSW, on an earlier Courtesy Visit to His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Babatunde Osuolale Akiolu, in his Iga Idugaran Palace, noted that the initiative is part of a conscious effort by the Federal Government at investing in renewable energy solutions, stating that “as a responsible Government, we have to continue to do more to improve the wellbeing of our teeming communities.
” He solicited for prayers and support of His Royal Majesty and indeed Nigerians to be able to do more for the overall growth and development of the nation.
Speaking at the Palace, the Managing Director/CEO of FERMA, Engr. Dr. Chukwuemeka Agbasi, thanked the Oba for the warm reception accorded the entourage, also stated that the installation of the solar powered lights will provide extended hours for trading and, therefore, arrest unemployment among the youth.
While commending the community for providing an enabling atmosphere for the installation of the facility, Engr.
Agbasi, cautioned against vandalisation, pledging that FERMA has resolved not shirk in its responsibility to ensure adequate maintenance, as well as deliver value in road maintenance in the community and the state.
Responding, HRM Oba Akiolu, appreciated the Honorable Minister for the visit, noting that FERMA has been wonderful and cooperative in the discharge of its duties to the community.
His Royal Majesty also used the occasion to warn miscreants and criminals to desist from vandalising public goods and infrastructure, assuring that Nigerians will laugh soon as the Government of the day is responsible and working very hard to put things right.
Patience, the Monarch emphasised, is the keyword, while appealing to Nigerians to give peace a chance.
