Don’t blame us because somehow, the media stakeholders missed the opportunity to elaborate on two gigantic deals signed by Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu last month in China.
Yes, it’s pleasing to identify with the star of them all – the Green Line which will take rail service from Marina on Lagos Island through Victoria Island, Oniru, Lekki, Ajah, all the way to Ibeju-Lekki.
It is also great to identify with the other highlights at the China-Africa summit. However, some of the best deals which the state got from China, but which were not equally disseminated are the bridge linking Lekki to Epe; and of course, the solar power initiative which will completely transform some important institutions in Lagos.
As an aside, for the uninitiated, there are bridges being proposed to link Lekki to Epe, while the proposed bridge is for a separate but critical link or access to Epe making it less cumbersome to connect the rapidly urbanizing axis especially with the increasing economic activities that the Ibeju area is witnessing.
About the bridge, Sanwo-Olu said: “We believe that good roads and transport infrastructure are essential for the growth of Lagos State, and to support this, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CCECC to build the Lekki-Epe Link Bridge in the Lekki-Epe axis of Lagos State.
“Our strategic transport masterplan is not just a blueprint; it’s a commitment to improving the lives of all Lagosians. By focusing on key road networks, we aim to reduce traffic congestion and create a seamless commuting experience, all while supporting economic growth.
“We have had discussions about awarding the EPC contract to CCECC, and feasibility and design studies for the project have been conducted”.
During the same event, there was another MoU signed between Lagos and a Chinese firm. This deal will help the state generate captive power to service educational institutions. For me, this is a direct intervention which will address the ugly use of generators to power those great universities which are the direct beneficiaries.
Since the introduction of the ‘band system’ of power distribution earlier in the year, energy bills have gone out of reach for some consumers. Many institutions are grappling currently, forced to choose between keeping their facilities connected to national grid, running expensive diesel-powered generators and switching off to reduce cost.
And how do you switch off electricity supply in a modern learning environment like a university? And to make it worse, for a tertiary health facility like the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, situtated in the capital, Ikeja with all the different patients in their thousands trooping in and out?
In a hospital, so many may be connected to life-saving equipment which requires uninterrupted electricity supply. Some tests or diagnosis don’t entertain any obstruction while running the analysis!
“We also signed another MoU to implement solar power systems across our tertiary institutions, including Lagos State University (LASU) and its campuses, Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Lagos State University of Education, and Lagos State College of Medicine”, the governor declared at the ceremony in China.
He said the solar system will generate about 50 MW. This will provide cleaner and more affordable electricity. “This project demonstrates our commitment to sustainable energy as a key part of our economic development”, Sanwo-Olu said.
Passing through LASU College of Medicine (LASUCOM) in Ikeja, at the last count, there are not less than 10 heavy duty standby generators. There are also small capacity ones. Each generator services different departments or blocks in the college and teaching hospital. The noise is defeating and the sight an eyesore.
At LASU, it is the same. Faculties have their generators – sometimes, departments have smaller generators that they power at their pleasure. This is unacceptable.
It is as a result of unreliable power supply systems in these schools that I view the governor’s intervention as epoch making. Servicing these institutions has a multiplier effect for the state. It will improve learning and comfort. But it also teaches our young that regular and cheaper electricity is possible and the learning environment need not be polluted by generators.
This will make better citizens who will constantly seek to improve what they meet. Equally, this will reduce overhead cost for the state going forward. Sanwo-Olu got this right, again.
