Kunle Adelabu
The Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Public Accounts (State), Hon. Nurudeen Saka Solaja, has said that adequate engagement of youths and communities will address the issue of insecurity.
He also said that the Lagos State Government is up to the task in effectively tackling the security situation in the state, especially in Ikorodu Division.
The two – term lawmaker spoke with THE IMPACT during the week on different issues relating to Ikorodu Division which he is representing its Constituency II in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Ikorodu has had to contend with issues of cultism and lately, kidnapping in the Adamo, Imota, Agbowa and Emuren among other areas that border the division in Lagos and Ogun States.
“The issue of security should start with Community Development Associations (CDAs) and other segments of the community. Once community associations can take charge of their areas, then, the issue of security will be effectively tackled”, he said.
While commending traditional rulers in the division for their efforts in tackling insecurity, Hon. Solaja, who, for many years, was a Council Treasurer, also called for the creation of employment opportunities for the teeming youths as a way of dealing with insecurity and other social vices.
“Our Obas have tried a lot by taking up the issue of security.
“There is also the need to create jobs for our teeming youths that are not employed and other residents who are ready to work but could not get any job. A major way of achieving that is to have improved electricity supply. With this, many will go back to their trades.
Hon. Solaja also said that there is a need to look into the influx of people into the Ikorodu Division in relation to the available infrastructures.
“The state government is also up to the task on the security issue and effectively addressing it, but, there is need to look at the development in our division, especially the increasing population that the division is experiencing on a daily basis.
“It is also of note that the state government is ensuring that there is complimentary efforts by the Police and local vigilance groups in preventing and tackling crimes and other social vices”.
The lawmaker said that the government is addressing the issue of infrastructural deficits in the division, especially in the area of road networks.
“Road network is one of the major problems confronting the Ikorodu Division and the government is on top of it.
“Rapid development is going on around the Division with several roads being constructed while many are still under construction.
“The fourth mainland bridge will also contribute greatly and helps in developing so many areas of Ikorodu Division coupled with an array of major roads that are to be attended to.
“The Itamaga – Ijede road will be extended to the Rice mill because there must be access to the mill when it is completed.
“I am also sure that the government will complete the rehabilitation of the Itamaga – Itoikin road”, he said.
On the Lagos State Commodities Market, also called Mile 12, Hon. Solaja said that the development of the market in Imota is still ongoing.
“Work is in progress on the Mile 12 project in Imota. That I can confirm to you”, Hon. Solaja said.
The lawmaker, who said that many developments are still coming to the Imota LCDA of Ikorodu Division, told our reporter that the largest Rice mill located in Imota is 90% completed and will generate great employment opportunities upon completion.
“The Rice mill, which is a major state government project in Imota, will definitely bring many more projects and developments. The project is 90% completed.
‘It will create many employment opportunities, both directly and indirectly.
“People are going to be planting and harvesting rice for the mill and after being produced, many will buy and purchase the rice for consumption.
“Ikorodu Division, Epe and part of Ogun State will greatly benefit from the rice mill when completed and there is going to be rapid development”, he added.
While stating that a – storey building of classrooms he facilitated at Luwasa High School in Ijede has been completed, he also told THE IMPACT that construction work will soon commence on the proposed stadium for Ikorodu Division and that of the Igbogbo township stadium.
‘We just passed a bill to engage our youths in sports. This is part of the state government’s efforts in empowering our youths and adequately engaging them.
“Any moment from now, the construction of a stadium for Ikorodu Division will commence in LASPOTECH, the same thing goes for the Igbogbo township stadium”, he said.
