Kunle Adelabu
-Projects strictly funded by govt, construction works will continue during, after crusade – Adeboruwa
The Lagos State Government and Christ Compassion to the Rural World (CCRW) have debunked the news making rounds that the Pastor Mathew Ashimolowo’s organization, which will be staging a 7 – day crusade at the Igbogbo Stadium, is responsible for the funding of the reconstruction of the stadium and the Igbogbo – Bola Tinubu – Igbe Road.
In seprate statements, the Lagos State Government denied the speculations through a statement by Ministry of Works and Infrastructures, while CCRW, in another statement signed by Mrs Nasara Katugwa – Washpam, the Chief Operating Officer and Rev. Hakeem Ogunniran, the Crusade Director, also did same.
In a phone conversation with THE IMPACT, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Barr.) Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, also confirmed that the projects are strictly being funded by the government.
The royal father also assured that the Lagos State government will continue the projects during and after the crusade.
According the CCRW statement, titled, ‘RE: THIS IS LIFE CRUSADE-IGBOGBO/IKORODU 6th – 11 November, 2023’, the organization said that the reconstruction of the stadium has been on-going before the announcement of the choice of venue for the crusade, and that the venue was approved for use without any payment to the contractor.
“Our attention has been drawn to some narratives relating to the preparations for our forthcoming crusade, and it has become imperative for us to make the following clarifications, and set the records straight”, the statement stated.
“The renovation and redevelopment of Igbogbo stadium by the Lagos State government was on going before the choice of the venue for our crusade, was made. In our interaction with the government, we found that Igbogbo stadium is one of the six stadia being developed by the state government, simultaneously.
“That the construction and renovation of Bola Ahmed road in lkorodu, was an ongoing project by the Sanwo-Olu led Lagos State government before we conceived the CCRW Crusade vision.
“That neither CCRW nor Pastor Mathew Asihmolowo offered or paid any contractor for the road and/or stadium project”.
The CCRW also stated that the General Hospital Ikorodu, facilities are also being made available free of charge, while appreciating the Lagos State government for the gesture.
“That General Hospital, lkorodu, provided the space and facilities for our free medical surgeries free of charge without charge whatsoever”, it stated.
“The founder and visioner of CCRW, Pastor Mathew Ashimolowo had always unequivocally acknowledge the support of Mr Governor and the Lagos State, in providing the Igbogbo Stadium, General Hospital, Ikorodu, and other human and logistical supports for our crusade without any charge whatsoever.
“ We, therefore, use this medium to re-affirm our deep appreciation and gratitude to Mr Governor, and the team set up to work with us to ensure a seamless execution of the crusade’s vision.
“Our prayer is that the Lord Almighty will grant you due rewards for your commitment and actions towards the realization of the objectives of the first crusade of CCRW in Nigeria”.
In its own statement, the Lagos State government stated thus:
“The ongoing Igbogbo – Bola Ahmed Tinubu –Igbe Road and the Igbogbo Stadium projects are Lagos State Government projects, and are, therefore, fully sponsored by the LASG through funds from tax payers”.
“These projects are not by any means sponsored by KICC, CCRW, Pastor Ashimolowo or by any organization”.
In the same vein, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, Oba Kasali, reacting, also affirmed that the projects are being undertaking by the LASG.
“We had course to educate our people concerning the insinuations that the road and the stadium construction is being undertaking by the Church organising the crusade, and both sides have debunked the insinuations”, Adeboruwa said.
“These are government projects which have nothing to do with the organisers of the event. The organisers of the crusade only appealed to the Lagos State Government for the use of its facilities: the Igbogbo Stadium and the General Hospital, Ikorodu, which was graciously approved by Mr Governor”.
Oba Kasali assured residents of Igbogbo and other users of the road that the construction will not stop during and after the crusade.
“Yes, the road is being made motorrable for the guests coming for the crusade, but it will not stop. We have been assured by the Governor through the Office of the Special Adviser on Works”, the royal father said.
“So, we thank everybody connected with what is happening with the town, and also giving our own assurance that we will be available to do the needful on our parts to have a successful event, and to continue to support the Lagos State Government in its drive to make the state a city that we all yearn for”.
