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Lagos Mega City Project: “New City on the Atlantic”
Muti ThisVia ThisDay (Nigeria):
The proposed new-look Lagos will be a major highlight of THISDAY’s special international summit holding in New York, USA, on Monday, September 24, 2007. Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos will lead the drive for investment for his dream New Lagos, his pet project of developing Badagry and linking it to the rest of the state with a modern transportation system, provison of first-class infrastructure in the state, mass housing and tourism…The “New City on the Atlantic” which the Lagos State government is planning to develop is part of the Mega City Project. The Summit, with the theme “Nigeria Meets the World: Turning Challenges into Opportunities,” will, in addition to discussing the The Case for Lagos Mega City, will treat topical issues on Energy, Oil, Gas & The Niger Delta, Rebuilding Infrastru-cture, Deepening Financial Sector Reforms, Fighting Corruption, Ensuring Elec-toral & Democratic Reforms, and Climate Change: Why Nigeria Counts.
Read more on ThisDay
D-Tee | Sep 18, 2007 | Reply
Do Lagosians really need this? Why can’t the governor improve existing infrastructure and therefore lay a solid foundation for future development? Why embark on another white elephant project?
Omotaylor | Sep 19, 2007 | Reply
Every new governor/leader/president etc etc would like to make a big name and hopefully have their names rewritten in the History books. OBJ tried with 3rd term aspiration and failed woefully and even retired in ignominy. There are so many lessons to be learnt from past failures of over aspiriing/perspiring leaders - worldwide but especially in Naija. Fashola needs to be mindful of these and be very realistic in his aspirations.
Yes Lagos does need a facelift. Since the Federal Capital moved to Abuja, Lagos has really disintegrated and looks like a slum in almost all areas except the beloved few -Ikoyi, VI, etc. But this project above will not change the ugly face of Lagos. All the shanty towns built every where should go, all the litters and rubbish flying everywhere and causing so much polution should be addressed, all the pot holed roads, gutters turned roads should be fixed. Governor Fashola should give people paint to freshen up the external looks of their mouldy dirty houses (when people cant afford food, how will they think of painting etc). Armed Robbery is being tackled, thanks but this must be an ongoing concern. Water and Electicity problem should be addressed. Mass transportation and Jakande schools should be upgraded, and oh lots more. When these are done and kudos awarded to Governor Fashola for really being a governor of the people for the people, then projects like LAGOS MEGA CITY, can commence. Right now except in the chosen few privileged areas, Lagos is mostly A SLUM.
Chi | Sep 19, 2007 | Reply
I have to be honest-this all sounds really good on paper, but I remain skeptical as to whether this will ever really materialize. There’s been so much talk/no action before regarding improvement of infrastructure, who’s to say this time won’t be different? I’m going home in December, I’ll let you know first hand…
Omotaylor | Sep 20, 2007 | Reply
Ha Chi, December 07 will be too soon to expect results, maybe we can give it until Dec 2017. Better still if Lagos State Governor or anyone who knows him is reading this, let then prove me/us wrong and rise up to the challenge, not for a Model City but for improving Lagos in areas highlighted in my comment above.
Deji Owolabi | Sep 28, 2007 | Reply
Why not, I do not see any reason why a new administation cannot decide to have it’s own master plan. The plan the was left by the past administration will just NOT work. I think this is an opportunity Lagosians should embrace. It seems Lagos finally have a governor who has both an ambition and a determination(the two critical substance needed for success). A trait that was not demonstarted by the immediate past administartion.
Timi Bajela | Sep 28, 2007 | Reply
Hmmm ,Fashola has grandious ideas that will move Lagos foward ,can he succeed ?
paul oteh | Sep 28, 2007 | Reply
i agree with the suggestion of improving existing infrastructure, please am i the only one who is thinking that what lagos or nigeria as a whole needs now is an effective underground sewer system! it will solve alot of issues,think about it people, and don’t say it can’t be done because the city is developed,i’ve done research it has been done in other developed cities around the world. we should tackle reality and stop dreaming in this country. PEACE!
Omotaylor | Sep 28, 2007 | Reply
@paulOttey - you are not the only one. The sewer project would not only rid a problem if done, it could also aid a new technology that uses human waste to conduct electricity. Cant remeber what its called.
Lagos Mega/Model City is still not the priority in Lagos state. You can only wear shoes if you have feet.
D-Tee | Sep 28, 2007 | Reply
To Omotaylor: You are referring to biogas - methane can be generated from human waste and other materials and used for cooking and heating. It has been done in India, Rwandan prisons and several other areas. And it doesn’t need a sewage system or done on a large scale.
Creating a sewage system is a big-ticket investment, even for a rich state like Lagos. May be it can be done in areas that need them, this will reduce cost.
How about more sustainable and cheaper housing development and improving the road networks and transportation in general?
Omotaylor | Sep 28, 2007 | Reply
Thakks D-Tee. I agree with your other suggestions as well as mentioned in my comment of 19 Sept above.
Deji Owolabi | Sep 28, 2007 | Reply
Folks, I have a friend that just got back from Japan and I could not believe, at first, what he told me until I found out for myself. In Japan, there is this new technology that uses domestic waste to generate electricity. The funny thing about this ingenuity is that the operators of this project say they don’t have enough waste to keep the plant functioning at its maximum capacity. I think if the Lagos state government is very serious about its “MEGA CITY PROJECT”, it will find a way to incorporate such a thing in their agenda.
Omotaylor | Sep 29, 2007 | Reply
Thanks for this Deji Owolabi for this is the technology I heard about and someone from Russia said there are many companies in Russia who specialise in this technology and can even get to all the pit toilets to collect human wastes for one type of gas, and other natural domestic wastes to generate electricity. Surely this is worth trying in Nigeria for wastes are not disposed of properly in Nigeria and have become environmental pollutants and health hazzards.
Mega City Project can be delayed till other little but important things that will improve the health, welfare and general well being of especially the poor people are seen to. It is only then that we would not be a laughing stock (e.g. see David’s comment on the write up on Egypt, Top Reforming …).
DrLuv | Sep 30, 2007 | Reply
If human waste is what is needed, Nigerians can produce more than enough. If this technology really exists and can be implemented in Nigeria, it might even get to a stage where people will be paid to sh*t! LOL. Because the lack of it will mean no power now.
I never seize to be amazed of what the human mind, when put to proper use, is capable of achieving.
Deji Oowlabi | Sep 30, 2007 | Reply
Dr LUV,
I really feel you. If it gets to a stage where people are paid to S**t, it will be another avenue of craeting jobs for the masses. I know those women in Nigeria will start to invest in beans i.e feeding their children or ward a lot of beans meal so they can produce more waste.LoL.
Seriously, we need to sit down and think of different ways we can develop not only Lagos but the entire country. This will very beneficial to the citizens of Nigeria. You know, “The Mind is a Terrrible Thing to Waste.”
biggie | Oct 1, 2007 | Reply
It is so good to know that there are people out there who are genuinely interested in building a better Nigeria. I believe that it can work but as said initially there is so much that needs to be dealt with first. Like the drainage, proper roads,good schools etc. My only concerns is “Will the governor get the support he requires to pull this off” this is a massive project and i hope this is not going to end up as one of those flash in the pan project that never lifts off.
biggie | Oct 1, 2007 | Reply
It is so good to know that there are people out there who are genuinely interested in building a better Nigeria. I believe that it can work but as said initially there is so much that needs to be dealt with first. Like the drainage, proper roads,good schools etc. My only concerns is “Will the governor get the support he requires to pull this off” this is a massive project and i hope this is not going to end up as one of those flash in the pan project that never lifts off.
Omotaylor | Oct 1, 2007 | Reply
I will not really support the governor in putting the build of a “Mega City” as priority over turning round the crumbling faces of Lagos, education, basic amenities, ridding Lagos of thugs and robbers which stems from unemployment and destitution, and oh, not to forget the menace of Cultism, both at Student and other levels, for lo and behold even so called men of God are cultist and the the use of human sacrifice has greatly escalated that even a son recently beheaded his father and told the whole world he had to do it for the man was going to use him for human sacrifice first! Is this the Lagos that needs a Mega City? Who will benefit from Mega City? Maybe the elitist, foreigners etc but not the people who Nigeria is meant to protect and see to their welfare. I dont get it.
As for paying people to s**t, well if they have no food to eat as is the common trend right now with formulaes 001,000.5, they will bend down, strain, strain, strain… not much will come out. So whichever way we see it, the common man will still be the loser. What’s wrong in looking after everyone in Nigeria. In those days when Southerners were better educated than Northerners, the government cared enough to invest in education for Northerners to bridge the educational gap between the North and South. We need to brigde the gap between the needy and have it all in Nigeria.
Its just not fair that people are so hard up, they die, watch their children die of hunger, sickness etc. Many prostitutes turned to the trade to feed their families, while many robbers turned to the trade out of frustration and hatred of a system that has turned them down so much. I am not excusing any of this, I am just being realistic. I care for the well being of all human beings, and beleive we should look after ours.
biggie | Oct 1, 2007 | Reply
To Omotaylor - I absolutly agree with you and i share your feelings, but the problem is what are we doing about it. We seem to lay blame on everyone else but we also have to admit to some of the blame. People like us have a choice, majority in Nigeria do not. If we can get on to this website and put comments down and express how we feel about the situation in Nigeria then i think it is high time we who really care about the masses come up with some strategic planning. I dont know if it would work but it is wortha a try. We have to save our country.
Omotaylor | Oct 1, 2007 | Reply
@biggie: I agree with you and have made a similar comment earlier on today. Please see my comment under Oluwole Akindutire post captioned Nigeria at 47 - http://www.africanloft.com/nigeria-at-47-who-are-our-true-heroes/
I am so keen on us coming together to do something and I am keenly following the works of the authors of “Nigerianlighthouse” in addition to Africanloft for a pro-active involvement in the near future. I beleive all our literal efforts are not wasted as pre-ambles to practical realisations of what should be done.
We in the diaspora with like minds should team up with those on ground and work towards a group that will come up with what you call strategic planning. Many Nigerians dont want to leave their comfort zone and will run from moving to Nigeria to suffer to make things work. Many believe it cant be done and I dont blame them for Nigerian factor and ensuing problems are deep, but we cant all keep on saying it cant be done. I dont know if you reside in Nigeria or you are in the diaspora, but are you ready to sacrifice your comfort for a freedom fight (not a bloody one, but a calculated one that will have staunch representations at Federal and State Levels)? This I beleive is the start. If people were not vigilant and vocal, Madame Speaker would have gotten away with murder just like Ehindero seemed to have done.
Deji Owolabi | Oct 1, 2007 | Reply
To Omotaylor:
I believe you have made a lot of sense in your comment. But I believe one big factor that is needed to make a great Nigeria is changing the way people think. I have read a lot about the government’s plan on changing Nigeria, but I have failed to see the single most important factor being mentioned. To me, the single most important resource in Nigeria is the “Human Resources.” The first investment should be made on this resource and all others can follow.
Dr Luv | Oct 1, 2007 | Reply
I love Nigeria so much that I was even reluctant to leave. But the moment I left and every one of my friends knew that I’m in Yankee, I became an alien to them. How do I feel when they say “Commot there wetin you know. You think this is yankee?” The point is in whatever thing we do, we should be prepare to tackle issues like this. It’s so sad that our own brothers see, whom we want to help have a better life, are seeing us as threats to their own existence. I was reading an article recently which a guy wrote about the current trend of hiring graduates with foreign degrees in Nigeria. As much as I agree with some part of his views, I still thought, “well, it takes guts to wake up and decide you want to go back in live in Nigeria in the first place” So those who have the slightest instinct to go back should be given a huge encouragement and not be criticized instead. These are the kind of antagonisms that awaits us in our quest to make the country a better place to live. A place that we can gladly return to.
I believe every progressive mind reading and writing on here have their own plans. Many of such plans sometimes fail because we fail to factor in the unforseens such as have mentioned here. Did any one get my point?
Omotaylor | Oct 2, 2007 | Reply
Dr Luv, i get your point. Many people have a bias towards those who migrated while many others feel sorry for us for they are doing great in Nigeria without necessary joining the bandwagon of thieves and corrupt people. Whatever the hurdle, we can scale it I beleive. But like you said, it does take guts, serious thinking and dedication for Nigeria can definitely frustrate the living daylights out of anyone returning home. As we have failure stories we have success stories, and who knows what difference we could make if well planned and well timed. Patience and tolerance will be the key.
@Deji, Human Resource I believe will come in after identification of what the human resource is needed for and this is what is happening. My fear though is that we Nigerians tend to give all the big juicy bits to expartriates and recruit Nigerians to do menial labour. This is not right. If Nigerians qualify for big projects they should be encouraged. Yes we will need the expertise of foreigners but Nigerians should not be treated as second class citizens. There are many people out there who need jobs and a big break.
One more thing on this Lagos Mega City project, how are the Police being trained to accommodate all what will be happening. Will they be “collecting” from expartriates at road blocks? Will they be looking towards Dollar and Pounds and Euros? Will they show us down as corrupt law enforcement officers? There is indeed a lot to look into. Okiro had better start working. This is no longer a do or die, kill and go environment O
Deji Owolabi | Oct 2, 2007 | Reply
@ Omotaylor,
I guess you read my comment out of context. Though I made a comment about people from the West going home to mop up the mess in Nigeria, I was referring to Nigerians living abroad and not foreigners. It is always a pity that Nigeria have failed to grow up. Most people in Nigeria have not been exposed enough to tackle the most serious issues affecting our great Nation. Quick example- I have talked to some Nigeria graduates who do not even know how to read or create a simple spread sheet. How then do expect them to be efficient in what they do at work. Simple tools like this have been created to make work easier and more timely. You also raised an issue about the cops in Nigeria. I my own view, Cops in Nigeria should be phased out an replaced with more educated and better trained citizens. Plus, there are no incentives that will make a Cops honest in what they do. They are underpaid and overworked, and this combined, is a recipe for frivolousness.
Dr Luv | Oct 2, 2007 | Reply
I have always believed that we are all a victim of the decisions/choices we make in life. If at this age and time some people decide not to stay abreast of technology and take advantage of it, it is their problem. You will agree with me that some people are just plain and simple cyberphobic, even in developed countries (I’ve seen a lot). Anyway, that’s a different topic of discuss.
I subscribe to the idea of building our human resource. Manpower development is a vital part of growing an economy. The overdependence on oil as made it very easy for the government to neglect that vital part. Afterall, they fill their pockets and run the country from oil proceeds and not tax-payers’ money. As long as we have oil, that area will remain underdeveloped (it’s not a curse). However, we can change things around through concerted efforts. This will be achievable if all forms of bureacracy can be bi-passed. It could be possible if the government can be side-tracked.
How do I mean? In the Agricultural era, farmers plant and sell their crops. The proceed of such is reaped directly by the farmers themselves. As long as you have a parcel of land, you are gainfully employed and making good money. Government, back then, depended on tax-payers to run the country. So, in order for them to be able to generate enough tax revenue, they had to be supportive of every efforts made by the farmers to generate more income. Except we are able to create what obtains back then right now, there is no end in sight to our travails. I am not talking about going back to the farm. I am talking about discovering the potentials that exists within our individual selfs and taking it to the market. Making it available as something that will be in demand all over the world, such that we will be very much sought after. That is achievable through SKILLED MANPOWER DEVELOPMENT. An example of where this concept is working is India. We all know the rest of the story.
I also agree with the part about revamping our policing system by infusing fresh bloods. However, for a graduate to take up a job as a police officer, there has to be enough incentives to make it worth the risk. That is what we don’t have yet. The police force has to be professionalized and departmentalized. It has to be restructured to give room for seasoned professionals, such as forensic experts, crime scene investigators, e.t.c, to operate. Then will it seize to be scene as a cult of the “Frustrated” and as well be rid of miscreants.
We can talk on and on about what needs to be done but the question is “Who is listening?”
Omotaylor | Oct 15, 2007 | Reply
‘Dr Luv, you never know who will decide to read what on the net and who e-mails comments to who so that views from “ordinary” people like us are channeled on. Do our MPs have e-mail addresses and are these made public. Also do they take time out to read what people say about Nigeria? Or are they too busy fighting kung fu to protect Naira guzzlers?
Well education in Nigeria is definitely what it used to be. Many graduates write and speak like illiterates. Many bribe their way through to get their not earned degrees, and many are more interested in making quick money, whatever way this is, and dont want to work. Nigeria’s problems are really complex. Lastly I agree with raising the educational standards of the police and paying them well. I think sometimes Nigeria could enlist the help of outsiders e.g. British Police to assist them retrain the police. And before anyone disagrees, please know that cross cultural management has its own advantages.
james george | Oct 25, 2007 | Reply
Mr. Omotayo, i think, amidst all the emotions, you have quite a point about refuse and sewage reuse and disposal.
Lagos as a city generates enough waste to provide daily cooking gas(SAY METHANE FOR INSTANCE)for about a third of its population.
i have been working on the architectural import of this biomass in the growth of the city (of lagos), and it unleashes great potentials… like in other aspects of its life, Lagos exhibits potentials to grow within itself.
the present development though neccesary is misguided… focus must be layed on the extra 9million population increase that has been predicted…
james george | Oct 25, 2007 | Reply
moreover, we must try to understand how Lagos has, over the years, coped with drastic population increases, and the inventions that the city has developed to cope with these increases.that is the true solution to the Lagos problem, and this i believe is the true essence of the megacity (project!)
Omotaylor | Oct 25, 2007 | Reply
Thanks James George, point(s) noted. Nevertheless do you beleive that the Menace of Armed Robbers and their recent onslaught against both the Police and the innocent people of Lagos is a priority? Looking into the recent killing of DUBE in SA, the police must not give up on the battle against armed robbers. Lagos Megacity project will be a farce if armed robbery/murders are not annihilated.
james george | Oct 26, 2007 | Reply
the police cannot, in their present position, cope with the menace of armed violencein lagos. things are too dispersed, and the majority of th violence occurs due to the large amount of unpeopled space in lagos. the only way to quell armed robbery is to remove all possibilities of a gathering point for the robbers. this will best occur if we realign our thinking with regards to the infrastructure, and indeed the entire Lagos-scape.
we must work towards creating a functional organism out of Lagos, by tying the presently disparate parts and reducing the polarity by strengthening the individual centers, and disuade the morning rush.
now, imagine that the whole of a new brigde from ikorodu to epe via okobaba is straddled with 27 floored “seascrapers”, and the bridge is a habitable bridge cutting through the entire lagos, producing its own electricity, and biogas subtainably… there would be life in all the parts of the city simultaneously… suddenly, robbers will find no gathering point… the peoples decision will have ensured their safety! you must remember, Mr Omotaylor( sorry i misspelt it before), SECURITY IS ABOUT PRESENCE, and this presence will only exist if the (uses of the) infrastructure in lagos are given new meaning. Lagos has already redefined everything… i wonder what it is we are looking at!
james george | Oct 26, 2007 | Reply
@deji owolabi
i support you totally about the master plan put forward by the immediate past administration.
all that was added to a Lagos in Chaos, was a new cemetry… imagine say we wey get life, no fit waka for lagos, government dey think of wer dem go bury dem when dem die… tragic! lagos is a brand new concept of humanity… we must allow its own true traits to be discovered and used for its continuance… that was not a master plan!
james george | Oct 26, 2007 | Reply
@deji owolabi
i have been designing housing and office systems for Lagos for the past four years in my free space. I HAD USED THIS CONCEPT IN DESIGN SINCE 05. what we need is experiment on our possibilities as a city (in chaos)
Kabir. | Nov 2, 2007 | Reply
Hey James How you dey? wow since october 26th no one has spoken. I understand how you guys feel and I reason with all of you but come to think of it, don’t you think Lagos in it’s entirety needs a new language, a new brand.
I grew up in Lagos and you will agree with me that the city has been neglected by “everybody”. From the government, to researchers down to the residents.
I do not know of any reasonable living thing that does not thrive with adquate care and protection. If Lagos is the so called ‘no man’s land’ then there is a problem but if we can take it as ours, think of it as ours, care and believe in it as ours then i believe the mega city project would work.
Lagos needs us, yeah people like you james goerge,omotaylor, dr.luv, deji and biggie.
Deji Owolabi | Nov 3, 2007 | Reply
Thanks Kabir. You have spoken. It is true that for Lagos to change, the attitude of it’s citizen must change first, and every other thing shall follow.
Omotaylor | Nov 3, 2007 | Reply
Is it me or do Lagosians have a way of turning every area of Lagos, no matter how beautiful and up market, into a slum lookalike? Illegal stuctures, hawking and street trading, and stalls spring up virtually everywhere. These have been left unchecked for too long, and even with Lagos Mega City Project, the same is bound to happen.
james george | Nov 4, 2007 | Reply
Omotaylor:this is the essential spirit of Lagos, the hopeless abandonment of things, but that has its conotations, and can yeild a bouyant urbanism…
@ Kabir:
i think it is time that we put our ideas together to create the true new Lagos for the future… afterall, the world seems to be tending towards us in Lagos. thank you. Some of us have spent a while studying Lagos in view of creating a new doctrine for its redevelopment, so for me, this is a large prospect.
Omotaylor | Nov 5, 2007 | Reply
Count me in for Lagos means a lot to me too, albeit I am not a born Lagosian
james george | Nov 6, 2007 | Reply
neither am i, but the future of the country is lagos, so we all have to share in it developmental problems. if we are all on the same page, i propose wwe statr to understand the problems and their potentials from the very begining?
maybe we should start a blog, and call it say LAGOS: THE DREAMSCAPE? or so?
Omotaylor | Nov 6, 2007 | Reply
Better still we could request a Lagos Blogscape via African Loft Community Groups so that it all ties in well together with the Loft. I am sure Caretaker can accomodate this and will love to join. What do you think?
Dr Luv | Nov 6, 2007 | Reply
Hey Guys,
I haven’t responded to this blog in a long time. However, I’ve been keeping track of each contribution. There are a lot of issues that we can blog about. I definitely will also be interested in blogging about telecommunication in Nigeria, in addition to other issues. After building the Lagos Mega City, I should be able to work remotely through VPN, to my job in the States without paying through my nose.
We have NigComSat now and one would expect that we should see a proposal on how we would be impacted by its existence. Let’s even say I decide not to reside in Lagos. I choose to reside in a distant remote part of Nigeria (my village of course), and I want to be able to have direct satellite link to the Internet. I want it at a cost that doesn’t exceed $44.99 / month, which is what I currently pay for my Cable Internet.
This is one other issue that I know and believe we go a long way in making our lives easier. For instance, we can take advantage of VoIP to drive down cost of communication.
james george | Nov 7, 2007 | Reply
@omotaylor:
im in total accordance with the idea and hope that this will happen ASAP
@Dr Luv
you have a wonderful idea, as a city built for speed is one built for success. better communication, and internet facilities will definitely cut down the need for travel and in turn, traffic…hmmm!
Omotaylor | Nov 7, 2007 | Reply
@Caretaker, I would love to read your comments on the idea of having a Lagos Bloggers Group or any name we wish it called via the Community Groups on African Loft. Please dont forget my response re getting business cards for African Loft, you could even use names of authors on them if need be. As for the cost, we can all chip in. What do you think?
CareTaker | Nov 7, 2007 | Reply
Per Omotaylor’s request, the Lagos Blogger group has been established in the community (follow the embedded link).
What you folks need to do is login/join the group and add your contents (blog entries, photos, audio and video) accordingly. If you need some assistance please holla.
Thanks for the interesting conversations on this thread.
james george | Nov 8, 2007 | Reply
@ caretaker…. you have done the most wonderful thing.
james george | Nov 8, 2007 | Reply
guys, this is the opportunity weve been waiting for… sign up and talk, ASAP
Omotaylor | Nov 8, 2007 | Reply
@Caretaker, thank you so much for adding this group and the speedy action.
Well I have joined the group and am ready for action. I will try write a short piece on the groups so that other author and even community members are aware of the new group. By the way, there is also the Christian Bloggers Group. We are making progress. Slowly but surely
Kabir | Nov 15, 2007 | Reply
Thanks James, I do agree with all of you too, at least we are talking about it and ready to do something about it. That’s about how every significant change in history started.
Kabir | Nov 15, 2007 | Reply
Understanding the problem is one thing and Harnessing our ideas is another. I have seen a lot of people and scholars get credit for painting the Lagos Picture [worse than it is of course]even internationally. It’s a long road, we need to start that journey and now is the time. So guys let me leave this question to you, How and Where do we take of from.
Omotaylor | Nov 15, 2007 | Reply
@Kabir, good question. We can only try and we could get good results. For example, getting on to the newly created Lagos Blog Group, having useful and constructive discoures, sending letters and signed petitions about our consensus agreements, to ensure that our collective voice is heard and not relenting in our efforts could be a start. I rack my brain daily on this subject.
james george | Nov 18, 2007 | Reply
i think you all have a strong point. we have to start at the very beginning. for me, asides what Omotaylor has so well stated, i can handle a few parts of this union. first things first, WHAT IS IT THAT LAGOS TRULY MEANS?
by the time we have found an answer to this question then it can be adequate time to come forth like all the great movements in History.
Lagos can do with the renaissance.
then we must exhibit our ideas and thoughts simultaneously in the Lagos scene to sensitize the people on the true situation of things, the possibilities for the future and the route to this future. i will hope that we can take up all the major exhibition space in Lagos Simultaneously…
the cinemas can also be cajoled into showing a 5 min. clip of our ‘theses’ on Lagos before all the movies daily for the period of the exhibit…
anyway, I’m posting an open letter to the Gov. on urban issues on the Lagos bloggers group. I’m jymsigd3g there.
thank you all for this passion you’ve displayed.
Deji Owolabi | Nov 19, 2007 | Reply
What else do we want to know about the definition of “Lagos?” Lagos has been defined long ago by its inhabitants and the persistence of anarchy. That we even have a governor appears to be pseudo. There is lack of the most basic ammenities in what is thought to be the smallest and wealthiest state in Nigeria, and from what I see about the new administration approach to tackle the problems of Lagos appears to be falling short. I read on the news the other day that the government have decided not to stop the commercial bike (OKADA)operation in the state like it has been done in Abuja. Believe me, I am one of the most optimistic people I think God ever created, but, what I see in the future of Lagos is major chaos. If we truly dream of a “Mega City” like the way we want it to be, there is no way on God’s own earth where thousands of Okadas will share the same road with motor vehicles. Don’t you guys see this trend as “ugly?” Why can’t we copy a city like London where they have a “Double Decker” bus system or a city like Chicago that has a “Double Decker” train system. These concepts can transport large numbers of passengers with relatively smaller means. This alone can reduce the nightmare of trafic congestion that plagues Lagos roads twelve hours a day. I think if the government is really serious about development, it must become more radical in its thoughts and stop fixing a problem just to create another.
Dr Luv | Nov 19, 2007 | Reply
I have come again with my crazy perspective. What if I say that one way to reduce traffic congestion and enhance productivity is if employers make it possible or mandatory for their non-field personnels to work from home instead of commuting? Perhaps, government should be the one even enforcing that.
I remember a time in Lagos when not all vehicles are allowed to drive on the road. Cars with even and odd numbered licence plates can only drive on different days. I didn’t quite understand it back then, but I remember vividly that my dad will often leave his car behind. He used to say that he is not allowed to drive on those days.
Contrary to what people might think, I strongly believe that things can work in Nigeria. However, the fundamental root cause of our problem still remains. As long as we have the fundamental root cause, it is quite unlikely that we will make any head way in Nigeria. The root cause is “OIL”.
In a country like Nigeria which is 100% dependent on the proceed from oil to run its economy, the interest and welfare of its citizens is secondary. They could care less of course. They do not depend on the citizens taxes to run the government. So why should they care if they are employed or not? Either you work or not, they still have more than enough to put in their pockets. Let us not deceive ourselves, the number one intention of 90% of people running for office is to go and loot. Their sole desire is to go take their part of the “National Cake”. Now the remaining 10% with good intentions either change when they get to office (of course, to follow the multitude) or get frustrated out of office (like Madam Okonjo Iweala).
I was reading an a depressing article in Vanguard http://www.vanguardngr.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1774&Itemid=41&mosmsg=Comment+saved.+Your+comment+will+be+published+after+review+by+Administrator. Please, read that and see why its almost, if not totally, impossible for us to see any change anytime soon.
Proposed Solutions (Suggested Solutions)
1. The first line of action will be to make political offices less financially attractive. As long as this politicians can have access to public funds to squander, this trend is likely to continue unabated. If we start paying them based on the set minimum wage, they will start identifying with the pains of the masses. I have read about this measure before and I think it is attainable.
2. Hopefully, as the years role by, advancement in technology and the development of alternative energy will decrease the dependence on oil by foreign countries. If the demand for oil by foreign countries like the US decreases, that will translate to less revenue from oil to the Nigerian government. It is then you will realise that this people know what is right to do, they only refused to do it.
3. It might take 10 to 20 years for this to happen. However, I will advise people at home to be prepared. We might have to return to the Agricultural Era. This time around, we will not be planting Cocoa alone. People should also start changing their mentality about farming being a poor man’s job. It is absolutely not! Afterall, Baba Iyabo is a farmer and will forever remain a farmer. For those of us who are not at all interested in land farming, we can be involved in “brain farming”. “Brain farming” is a term I will use for deep technology exploitation, same as obtained in India, China even Ghana (and a host of other countries).
4. “Does anyone knows anyone who knows anyone in Ghana?” I want to go and start a technology business and build me a house over there. If you ask “why?”, I will suggest you take a trip to Ghana and interview Nigerians who establishing a residence and business out there. I cannot blame them. This is a partial solution of course.
5. I recently listened to a talk given by Iqbar Quabir on ted.com. This man made good and valid points about the major problems facing developing countries. http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/view/id/79
That speech was a very inspiring one for someone like me who has an entrepreneurial vision in Nigeria. The key thing I love about that speech is that he identified that so-called foreign aid does a lot of damage! There is another speech on their by our own Mrs Okonjo Iweala, a prophet that has no honor in her own country. God bless them all.
6. Can someone please prevail on the government to reduce the cost of doing business in Nigeria? In the name of regulation, established agencies charge exhorbitant amount of money to grant operational licences to run businesses that can liberate people. I will site the telecommunication industry, which I am keen on, as an example. I read recently that Etisalat paid $400 million in licensing fees. Why should we make things so unattractive to investors, yet we keep inviting them? If we had a well structured and monitored tax system, we do not have to charge them such a huge amount of money. We believe so much in instant gratification than in continuous (residual) revenue. Besides, where do all these money go? That’s why Nigerian telecommunication companies are not living up to their expectations. You will be amazed at how many times your calls get routed to strangers nowadays when you call home.
Abeggy, I don talk too much today. I just needed to get this off my mind so I can go to sleep soundly. I guarantee you that this is not all o.
james george | Nov 20, 2007 | Reply
you are suggesting a total abandonment of the present for the “ideal” in the past… while we both know this is impossible, i applaud your sound ideological perspective. but Dr Luv, this present situation has come to stay… the question now is how we can understand it enough to harness it to our benefit. as i always say, like chaos, the solution to Lagos is Lagos itself!
Omotaylor | Nov 20, 2007 | Reply
And the solution to the complexities of the Nigerian/Lagos problems could also be best achieved with simple ideologies also. what does it take for a caring government to sit its legislative officers, LGs, Chairmen etc down and identify problem areas and act not theorise on them? These could be prioritised e.g. Roads, - see to this with honest contracts that would bring results and not phantom projects.
Armed Robbers - combine police and the army to wipe out the robbers who need to be dealt with ruthlessly. They seem to be gaining the upper hand against the police.
Schools - cultism, closures, non payment of lecturer’s fees, examination malpractices etc should be given a good attention and scapegoats made of some to deter or discourage this evil that is spreading like wildfire.
Hospitals, expand and equip government hospitals (called general hospitals) so that the lay man can gain access to treatment instead of killing themselves to find the money to pay private hospitals. The wealthy can then stick to the private hospitals.
NEPA - ah, here I need help for over 40 years now the problem rather than getting solved had become much worse and God knows what can and will be done.
Pipe Borne Water - This can be sorted out. Lagos is blessed with abundant rain so water is not the problem but treatment plants etc.
I can go on. All in all, the attitude of we Nigerians must change from looking into embezzling and enriching our pockets to the detriment of society into working to make Nigeria/Lagos work. yes the solution to Lagos is Lagos and Nigeria, Nigeria.
We can talk and write forever but actualising things is what we should be pushing for.
Omotaylor | Nov 20, 2007 | Reply
And the solution to the complexities of the Nigerian/Lagos problems could also be best achieved with simple ideologies also. what does it take for a caring government to sit its legislative officers, LGs, Chairmen etc down and identify problem areas and act not theorise on them? These could be prioritised e.g. Roads, - see to this with honest contracts that would bring results and not phantom projects.
Armed Robbers - combine police and the army to wipe out the robbers who need to be dealt with ruthlessly. They seem to be gaining the upper hand against the police.
Schools - cultism, closures, non payment of lecturer’s fees, examination malpractices etc should be given a good attention and scapegoats made of some to deter or discourage this evil that is spreading like wildfire.
Hospitals, expand and equip government hospitals (called general hospitals) so that the lay man can gain access to treatment instead of killing themselves to find the money to pay private hospitals. The wealthy can then stick to the private hospitals.
NEPA - ah, here I need help for over 40 years now the problem rather than getting solved had become much worse and God knows what can and will be done.
Pipe Borne Water - This can be sorted out. Lagos is blessed with abundant rain so water is not the problem but treatment plants etc.
I can go on. All in all, the attitude of we Nigerians must change from looking into embezzling and enriching our pockets to the detriment of society into working to make Nigeria/Lagos work. yes the solution to Lagos is Lagos and Nigeria, Nigeria.
We can talk and write forever but actualising things is what we should be pushing for.
D-Tee | Nov 20, 2007 | Reply
Somewhere in the comment thread, the issue of transportation came up. Isn’t it strange that a state that is in the closest proximity to water – the lagoon and ocean, there is little of marine transportation?
Where are the ferries? Why should any one drive to the Island when they can just take a ferry?
Until Lagos builds and develops its waterways, there will be always traffic mess.
Omotaylor | Nov 20, 2007 | Reply
D-Tee, reading your last comment above, I was wondering if sometimes instead of just looking forward/ahead, it could be useful to reflect and investigate the past, especially if it was better than the present. Do you know that in the 70s Nigeria had ferries plying Marina to Apapa regularly, for I was an avid user of this transportation then. Then also Nigeria could boast of a Nigeria Airways with Nigerian planes. Even the trains from Kano to Lagos were working and doing well. Whatever happened to all these. Instead of improving, Nigeria as a result of greed and obsessive compulsion to embezle and suck the country dry by a chosen few has become a Country so insulted. New Politicians come and go but not many really try to bring back at least some of Nigeria’s lost glory. This is a challenge to new politicians. Forget about just enriching your pockets and dying in the process while the money goes to pots, and concentrate on immortalising your names as credible leaders who did something to take Nigeria out of the doldrums. That said, I pray EFCC and the Host of Heavens visit these theiveing monsters heavily. May they rot in hell.
D-Tee | Nov 20, 2007 | Reply
Omotaylor – I feel the key to the problems you have listed is being able to find the root-causes. Take armed robbery for instance, while there is need for adequate law enforcement, the real causes are unemployment and under-employment. How many graduates are roaming the streets frustrated and unemployed?
How can they be empowered? How can they be made to be self employed?
How can the economy be expanded to accommodate the graduates being produced every year?
Should the school curriculum be altered to suit the reality of Nigerian economy?
How do you solve NEPA problem? Nigeria is underpowered, yet we flare natural gas in the delta 24-7, this gas flared in Nigeria can power the whole of Africa!
To actualization can only come after a thorough exercise of indentifying and analyzing the problem, not just listing what is wrong.
Dr Luv has a list in last thread…#3 mentions agriculture and #6 mentions the cost of doing business in Nigeria. Great points. How can the teaming league of unemployed youths be turned into “agri-prenuers”? They need access to funds and technical assistance. We have the land, lets farm, large scale!
Omotaylor | Nov 20, 2007 | Reply
@ D-Tee, I would think listing the problems and identifying them are synonymous. All the same, I agree with your further questions, which can be added to the argument. You have also asked questions and the solutions are open ended and this is what Nigeria and Nigerians (leaders) need to solve.
Analysing and Solving these problems would involve a working committee, and not general comments on the Loft. Hopelully people like you and Dr Luv amongst others would be able tp penetrate the system to be able to effect change.
Omotaylor | Nov 29, 2007 | Reply
FASHOLA SHEDS MORE LIGHT ON LAGOS MEGA CITY PROJECT
Please visit this link to read the most recent update on this as printed today 29/11. This would put your mind more at ease for now I have a better understanding of the project and our valid fears as noted in our comments above are somewhat allayed;
http://odili.net/news/source/2007/nov/29/704.html
james george | Dec 6, 2007 | Reply
there has been much talk about a monorail system that is under construction in Lagos. with the sheer size of those trains, can we be certain that it is not another Molue Mistake waiting to happen? i also read the fashola note of the megacity. truth is, a megacity is an appalling situation,not a state of existence in a city’s life, moreover, it is not a thing to be proud of at all… and the solutions to the appalling power situation in the country is privatization, and reduction of the depedency on non sustainable means of producing electricity. i earlier said that Lagos can power herself from the waste she generates. we have to make a huge technological investment. we are lagging behind, and at this rate, even with constant power supply, the populace will not achieve anything. this is the sad truth.
james george | Dec 6, 2007 | Reply
i also stumbled, recently across the sad fact that the recycled waste water that is generated in malaysia (or singapore, i cant remeber for sure)is 10 times cleaner than mineral bottled water. WHY DO WE KEEP BICKERING ABOUT THE ABSENCE OF THINGS THAT ARE VISIBLE AND WE HAVE REFUSED TO TAKE NOTE OF?until we realise the true potential of the existing chaos of the city of lagos,ther WILL be no development. even if the next 10 succesive government buid 10 eko atlantic city’s (which will ironically onlycater for less than a tenth of the expected population rise of Lagos for the next 50 years. in truth, the situation is not trgic but excessively contradictory!
Omotaylor | Dec 6, 2007 | Reply
@james george - I believe I read somewhere that the billion naira rail plan has been scrapped. I also beleive Governor Fashola is taking note of the outcry about a premature Mega City when there is so many things that need corrective measure and upgrades in Lagos.
Many of us have been revising this issue of turning waste into useful purpose and I still hope the State ~Governors would promote and support this. All we can pray for now is that someone starts a waste project and others would follow suit (copy cats yes)
james george | Dec 7, 2007 | Reply
im happy that there is finally some sense coming to the people that make the laws. truly, the work on the mega city as pressing as it is is unresearched, premature. i think i should exhibit my designs for large areas in Lagos that will use waste for all sorts of things. but within, something tells me, do not throw pearls to dogs .i hope that in the future, the right brains will be put at the fore in the determination of Lagos future. this attempt is somewhat experimental, hazy. we slept and woke up, and Mr. Magbogunje tells us this is how to do it: build a small enclave Dubai style for 250000 people. forget the almost 6million more in the UN’s report. sounds a little too experimental for me. there are so many solutions by so many of us, lying fallow…
Omotaylor | Dec 7, 2007 | Reply
@james george, dont give up on pursuing your plans and ideas even right now for I heard that Gov Fash of Lagos State is progressive and right minded (grapevine news). Unfortunately even as at now everything in Nigeria involves connections and knowing people in the right places. You will need to get connected. It is my prayer that the Ondo State governorship problem is resolved soonest and Dr Mimiko is given back his mandate. He is approachable and will welcome innovations and what have you as long as these will improve the state and living standard of the people in Ondo State.
Blogging and writing on the net has proved to be a very useful tool in disseminating information, sharing ideas and getting Nigerian Lawmakers and powers that be to have a feel of what the people want. It is definitely working. I am proud of African Loft and the lofty innitiative of have this “Killer Startup” which am sure is fast becoming a bloggers evnvy. Hope Caretaker will sometime next year organise an event and we all can meet to partake of it and mingle. oh there is so much in the offing and I am sort of …excited. Our Nigeria is changing (slowly but surely). People will soon get a new mind and stop chasing after corrupt practices that squeeze the country dry, kill so many innocent people while a few are siphoning millions. We wont allow this to happen. Hope you have submitted your piece on the Anti ~Corruption campaign on Nigerian Lighthouse. Regards
james george | Dec 17, 2007 | Reply
and like all things Nigerian… plenty of noise (what we call raking)plenty of talk after the noise…(agidi) then silence… this forum has accepted and brought to fore its nigerianness… plenty of talk, no continuance. the truth is we all know the problems… it is not them that cont but the true meanings of these problems. it should be about how, as individuals we can create a solution or a pathway to it, nothing more… WE HAVE TALKED… then what?-
CareTaker | Dec 17, 2007 | Reply
There is a clear difference between having discussions on issues - either online or in print and effecting changes at the policy level. At best, this is an intellectual exercise that will not by itself translate to policy change, or even get to the attention of the policy makers!
What the comments on this topic have shown are mere opinions, suggestions and attitudes toward the Lagos Megacity project. To move forward, i.e bring it to the attention of the policy makers, it is the responsibilities of those genuinely concerned to bring the issue to the relevant parties - and how this is achieved is entirely left to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the aggrieved parties.
To James and others, this is the bridge you must cross next. The Internet has done its job - which is to raise the issues to public attention, now you have to seek ways of framing the topic in a manner suitable for consideration and action by the policy markers.
Omotaylor | Dec 17, 2007 | Reply
Let’s wait and see. We have tried and yes talked, hoping that “creating a pathway to the solution” would yield results. Who knows?
Omotaylor | Dec 17, 2007 | Reply
My comment above is to james george for Caretaker seems to have pressed the go button just seconds ahead of me.
james george | Dec 24, 2007 | Reply
the work should start in january… we are all involved in this…. ideas must become reality.
Omotaylor | Dec 26, 2007 | Reply
Amen so let it be.
Kabir | Dec 31, 2007 | Reply
Hello everyone and how are you guys? Wishing you great exploits this new year and of course problem solving solutions to our Lagos issues.
Won’t say much now maybe after the new year. Thot i should send some relaxing messages at least to ease our “wonderful and ever at works intellects”.
Safe Amigos
james george | Dec 31, 2007 | Reply
and a happy new year to you all too.
the whole year is spread ahead of us…
Bee | Jan 23, 2008 | Reply
its possible to turn lagos to a mega city,the project mr Raji.
Bee | Jan 23, 2008 | Reply
people we are talking about the challenges of lagos,what can we do to make it a dream city,a city of class and choice,we shouldnt just sit complaining,what can we do in our own little way,it might go a long way who knows.
Omotaylor | Jan 23, 2008 | Reply
So what do you suggest Bee? In terms of solutions if from all comments above you have not gleaned any attempt to suggest or give useful tips. Mind you no one can flex muscles and go doing things on behalf of Lagos State government. We can only make suggestions and at best sell our ideas to the government. The choice to make is fully for the government.
nicole | Jan 24, 2008 | Reply
hi,
im a student from germany, berlin (writing my master work about lagos and a possibly existing innovationsystem for the city).
what is this this megacity project?
is there a official paper about this?
and how is it to life in lagos?
whould you say the place is creative?
Omotaylor | Jan 24, 2008 | Reply
Dear Nicole, to get a full response to your questions and since it is for your project, for you to be able to verify its authenticity, I will advise, first you google your questions and second you find contacts and links to the Lagos government for answers. Have you tried the Nigerian High Commission in Berlin? I personally have not heard of any official paper for the project, which by the way is still at its formative stages. Hope this little helps.
james george | Jan 28, 2008 | Reply
nicole,
i can imagine the task it is to get data that will lead to an understanding of lagos as a system, especially in far off Germany. you are in luck though. i am an architect with large interests in Lagos. i did my theses work on the Lagos Chaos System, and in the past year ive been working on this Lagos Chaos System. there is a lot that we can exchange, idea wise…fine tune your needs and interest and get back to me… or check the funnies in the 2007 section of the blog DAXITY on blogger.
bee,
there is a lot that we can do as individuals abd some of us are putting our theories on Lagos into the mainstream. id like however to share ideas with you. you neber know…! never forget the inside man factor of Lagos. some of us, with the most brilliant ideas are left in limbo, stark naked… in puris naturalibus, by this factor, and we live in lagos.lagos is already a megacity. YOU CANNOT TURN A CITY INTO A MEGACITY, it just grows. megacities are a state of growth and not an imposable condition. megacities are not types of cities, but a condition in city development that is unimaginable in present human terms!
David | Feb 24, 2008 | Reply
Hi,my own opinion about Lagos is that Lagos as a brighter fulture but in order side what can make lagos to be the best place for citizens and allien those are the things that His Exellency Gov BAbatunde Fashola is doing, but many of us has many tallent, proffession which we can use to make this Lagos but we dont have the link. please if there is any way i can get the link to a high paople of Lagos to all build Lagos i will be so glad. AM into Horticulture, Industrial Cleaning, Computer Solution
Best Regards
Nadia | Apr 21, 2008 | Reply
nice article,the comments too are good to read.the government will any way try to invest in project which will bring name and fame.any thing good to the country will be a great project.
funmi | Apr 21, 2008 | Reply
hi everbody,
let’s be honest with ourself everbody know’s how to fix lagos including the federal, state,and the local governments.
but the truth is they dont just want to do it, cus they belive if they need modern or the latest mode of transpot,medial care all they just do is to travel abroad.becuse i can’t see why they dont want to develop there farther’s land.the only thin i well just yes is that they are very wiked, cus they know the rigth think to do.
johniwuji | May 2, 2008 | Reply
NAIJA GET BIG MOUTH
Apartments Dubrovnik | Aug 8, 2008 | Reply
Good stuff.. I hope that over a period of time much more investment is done for better results
Kevin | Aug 25, 2008 | Reply
It is very disturbing when a government is so detached from its people and insensitive to their needs. Our problem in this country includes not being able to maintain existing infrasctructure and an inability to grow our infrastructure to meet our ever increasing needs. Lagos State has been unable to provide the requisite infrastructure in new areas like lekki scheme 2 , Isheri North and Abijo GRA despite the incessant complaints by stakeholders in these schemes, yet here they are trying to sell us a dream on the Atlantic.
Fashola needs to start removing dinosaurs in his administration who are no longer in tune with the realities on ground and who will not be able to take Lagos State to the next level. The top echelon of NTDA should be sanctioned seriously for their inability to provide the attendant infrastructure needed in their schemes but I do think what we actually need are fresh minds who understand what a city such as Lagos needs to look like.
Chi | Aug 25, 2008 | Reply
Well said Kevin. I pray for a change that would make us Nigerians proud.
taiwo gege | Aug 29, 2008 | Reply
please for God sake make Lagos State a comfortable state and clean. thks
ATANLE OMOBOLAJI JOHNSON | Sep 8, 2008 | Reply
LAGOS IS A VERY WONDERFULL CITY…AND IF WE MOST CHANGE LAGOS…WE HAVE TO CHANGE OUR ATTITUDE….LETS TAKE FOR EXAMPLE..I LIVE IN ILOGBO-ELEGBA,THE ROADS AND GUTTERS HAD BEEN AWARDED TO SOME CONTRACTORS..AS AM WRITING NOW,THE PROJET HAS BEEN ABANDONED…WHO IS THE CONTRACTOR? WHO IS THE SUPERVISOR OF THE PROJET?WHY IS THE PROJET ABONDONED? THESE ARE SOME OF THE PROBLEMS WE HAVE BEEN FACING…THE THRUTH IS,LETS FIGHT CORRUPTION AND THE MEGA CITY PROJET WILL BE A REALITY….EKO OONIIBAJEOOOOO
ATANLE OMOBOLAJI JOHNSON | Sep 8, 2008 | Reply
I WILL LIKE TO USE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO ADVICE OUR HARDWORKING GOVERNOR FASHOLA TO PLEASE COME AND COMMENCE THE ORILE BADAGRY INTL EXPRESS WAY BEFORE HIS TENOR RUNS OUT….WE ARE FACING A LOT OF NIGHTMARE ON THAT ROAD……… GOD BLESS LAGOS…
Oduyemi Adeolu | Sep 9, 2008 | Reply
Having read through comments from last year till now, i will like to tell the whole world that governor Fashola is acting to his words, in one year of his administration he has proven beyond doubts that if there is a vision and focus it can be achieved. LAGOS MEGACITY PROJECT is presently transforming lagos and only those who live in yester years and does not want development that will say the project is not working or cannot work. IT IS WORKING AND WE CAN SEE. im not a civil servant, neither do i have a gain in these but i commend the good work of the present government
Femi Fadeyi | Sep 28, 2008 | Reply
I think what we need now is not a mega city, because this just another means of laundring our money. before you know it the gov. will begin to count billions that has gone into the project meanwhile there will be nothing to show for it.
It high time for nigerians to get serrious about fighting corruption.Now look at this mega city project of a thing, they would have organise some committee to start enriching them selves in the name of project planning committee. Enough is Enough, Gov. Fashola should think of giving us what we need and not mega city which will never come to be but to enriched few of them involve in the project.
DrLuv | Sep 29, 2008 | Reply
To Femi Fadeyi:
I guess the question is: What do you need? I mean being specific. I believe the first step in solving a problem is identifying the particular problem that needs to be solved.
Chi | Oct 7, 2008 | Reply
To Oduyemi Adeolu:
I, too, have been reading comments regarding the Lagos Megacity Project for the past year. I admire your optimism. I deduce from your e-mail of September 9th 2008, that you either still live in Nigeria, or have been there very recently. I expressed skepticism in comments last year, and when I was last there in January and didn’t see anything different in Lagos, my skepticism was only reinforced. However, I realize that it was too soon to see discernible change, so I take your more recent optimistic outlook into consideration as I prepare to go back for the holidays. I only hope to be pleasantly surprised. A part of me still doubts it.
james george | Oct 27, 2008 | Reply
to chi…
and that part of you is absolutely right. i write these lines from Lagos!
BEN | Oct 31, 2008 | Reply
i can see that gov fashola is commited in physical change like obama and not just lyrics. i belive him. for him to succeed, he will need the support of all of us. lets not give up. lets continue to pray for him.
I BELIVE IN MY HOME TOWN, LAGOS!!!
BEN AGBAOSI.
4rm badagry, living in california
ALMA BUKOLA | Nov 17, 2008 | Reply
My own suggestion to all this is dat the first thing we lagosians need is employment for the unemployed. Why dont we handle the most important thing instead of doing another. Sincerely we need to handle our Medical status it is really important than TREE PLANTING (which does’nt make much sense to me). Pls this is very important.
ALMA BUKOLA | Nov 17, 2008 | Reply
To Dr lv:
I totally agree wit u d first thing to do is to solve the problem of the people before we begin to do other inrelivant things. I know Fashola can do it bcause i have a very big and strong believe in him but my advice to him is to start 4rm something that our fellow lagosians wld appreciate.
uche Nwobodo | Nov 26, 2008 | Reply
i will not come back to nigeria until they made nigeria look sweet like foringn country
yomi kosoko | Nov 27, 2008 | Reply
life in lagos needs to be change in every aspect , lets give the governor a good support to develop the city so that it can be classified as one of the best city in world and also a better place place for us to live .
Omotaylor | Dec 28, 2008 | Reply
Uche could be a young aspiring person or a very disillusioned person or worse still a person soon taken over by the glitz and glamour of foreign lands. But Uche you just need to know that people had to work hard and be forward looking and even consider what we call posterity for these foreign countries to be what you now are enjoying. We all need to do same for Nigeria. Please Uche dont believe that the only way to enjoy is to reap where you have not sown. Let us all have Nigeria at heart always for North South East or West, home is home. Happy New Year
Remi Johnson | Dec 28, 2008 | Reply
Carrying on staying in your foreign country. when you die i know this for sure, your body will be brought back home under the instuction of your beloved family. Nigeria, Ghana etc will never look like any european country. Mexico which share border with Califonia, texas, new mexico & Arizona will never look like USA. Make the most of Nigeria.
nuoc hoa | Jan 22, 2009 | Reply
Wonder that really we need a mega city like that?
Should we distribute capital to some other provinces ?
Jaja | Feb 23, 2009 | Reply
Governor Fashola is a visionary, his dream is materialising in severeal completed new roads, working institutions such as LASTMA, new hospitals such as LASUTH and other ongoing developmental projects. Those of you skeptics who criticise from your tiny cubicles in foreign conutries need to come home and witness for yourselves. Remember you cannot be second-class citizens for ever.
Omotaylor | Feb 23, 2009 | Reply
@Jaja, and how many there be that have criticised Fashola or indeed achievements in Nigeria from the Diaspora? Your last two sentences deflates an otherwise good comment.
Constructive criticism is a useful developmental tool. Peace
Tunde Olayiwola | May 21, 2009 | Reply
Fashola has done well in the last two years but my worry now is that the pace of work has drastically gone down. The contractors are no more effective. We have so many ongoing contracts (specifically roads) that are yet to be completed and they have been there for so long.
Some of these roads have been abandoned. You will see the contractors working today and nowhere to be found in the next 4 days or more. These are the things that call for worries. Does it mean they are not properly mobilized? Or there is no proper monitoring to ensure the works are delivered on time.
Honestly, Governor Fashola has done well and nobody can take that away from him. However, he needs to monitor these contractors very well so that they wouldn’t rubbish his good works.
Biafra | Jun 2, 2009 | Reply
Until the philosophy which hold on tribe superior and the others inferior is discredited and abandoned,there will never be a good leader in Nigeria.It is now 2009 yet the mega dream have not commenced and who knows when this mega city will be.Fashola is a nice man with vision but with the state of things in Nigeria,he should have it in mind that Nigeria believe in having but don’t accept the maintenance culture so how do we maintain this mega city?On a serious note,i do not see this dream come true now and in future.
Omotaylor | Jun 5, 2009 | Reply
Haile Selassie speaks well.The word “Mega City” is subject to individual interpretation. The size and population of Lagos already makes it one, Fashola is trying to build on this and rightly so. But then well spoken Biafra, Fashola will not be Lagos governor forever. At most 2 terms, then we start to wonder what happens next??? Would it be a case of “jakande school? Keke Marwa? Tinubu Square? Or will there be a change for good??? All we need is for PDP to worm their way in in Lagos and OUT with Mega City and working hard then Jankara and Jankariwo will take over Lagos again. So the Mega Party should unite and work to save our souls, as well as save Mega works done by good hardworking conscientous people like Fashola.