By Tope Musowo
Lagos
Lagos state Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, yesterday revealed strategies being adopted towards moving the state from mega city to smart city.
He said that his administration had put in place policy framework for a technology-driven land administration and mapping, tax administration and justice administration.
Speaking at an international conference held at Eko Hotels and Suites as part of activities marking the Lagos@50 celebrations with the theme: “Towards A Smart City:
Preparing For The Next 50 Years Of Prosperity,” he said the government had completed modalities for the take-off of the digital switch, all of which would come on stream in the coming months.
He said the future prosperity of Lagos was dependent on how well the young ones are equipped technologically and educationally, adding that in line with such, the state government was already focusing on driving growth through key areas such as ICT, transportation, ease of doing business and tourism.
He said: “Obviously, this gathering is not about what we have done or what we ought to have done. I am quick to add, that, there is so much yet to be done. Yes, we are always in agreement that the interplay of THINK, PLAN AND ACT is a sure recipe to success; but the practice and process are not fully picked up in textbooks or lectures. Leadership must have passion and commitment for vision before it can be delivered as a product.
“The next fifty years must cut out a path for us to create a framework for leaders that are not only visionary but also inspirational with passion if Lagos must become a Smart City.
“Our State has made this commitment which has the potential to improve lives of our citizens, expand economic opportunities and access to critical public services. The Smart City initiative is Lagos Urban Development vision to integrate all sectors of governance into one box of growth and development – through efficient service delivery to each citizen.”
In his keynote address, Professor Paul Collier from Oxford University, said in its years of existence, Lagos has shown sustained and visible progress, and especially commended the leadership of the state over the years for moving in the right direction.
He commended Governor Ambode for his initiative on mass transportation, but recommended that it should be scaled up with the deployment of technology, while also calling for introduction of tax to stop people from driving private cars to already congested areas.
