The Eko Foundation has tasked the government system of Lagos State over its advocated need to put sustainable development plans in place towards the realization of laudable socio-economic objectives in the next 50 years.
The Foundation, rising from a symposium last Friday, themed, “The leading role of Lagos State in the development of Nigeria”, gave the charge in a communiqué it issued after the event.
The symposium, chaired by former Minister of Communications, Major General Tajudeen Olanrewaju (Rtd) represented by former Commander of the Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps, Major General Abdullahi Adekunle Martins (Rtd), was Eko Foundation’s part of the celebration of 50th anniversary of the creation of Lagos State.
Signed by President of the Eko Foundation Prof. Imran Oluwole Smith (SAN) and General Secretary Chief ‘Kunle Uthman, the communiqué stated:
“That whereas, Lagos State has always taken the lead in the political, economic, and the socio-cultural aspects of development in Nigeria, government has to harness her strength towards improving the lots of the people of the State by eradicating hunger, poverty, illiteracy and disease; adjusting the imbalances in the provision of infrastructure in the State, correcting the autocratic political landscape and the oppressive attitude of the government towards indigenes; providing succor to the poor by making provision for truly affordable shelter for the teaming population; and providing job opportunities for the unemployed.
“While recognising the prominent roles of indigenes in the various professions, in business and in politics, human development should be a priority so that the hard work of our heroes’ past shall not be in vain.
“The Assembly condemned as untrue, mischievous and unjust the unguarded statement that ‘Lagos is no man’s land’ because of its cosmopolitan nature, noting that other cosmopolitan cities in Nigeria acknowledge their indigenous people and accord them due recognition in the management and administration of their States.
“While the assembly recognised the fact that from Ogun State to Bornu State, indigenes are in control and direct the affairs and general administration of their States, indigenes of Lagos State are being sidelined and marginalized in their own State.
“That there is the need to recognise and protect the rights and interests of indigenes of Lagos State in governance and the general administration of the State, and put an end to marginalization pursuant to the federal character principles as enshrined in our Constitution, the federal character Commission Act and the relevant International Conventions.
“The student bodies protested their marginalisation in admission into tertiary institutions and non-employment of indigenes into the Lagos State civil service, parastatals and agencies.
“While the discovery of crude oil in some parts of Lagos State is a welcome development and blessing to the State, government must initiate policies aimed at pollution control and socio-economic emancipation of the people of the oil producing areas of the State.
“Government should put in place sustainable development plans towards the realization of laudable socio-economic objectives of the State in the next 50 years,” it said.
The symposium drew attendance from all walks of life including eminent indigenes, some of whom were the architects of the State creation in May 1967such as elder statesmen including Chief Olabode George, the Legal Adviser of All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Muiz Banire (SAN), many representatives of student bodies from NULASS, LASU, LAGOSPOLY, LACOED and other tertiary institutions.
Discussants at the event included former Federal Commissioner for Work, Alhaji Lateef Femi Okunnu (SAN), Chief ‘Lai Ajayi-Bembe, who is the Obanikoro of Lagos, Hon. Adekunle Ali, Chief FanimokunChief Musliu Olaiya Anibaba among others.
