Ogun, UK sign MoU on urban renewal, transportation

 

BY KEHINDE BALOGUN

The Ogun State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the British High Commission, to review the current urban renewal and transportation policy of the state in order to accommodate anticipated population increase.

Speaking at the signing of the MOU at the Governor’s office in Abeokuta, Secretary to Ogun State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, expressed optimism that the initiative would complement government’s effort to plan for the future.

He added that the partnership drive between the State Government and the British government was to be carried out by Future Cities Nigeria, a UKAID funded Cities programme for Nigeria, with a timeline of three years, to support transport and urban developments in Ogun and Lagos States.

“We thank the British Government and the Future Cities Nigeria for this laudable initiative targeted at planning for the future in Ogun State. Such noble partnership is expected to increase, because the Prince Dapo Abiodun led-administration is determined to change the narrative on how things are being done and this is clearly seen in the various interventions, such as the road rehabilitation, security of lives and property and the ease of doing business strategies amongst others,” Talabi said.

The SSG who led other government officials to the signing of the MOU, reassured the partners that government would not pay lip service to governance and would continue to accelerate even development and stimulate rapid investments through workable collaborations.

“Our desire is to make Ogun State, a place where you could live peacefully and work prosperously for the future. Part of our effort in this direction is beginning to bear fruits with the setting up of the Lagos-Ogun joint commission towards accelerating interstate collaboration,” he stated.

The British Deputy High Commission, Lagos, Mr. Guy Harrison said the team was in the State to support the viable policies of the Prince Dapo Abiodun administration, in order to fully maximise all the benefits of urban renewal and transportation programmes, to develop the people and State at large.

“The British High Commission is extremely delighted with the State government on the various policies on sustainable growth, job creation, poverty reduction and many others targeted at giving the people a new lease of livelihood,” he said.

Also, representative of the Future Cities programme, Mr. Simon Gusah, who underscored the importance of planning as a prerequisite to nation building, said there was an urgent need for government at all levels to start planning for future challenges, noting that the initiative was predicated on inclusive prosperity for all.

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