LAGOS: Ambode donates two vehicles to VI, Ikoyi residents association

Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode has donated two Toyota Hilux Pick- Up vans to the Victoria Island Ikoyi Residents Association (VIIRA).

Handing over the vehicle Thursday at Ikeja, Governor Ambode said the development would help sustain the gains of the Clean-up of Ikoyi and Victoria Island areas.

The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tunji Bello, reiterated his committed to the success of the exercise adding that there is need to empower the residents association to assist in driving the campaign.He said the present administration believes that the government cannot do it alone and must involve the members of the community who are the first point of call for anybody living in the area.

According to him, “the residents are the first to notice any infraction in any area and would be able to tell the government about it. These vehicles would be used in patrolling the cleaned up areas and would assist with the feedback mechanism which the state government has put in place to ensure that there is zero tolerance for shanties and illegal structures in Victoria Island and Ikoyi.

We must support the residents association in helping the government to achieve its aims. We are hopeful that that these vehicles would assist in ensuring a cleaner and safer Victoria Island and Ikoyi as envisioned in the original master plan of the areas”.Her said since the clean- up exercise of Ikoyi and Victoria Island  that started a couple of months ago, has made tremendous, progre adding that the government remains focused in ensuring that the areas regain its lost glories.

In his response, a member of the executive committee of the Victoria Island Ikoyi Residents Association (VIIRA) Dr Mohammed Salami stated that the gesture by the Lagos State Government is unprecedented in the annals of the history of the State.

He expressed the appreciation of the residents association to the State Government saying the vehicles would be well utilized as the donation  is coming very handy at a period when the association is contending with shortage of vehicles for patrolling.

Dr Salami added that VIIRA will continue to preoccupy itself with environmental and security issues towards ensuring that it assist the government in delivering its mandate of ensuring the safety of life and property.