Today, I launched a N5bn support fund to help reduce the impact of #COVID19 on low-cost private schools in Lagos. The educational sector is one of those severely impacted by the pandemic, with schools and vocational learning-centres shut since March.
With access to funding for privately owned schools and vocational training centres in the state, we are confident that this programme, under the partnership between @FirstBankngr and @LSETF will help accelerate a sustainable return to learning and skills acquisition.
The facility will benefit 2000 low-cost schools with amounts ranging from N500,000 to N5million.
As a responsible Government, we are obligated to provide interventions that would enable learners in schools study in line with the new normal.
I am passionate about the people of Lagos and I remain committed to creating a better future for all residents.
As we countdown to Saturday, lets look back on some of our work in the last four years and how they confirm that indeed a #GreaterLagosRising.
On education, we have made significant progress in Lagos by demonstrating our commitment to preserving the future of our children, that’s why in the steps of the great Pa Lateef Jakande, we turned our focus to our primary and secondary educational system.
We have upgraded 970 public schools and recruited over 1,000 school teachers in the process.
We also renovated and digitized 243 public school libraries. This guarantees quality education for our children regardless of the financial capabilities of their parents.
Today marks 8 days to the elections and I am happy to share some thoughts as well as some highlights of our journey so far.
Our first 4 years have shown our capability and commitment to making Lagos a place that works for you.
Lagos has always been the heartbeat of Nigeria, but, of course, every good thing can always be better.
And we have proven beyond doubt that we are committed to making it the absolute best city for every Lagosian.
We have commissioned over 4,600 projects across health, education, infrastructure, security, welfare, and environment, with over 70% of them already in use.
As we countdown to D-Day, I will be sharing some of the landmark projects with you.
This is necessary in view of the ongoing situation in the country, regarding the change of currency notes and the attendant hardships being faced by ordinary Lagosians.
First, let me thank you for your patience and unwavering perseverance.
1/14
Lagosians, this is a heartfelt call to you to please remain calm at this time, and avoid all forms of violence, arson and rioting.
Even in the face of the difficulties and frustrations being faced by all, violence and destruction should not and will never be the answer.
2/14
We have noticed the rampant incidents surrounding some of the players in the financial services value chain who have taken the current challenges to mean an opportunity to extort hard working Lagosians with extortionate charges on funds withdrawal and sale of PMS.
I hereby commend your patience and calmness, following the sad controversy generated by the Naira shortage crisis.
I would like to inform you that we have joined the dispute at the Supreme Court, which adjourned the hearing of the matter till Feb 22.
When the matter first came up on February 8, the apex court said the old notes remained legal tender.
That position has not changed. Therefore we hereby warn those rejecting old notes to desist from doing so or face prosecution. It is against the law to reject the old notes.
I plead with everyone to remain law-abiding, and shun mischief makers who may want to exploit this temporary situation to promote their anti-people agenda.
I am confident that the Judiciary will resolve all the issues around the currency shortage crisis.
Today, at a dialogue with the Organised Private Sector to unveil my comprehensive economic plan, I assured the Business Community of our commitment to sustain strategic investment in infrastructure to bolster productivity, energise business growth and protect private capital.
At the interactive session, I elaborated on our economic redistribution plans aimed at expanding the Lagos business district to suburbs in the Western and Eastern parts of the State.
Our economic blueprint captured in the six-pillar THEMES Agenda has been rolled out…
… and implemented to fix the immediate needs of our citizens and the business community.
The question we need to ask ourselves as we make vital decisions in the coming weeks is, what are the best alternatives we have? Nigeria cannot be on an experimental trajectory.