*President inaugurates Lagos Red Line Project, says ‘democracy value measured in people-oriented outcomes’
President Bola Tinubu says the value of democracy is measured in people-oriented outcomes, projects and programmes.
Tinubu stated this on Thursday in Lagos while inaugurating the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT), Red Line Project.
The 37km project is expected to reduce travel time and improve transportation and logistics in the state.
Tinubu said the Federal and subnational governments would strengthen their collaboration to provide reliable, efficient, and affordable transportation systems for all Nigerians across the country.
‘It is my singular pleasure to inaugurate the first phase of the LRMT Red Line to the Glory of God Almighty and for the benefit of the people.
”Today, I am seriously honoured that I am a Lagosian and the first to be President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
”My promise is not to let you down. We will arrive at the destination with joy, happiness, and prosperity; God willing,” he said.
The President said the vision of a modern and effective public transportation system in the state was conceived during his tenure as the former governor of Lagos state.
He described the project as a dream realised and a fulfillment of years of hard work and dedication by successive governments.
”I am very happy indeed that today is a day to remember in Nigeria’s infrastructural history, particularly Lagos, the Centre of Excellence.
“Today is evidence that it is good to dream, and it is a serious validation of democracy as a form of government of the people, by the people, and for the people.
”When you put people at the centre of your vision and planning, you will realise the value of democracy.
”Twenty-five years ago, I was elected to lead Nigeria’s most populous state.
“From the very beginning, my team and I toiled day and night with a very bare cupboard and amidst pervasive deficiency to implement a developmental vision that will transform Lagos into an economic powerhouse.
”The momentum of greatness we kick-started a quarter of a century ago has become unstoppable progress. It is not a crime to dream and dream big. Just stay focused and make development a central focus,’’ he said.
Tinubu called on Nigerians to embrace change and work toward national progress, stressing his administration’s commitment to eradicating corruption and ensuring industrial harmony.
”Some labour unions should understand that no matter how we cling to our freedom and rights, to call for strikes within the first nine months of a new administration is unacceptable.
”If you want to directly participate in the electoral process, wait until 2027, if not, maintain the peace. Labour is not the only voice of Nigeria,” the President said.
Tinubu assured Nigerians that their lives would become more enjoyable as modern amenities are built across the entire nation under his progressive leadership.
‘‘This is very efficient and comfortable, and I am happy. Our transportation system must be all about the people. We have cut down imports on PMS by almost 50 per cent.
“We need mass transit to complement the daily efforts of citizens and make things easier for our people. And this is what this is all about. It is about the people. It is about democracy. We are happy about it,’’ Tinubu said.
He commended the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), the urban transport agency he established over 20 years ago, for its exemplary performance.
Tinubu implored LAMATA to sustain the momentum in completing all other phases of the Red Line project, as well as the full execution of the broader rail blueprint of the state.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State said the first phase of the project, executed by the state government, spanned 37 kilometers and shared the track of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) Lagos-Ibadan modernisation project.
He explained that it is from Ebute Metta to Agbado with stations at Oyingbo, Yaba, Mushin, Oshodi, Ikeja, Agege, and Iju.
According to the governor, phase one of the project will transport 750,000 passengers daily at inception and 1.1 million passengers daily once it is fully operational.
”All the stations are live and ready to receive passengers,” Sanwo-Olu said.
The President also witnessed the signing of the contract for Phase 2 of the LRMT Red Line project by the Managing Director of LAMATA, Abimbola Akinajo, and the Chairman of CCECC Nigeria Lld., Jason Zhang.
Tinubu embarked on an inaugural train ride from the Ikeja station to the Agege station, accompanied by Sanwo-Olu; and his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat.
Others include some governors, members of the Federal and State Executive Councils; members of the Federal and State Legislative Assemblies and Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Cui Jianchun.
