N10 Billion Grant To Lagos: Senator Adeola Restates Call For Special Status

MICHAEL AKINOLA

As efforts are being made to contain the ravaging Coronavirus, COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria and the world, Senator Solomon Adeola, (APC, Lagos West) the Chairman of Senate Committee on Finance, has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the special grant of N10 billion to Lagos State in the fight against the dreaded virus.
According to a statement by Chief Kayode Odunaro, Media Adviser to Senator Adeola, the distinguished Senator said the grant is much needed at this time to compliment the untiring yeoman efforts of Lagos State government under Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu in stemming the tide of the viral infection in the mega city of Lagos State.
“I want to specially thank Mr. President for the grant of N10 billion to Lagos State for the fight against COVID-19. The grant is not only merited on the basis of the pioneering and continuing role of Lagos State in combating the scourge of the deadly virus but in terms of the massive and concentrated population of Lagos State estimated at over 20 million of all tribes in Nigeria” he stated.
The senator who called on all constituents and Nigerians to as much as possible adhere to precautionary medical directives from all relevant authorities including social distancing and staying at home for a period to stem the tide of the disease, added that the pandemic has once again thrown into bold relief the status of Lagos as not only the commercial and economic nerve of Nigeria but the need for a special status and funding for Lagos State in the constitution as the former capital of Nigeria.
“It is clear now that Lagos State is special in several respects. We play host to hundreds of thousands of Nigerians from all part of the country and even nationals from many countries. Many national socio- economic institutions of the nation are still domiciled in Lagos State putting additional burden on infrastructure that the state government must look after in the national interest as it has been shown in the management of this pandemic” he stated.
Senator Adeola called on President Buhari to make it one of his many legacies the granting of special status and funding for Lagos State before the end of his administration adding that such feat is ultimately in the national interest.