African Union Delegates Inspect Ongoing Projects For Possible Intervention

The Lagos State Government has welcomed delegates from the African Union, AU, who were on a one-week inspection tour of ongoing projects across the State with the aim of rendering necessary assistance and support towards the completion of the infrastructure.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals and Investment, Mrs. Solape Hammond, who received the delegates on behalf of the State Government, expressed the present administration’s gratitude to the African Union for its readiness to support its ongoing projects that impact on the lives of the people.

She opined that such an open declaration of support from the Union, which is in line with the organisation’s mandate, would further encourage the State Government to invest more in capital and human development projects in Lagos.

Hammond emphasised that representatives of the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in charge of the various projects are ready to give a credible assessment of all ongoing projects as well as positively engage the AU delegates to make progress in the Sustainable Development Agenda.

She stated that projects that were inspected included the JK Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, Sungbo Eredo Trench (UNESCO recognised heritage site), Point-of-No-Return Slave Route, Olusosun dumpsite New Resource Centre, Keri Ereyun Fish Farm and Glover Memorial Hall, among other notable sites.

In his remark, the leader of the delegation and Nigerian Representative of the African Union, Dr. Tunji John Asaolu, commended the State government for the various ongoing landmark projects, stressing that the team also appreciated the MDAs for highlighting areas where intervention and support are required.

Asaolu affirmed that the inspection exercise and possible intervention are part of the AU programme on infrastructural development agenda, saying that “we have been directed to liaise with the Government on areas of intervention in terms of providing assistance to a certain level, particularly in the areas of culture, education and agriculture”.

He disclosed that the delegates are impressed with the state of projects, adding that a report will be presented to the AU recommending meaningful intervention programmes for the Sate.

While congratulating the State for investing in huge projects across the State, particularly in infrastructure development, Ashaolu maintained that the AU and its partners are willing to complement the efforts of the Lagos State Government and invest in ongoing projects.