A right activist, Prince Dare Aladekoba, has expressed excitement over the 2021 Lagos State Appropriation Bill unveiled before the State House of Assembly by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, just as he urged the Legislative House to expedite actions on it with a view to guaranteeing its quick passage,
Aladekoba, who is the leader of the Royal Peoples Platform (RPP), in a chat with newsmen in Lagos said, the quick passage of the Bill would go a long way to rekindle the hope of the people whose psyche has been affected by the sad events of the recent time in the country especially as they affected Lagos State in particular.
It is no more news that, Governor Babatunde Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday, November 10, this year presented an estimated Budget of N1.155 trillion to the Lagos State legislature tagging it, “Budget of Rekindling Hope,” where the shaken hope of the people of the state would be fully restored after the recent ugly occurrences that led to wanton destruction of property and loss of lives.
Quick passage of the Budget, Aladekoba reasoned would enable governor Sanwo-Olu to start, without further delay, as in his character to commence the rebuilding of the state along with his usual official schedules that state has been enjoying in the past one and a half year.
The youthful activist expressed the delight that, the governor aptly tagged the document, “Budget of Rekindling Hope,” saying, nothing else could be more appropriate than that because of the mood of the nation that has been fouled by the COVID-19 monster and the unfortunate #EndSARS incident that sadly turned violent.
The Budget proposal, according to him, has shown that Daniel has truly come to judgement because Sanwo-Olu has demonstrated again, his grab of good governance through which he has been earning both local and international accolade, concluding that, people’s hope has started being rekindled by the all-encompassing Budget proposal already unveiled by Sanwo-Olu.
Aladekoba said it is gratifying to note that, the government will be investing heavily in the development of human capital, with special focus on youth employment and provision of social safety for young people and also direct attention towards raising human capital, creating jobs and strengthening security for businesses to flourish.
He quoted the governor’s speech in part thus: “The expenditure is for the restoration of economic balance as the State continues to navigate its way out of the negative impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the destruction of public assets, following the EndSARS protest hijack.
“The year 2021 is one of Rekindled Hope, in accordance with recent events of global and national proportions, especially the coronavirus pandemic, the EndSARS protests, the general feeling of disenchantment in the polity and the socio-economic yearnings of Lagosians for good governance. This budget reflects our desire to rebuild the trust of the people in this Government, even as we commit significant human and financial resources to the rebuilding of Lagos while doing all we can to move on from the destruction and vandalism recently witnessed in the State, barely three weeks ago.”
Sanwo-Olu’s love for the youth, according to the rights crusader, became manifest in his latest Budget speech where he said, “there would be increment in its financial commitment to youth mentoring, mental health support, and substance abuse rehabilitation,” describing Sanwo-Olu as an administrator that knows the worth of the youth in nation building for assured future of the country.
Aladekoba also commended the governor for his humility over his appeal to the people for support for smooth implementation of the contents of the Appropriation Bill when he said,
“We have audacious governance goals, which we cannot achieve without the concerted efforts of all our people,” saying, Sanwo-olu has realized the value of the people’s support in an all-inclusive government he is running.
In the same vein, the RPP Convener also thanked the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, over his support pledge on behalf of his team to work with the executive arm towards rebuilding the State through speedy passage of the budget and assurance to the public that the Assembly would properly vet the details in line with its democratic responsibilities.
