AMBODE'S KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE ON REGENERATION OF OSHODI

Lagos State Governor _ Akinwunmi Ambode

Key Note Address By His Excellency, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, Governor of Lagos State at The Press Conference on the Regeneration of the Oshodi Area at Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja on Tuesday, May 24, 2016

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Oshodi is arguably the busiest transport interchange in West Africa, with over 5,600 buses spread over 13 different motor parks loading daily. Oshodi has over 200,000 passengers boarding per day, about 1 million pedestrians and 76% of the area is dedicated to transport and related activities.

The result of this is chaos, illegal markets, high human and vehicular traffic, environmental and sanitation issues and in recent times serious security challenges. You will agree with me that this Oshodi does not fit into the Lagos of our dreams; a globally competitive Lagos which is clean, safe and prosperous.

Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a solution to the Oshodi menace. The Oshodi Interchange you see today will be replaced by an iconic, world class transportation and commercial hub. That is in keeping with the vision of this government to transform the key city centres of the State to reflect the mega city status of Lagos.

Many of you would have been aware of the recent demolition of illegal structures and markets in this area. This was not to oppress or deny anybody their livelihood but to start the process of regenerating and recreating Oshodi.

Our efforts to redevelop Oshodi is aimed at improving the physical structure, security and more importantly creating the 24hour economy which we promised.

The proposed redevelopment of Oshodi axis will consolidate all the 13 City and Interstate parks into 3 multi-storey bus park & terminals situated on 4 floors.

Terminal 1, the Mosafejo Market Axis, would be for Inter-state transportation. Terminal 2, former Owonifari Market, and Terminal 3, adjacent to NAFDAC, will be for Intra-city transport activities. These terminals will have standard facilities including waiting area, loading bays, ticketing stands, drivers lounge, parking areas, rest rooms, etc.

The development will include accessible walkways and pedestrian bridges/sky-walks to link all the 3 terminals. The development will introduce bus lanes, lay-bys, green parks to soften the environment, proper waste management, fencing and a dedicated security team for Oshodi.

When we complete this project, we would have completely rebranded and remodeled Oshodi from a decadent situation to an iconic state. The crime rate in this area will be drastically reduced, if not eliminated.

In addition, a shopping mall covering over Two Hectares will be situated in the old Mosafejo settlement. This mall will comprise recreation, entertainment

The new Oshodi bus terminal will be delivered with a PPP arrangement. This model allows the effective allocation of tasks and risks in the development of the interchange and also ensures that finance can be easily obtained for the project.

I want to commend and thank all the stakeholders that have made this proposal attainable. The market men and women, members of the transport union, NURTW, the traders and management of the various Local Governments and Local Council Development Authorities involved.

The regeneration of the Oshodi interchange will definitely redefine the economic outlook of this part of the State. Our goal is to make every nook and cranny of Lagos economically viable and liveable.

Thank you.

Itesiwaju Ipinle Eko…….Lo Je Wa Logun!!!!!!

Akinwunmi Ambode,

Governor of Lagos State,

Alausa.

24th May, 2016.