Lagos begins “Own the Streetlight” Campaign

The Lagos State Government has launched an enlightenment campaign where it called on Lagosians to take ownership of streetlights in their communities.

This is part of the efforts of the state government to curtail the challenges of vandalism and theft of public infrastructure across the state.

The movement which is tagged “Own the Streetlight” is geared towards galvanising citizens’ interest as an active player in safeguarding the streetlight from the terror of vandalism.

Speaking at a sensitisation rally held at Shomolu Local Government, the General Manager, Lagos State Electricity Board, Engr. Tijani Mukhtaar explained that the campaign became exigent in order to promote a sense of responsibility among Lagosians in supporting the government to deal decisively with activities of vandals and miscreants.

“The act of vandalism and theft is a major challenge to development anywhere in the world and no progressive government would fold her arms and allow such inhumane act to destabilise the system.

“With Mr. Governor’s resolve to stamp out any inclination of theft in the state, we will pursue this course to a height that Lagosians would be proud of,’’ he emphasised.

Mukhtaar said the campaign which would involve direct engagement with the community members along with local leaders is one of the many initiatives this administration has developed to address the incessant abuse on public infrastructure.

While calling on the people to join in the campaign, he asserted that the “Light-Up Lagos” project which installed streetlights in many parts of the state must be preserved and protected from vandals, hooligans and thieves.

Tijani who was represented by the Head Public Lighting, Lagos State Electricity Board, Engr. Halid Omotayo explained that in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S development agenda, this administration in recent time has executed substantial projects to increase the proportion of energy mix across the state

He added that one of these schemes was the commencement of the retrofitting of existing streetlights from HighPressure Sodium (HPS) to Light Emitting Diode (LED) which is environmentally friendly and more cost-effective.

“This is a purposeful undertaking to draw people’s attention to the destruction on our common properties by activities of vandals and enlightening them on their role to safeguard public amenities established to make life easier and safer’’, he said.

He disclosed further that the exercise is also to encourage Lagosians to report cases of damage of streetlights and their components anywhere in the state through toll-free lines.

Apart from the public speech and demonstrations, flyers, pamphlets and other information materials would be distributed on the streets of Lagos to solicit appropriate action against vandalism and theft on government properties.

“Lagosians must realize the efforts the State government is making is to provide the best living conditions for its citizens. It behoves on us to reciprocate this by cooperating with the government to safeguard and protect the streetlights that are set up for the benefit of all citizens,’’ he stated.

Mukhtaar urged citizens to have a positive attitude towards proper maintenance and protection of public infrastructure to prevent the government from spending huge resources on repairs and reconstructions. He urged the citizens not to condone any act of theft or vandalisation in their domain by reporting to the nearest authority i.e., police station if any of such is observed.

In expressing his displeasure, the General Manager pointed out that substantial human and capital resources have been expended on the vandalised streetlights which are taxpayers’ money entrusted into government to provide social amenities for the general public.

“To fully enjoy the dividend of good governance, we cannot continue to turn blind eyes to issues that affect us our common good and neglect our role as the principal observer of our communities. Funds used for repair of damaged properties can be diverted to provide other progressive projects across the state’’, he observed.

While advising individuals or groups of persons with criminal tendencies to desist from sabotaging public properties, the General Manager stated that the government is determined more than ever to prosecute anyone caught perpetrating such an ignoble act.