BRF: 'A beautiful new face of Lagos'

BRF: 'A beautiful new face of Lagos' http://www.shvoong.com/society-and- news/2087290-brf-beautiful-new-face-lagos/

In the long run to the primary elections or selection of the governorship candidate of the then Action Congress for the Lagos State gubernatorial elections,in 2007, one new name rings a bell. The name was FaSHOLA. Tongues were set wagging by this Un known and Un popular choice. What's up with Asiwaju of Lagos, Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu. What happened to known faces like Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi,Barrister Muiz Banire, Femi Pedro etc. What did Asiwaju see in this new name?
With absolute loyalty to the party, thousands of the then Action Congress, party faithfuls went out enmasse to cast their votes for the party's choice.

Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) won the Lagos gubernatorial elections with what i called an earthquake victory.
Little did i know that the name Fashola is symbolic with earthquaking events. Since May,2007, the new Governor of Lagos was buzzing like a bee! Ground breaking events are taking place in Lagos. Lagosians cant wait to see what's coming up!
On March 17,2008 the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) buses were rolled out. Lagos roads can never be the same again. It was blue buses all over the roads. what a beautiful scenery! What a beautiful experience! Lagosians thanked and lauded the efforts of the Lagos State government.

BRT buses run on a dedicated lane from Mile 12 to Ketu,Ojota,maryland,anthony bus stop,Ilupeju,Obanikoro palmgroove,Onipanu,Fadeyi,to barracks,stadium bus stop,Leventis,Cms and finally end the journey at TBS,race course the last bus stop. The journey is a long stretch from the Hinterland, to mainland and end on the Island.The buses run everyday from 0600 hours to 2200 hours. The BRT Project is a tripartite arraingement between the state government
NURTW- National Union of Road Transport workers and ECO Bank. No wonder all parties involved are working smart to ensure the success of the BRT services. On Tuesday, March 17,2009 during the first year anniversary of the BRT services in Lagos,Governor Fashola told a gathering of enthusiastic stakeholders that the BRT services have been a huge success.

Lagosians infromed him that they were happy for enjoying a new safer,cheaper and comfortable means of transportation in Lagos.
Though a red coloured buses called the LAGBUS was launched in Lagos since March 2007,from all indications,it seems the BRT buses brought a healthy competition and a big boost to the transport sector in Lagos. The Managing Director/CEO of LAGBUS Mr Mobereola was sitting on the dignitaries table with Governor Raji Fashola during the BRT first year anniversary held at the LTV 8 Blue roof at Ikeja,Lagos State.

Oshodi,a high density area known to many Lagosians for its endless human traffic,boisterous trading and human activities is getting a new lease of life! Lagosians just woke up one morning and saw what i would like to call a BRF overnight wonder! All the shanties were gone! Illegal shops and kiosks were removed!Oshodi that hitherto looked like a small place is now looking anew! A journey from Iyana Ipaja that hitherto terminates at Bolade bus stop because human & vehicular traffic made the road impassable are now ending at the designated bus stop at Oshodi. Most vehicles coming
from Alagbado bus stop,Iyana Ipaja that hitherto ply Ikorodu road on a journey to Surulere are now riding straight to Surulere through Oshodi... Street lights beamed like the shinning rays of the sun! Members of the MOPOL were drafted in to quell any uncivilized disobedience. At least one armoured tank is stationarily parked at Oshodi. As the shanties have gone,it seems there is no hiding place for the area boys.Since May 2007 Governor RaJI Fashola has become the refrence point on how to govern the people of Nigeria at all tiers of government.
Taxation a productive and sustainable means of generating income into the coffers of government is getting a media buzz in Lagos! Just as work on how to make paying Tax so easy online was created for all Lagosians. Paying Tax off line into the state Tax offices also got a big boost. The Internally generated revenue (IGR) has jumped from 10bn to 14bn since June, 2009.

Major roads projects are going on in Badagry, Orile, Cms to Obalende etc and will be launched in December 2010 or January 2011. Plans are also on to commence BRT Services in Badagry. BRT dedicated lanes have also been created to run through Murtala Muhammad Way via Ikorodu road and Yaba bus stop. Agricultural Youth employment scheme was created to train qualified youths who have passion for Agriculture. An Independent power plant (IPP) was built and dedicated to boosting water services in Lagos.Governor Raji Fashola said that there are plans to build more Independent power plants.
Speed boats and ferries services were also started to take traffic jams off Lagos roads, especially for journeys from Lagos to Ikorodu & Epe and other riverine areas. Lately,Light rails project are in progress and according Governor Raji Fashola the services might become a reality in Lagos sooner than later.

His humility, services and leadership qualities have earned him praises from President Umar Musa Yar'Adua of blessed memory, Ambassador (Dr) Robin Renee Sanders, former U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria,majority of Lagosians and many people too mumerous to mention. Abraham Lincoln said that 'Almost any man can survive adversity,If you really want to test the might of a man give him power' Governor Fashola can be reached via SMS on your phone. Lately Governor Babatunde RaJI FASHOLA has landed on Facebook. He is a big testimony of a true democracy in Nigeria and indeed Africa. His love for the people, respect for democratic institutions and his struggles to provide the dividends of democracy for the people, is a justification of Abraham Lincoln philosophy that 'Democracy is government of the people, for the people and by the people'