Lagos communities comply with open street gates policy

CHECKS and feedbacks from residents and communities across Lagos State have revealed that there has been gradual compliance with the policy of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to keep their street gates open between 5.30a.m. and midnight daily.

Some of the streets, which have thrown open their gates include Aisha Animashaun, Awori, Johnson and Olutunda in Ilupeju; Association Avenue, Kayode Adebanji in Ejigbo; Olutosin Ajayi in Ajao Estate; Ayanboye Street, Kosofe and Fawole Street in Shomolu.

Reacting to the prompt compliance, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Communities & Communcations, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan, disclosed that random checks and feedbacks from the officials of the Community Development Associations (CDAs) with pictorial evidence demonstrate that residents have embraced the policy.

Commending Lagosians for their support for the policy, Bamigbetan urged community leaders to mobilise more landlords behind the policy to ensure that the objectives of the administration are achieved.

It would be recalled that the administration revived the open gate in daytime policy to facilitate the patrol of neighourhoods by the police, provide speedier access of the Fire Services to landlords in need and save pregnant women in labour from avoidable death.

The government took decision following appeals from the public and the difficulties encountered by state officials to provide emergency services to the public.