5 Top Transformative Projects of Tinubu

Bola Ahmed Tinubu, flagbearer of the All Progressive Congress (APC) is one of the leading candidates for the 2023 Presidential election, whose candidacy has attracted a lot of questions from Nigerians. 

While some complained about his health, others claimed that the APC chieftain has his record stained with the stint of corruption. These complaints were further heightened by Asiwaju’s frequent gaffes during the party’s presidential campaign rally.

As the debate continues to linger in the heart of Nigerians ahead of the February 25 elections, it is important to spotlight some of the transformative projects introduced by Tinubu when he served as the governor of Lagos state from 1999 to 2007. 

Healthcare

While he was governor of Lagos State, Tinubui introduced a free health policy for children below 18 and adults above 65 years. Patients under this scheme paid a subsidised fee for drugs. He also initiated the Blindness Prevention Programme that saved millions of Lagosians were saved from sight problems. 

Tinubu came up with the ‘Roll Back Malaria’ programme, which complemented the Eko Free Malaria Treatment programme. Under the programme, millions of people were treated. One must not forget to mention the introduction of the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) scheme. Asiwaju provided dozens of ambulances to ease rescue operations within the state.

The Jagaban’s reforms led to the establishment of the Lagos State Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency, and the establishment of the Hospital Services Commission.

Youth Development

During his tenure as governor, Tinubu introduced a youth development programme, tagged One-Day Governor Programme. The One-Day governor emerged through the annual spelling bee for secondary school students initiated by the New Era Foundation and promoted by his wife, Oluremi Tinubu, the first lady of Lagos. 

The initiative was targeted at rewarding academic excellence and fostering social inclusion in the state. Reacting to the development, Ebuka Anisiobi, the first beneficiary of the scheme, said despite being a non-indigene, he became the first ever one-day governor and the youngest in Nigeria. The initiative has been upheld by successive governments in the last 21 years. Tinubu also organised a free education scheme

Security

In 1999, Tinubu initiated and equipped the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), an anti-crime unit in Lagos, to solve the internecine war between motor park managers. Reports say Tinubu held regular meetings with the security agencies including the army, navy, airforce, and police to talk about the plans and strategies for an efficient security system. It is also pertinent to mention the conversion of Ita Oko Prisoners Camp to a Youth Skill Acquisition Centre in order to curb criminal activities. Asiwaju also established the Lagos Security Trust Fund which enables the state government and private sector investment in the security of the state.

Power

In 2000, Tinubu’s administration contracted AES, a global energy company, to build an independent power project (IPP), which continually supplied 270 megawatts of electricity to the national grid. 

The projects which targeted over 100 communities were completed in Egan, Atewolere, Ifesowapo, Aboru, Agbado, Ayetoro, Akorede, Isheri Ikosi, Orile Aguntan, Rofo, Borokini, Omologbede, Araromi, Oke Agbo, Erekusu, Logberu, Okegelu and Ebute, Lekki. Others were Origanringan, Onigbolakowe, Oke odo Elemoro, Ipaja Isale Odo, Agenuba, Ajelogo, Mutaku, Egansando, Ayanfe, Topo and Ikola Agbenaje.

Economy

During Tinubu’s administration, he introduced reforms that helped reorganised Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS). The reorganisation of the state’s revenue service led to an unprecedented IGR of over 7 billion monthly after 8 years. The growth has been sustained in the state, bringing monthly revenue generation to 57 billion in 2022.

Asiwaju also created extra 36 LCDAs, as part of plans to bring governance closer to the people of Lagos state. These local government areas are still in existence and they have greatly helped in properly managing the teeming population in Lagos. 

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