Nov. 12, 2021

As part of efforts to curtail the challenges of vandalism and theft of public infrastructure across the State, the Lagos State Government has launched an enlightenment campaign calling on Lagosians to take ownership of streetlights in their communities.

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

Speaking at a sensitisation rally held at Somolu Local Government, the General Manager, Lagos State Electricity Board, Engr. Mukhtaar Tijani, explained that the campaign became exigent 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 level that Lagosians would be proud of,” he emphasised.

According to him, the campaign, which would involve direct engagement with the community members along with local leaders, is one of the many initiatives the present administration has developed to address the incessant abuse of public infrastructure.

While calling on the people to join in the campaign, the General Manager asserted that the “Light-Up Lagos” project which has seen the installation of 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, the State government has, in recent times, executed substantial projects to increase the proportion of energy mix across Lagos, noting that one of these schemes was the commencement of the retrofitting of existing streetlights from High Pressure 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 property by activities of vandals and enlightening them on their role to safeguard public amenities established to make life easier and safer”.

He disclosed further that the exercise is also to encourage Lagosians to report cases of damage of streetlights and its components anywhere in the State through toll-free lines, adding that apart from the public speeches 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 property.

“Lagosians must realise 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.

Tijani urged citizens to have a positive attitude towards proper maintenance and protection of public infrastructure to prevent government from spending huge resources on repairs and reconstruction, imploring the citizens not to condone any act of theft or vandalisation in their domain by reporting to the nearest authority or police station if any of such acts are 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 provided with taxpayers’ money entrusted to the government for 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 our common good and neglect our role as the principal observer of our communities. The fund used for repair of damaged property 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 property, Tijani stated that the government is determined more than ever to prosecute anyone caught perpetrating such an ignoble act.