Billionaire businessman and Geregu Power Plc Chairman, Femi Otedola, yesterday extolled the Lagos State governor over the take-off of the Blue Light Rail’s commercial services.
Otedola, a director in First Bank Holdings Plc, urged Lagosians to support the Sanwo-Olu administration in his stride to deliver on more world class infrastructure for residents.
In a statement yesterday, Otedola said the completion and launch of the project which was initiated by the Lagos government in 2003, should excite everyone.
On Monday, the governor flagged off the commercial operations of the passenger train when he joined others in the company of party leaders by riding on the trip from Marina Terminal to Mile-2 Station.
The governor was the first passenger at the Marina Station of the Blue Line Rail.
The ride took about 25 minutes with a 90-second stoppage at each of the five stations before the final destination.
Commenting on the development, Otedola said: “This should gladden and make every Lagosian proud. This is because the idea of governance is to build world class infrastructure for the people to benefit.”
He commended the governor for his focused leadership and determination to transform the state with world class infrastructure in the area of transportation, health, security, power generation and transmission and enabling business environment.
The business mogul went on: “The governor is showing uncommon leadership, focus determination, will power to deliver, even in the face of very limited resources available to him. He has remained undeterred and unwavering. This particular rail, even though it took so long to complete, he has shown tremendous courage that he is capable of doing the heavy lifting.
“This is a signature project that he is bequeathing to Lagosians. To even think that the red line is coming up soon is also something to rejoice about.”
Otedola pointed out that the rail infrastructure would not only make life easier for residents, but bring comfort in the reduction of travel time and ease traffic within metropolitan Lagos.
He enjoined other states to take a cue from Lagos in its infrastructure drive, urging well meaning Nigerians to support the Sanwo-Olu government in its determination to lift the state.
“I call on other state governors to learn from Lagos and replicate same in their respective states,” Otedola said.
He urged residents to protect the ultra-modern facility, which he noted, the state provided for their benefit.
The Blue Line Rail project was constructed by the Lagos State Government and supervised by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), as part of the development and improved intermodal transport system in the state.
The rail line project was initiated by the then administration of former governor, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, but its implementation began during the administration of his successor, Babatunde Fashola.
The first phase, spanning 13 kilometers from Marina on Lagos Island to Mile 2 on the Lagos-Badagry corridor, was completed by the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration.
It was inaugurated in January by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The Red Line Rail project, now 96 per cent completed, will be launched by President Tinubu before December.
