Lagos – Some road users in Iyana Ipaja area of Lagos on Friday commended the state government for erecting street lights in the area, to tackle insecurity and boost economic activities at night.
The road users, in interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, lauded the initiative, which they said would have a positive impact on the area.
A banker, Mr Ishaku Magaini, told NAN that the lights have taken away the myth of ritual killings and other imaginary crimes in the area.
“I have spent about 20 years in Iyana Ipaja and every day, we hear several imagined or real stories of crime or rituals, but thank God with these street lights, all that hype is gone.
“People are now more relaxed and I feel safe driving at night. It has also improved security in the area,’’ he said.
Mr Robert Onwuegbuna, a shipper, said that the street lights would improve economic activities on the axis.
A business woman, Mrs Toyin Faroumbi, said that the lights have removed the fear of driving late on the road.
“Before now, I used to run out of the Island during the day because I have phobia for driving at night, but I can drive confidently at night, seeing the road clearly ahead of me,’’ she said.
Mr Julius Amuda, a resident of the Agbele community, said that the gesture showed that the governor was interested in the progress of people at the grassroots.
“I did not ever dream that street lights will get to Agbele, but we saw them putting the poles and some of the lights are now working.
“We thank our governor for helping us,’’ he added.
A student, Mr Josiah Onyekwere, said that night life was better with the street lights and they have also made commuting at night easier.
“When I go to parties, I feel safe returning home because I can see the road and see the commercial bus I am entering.
“You can see police patrol vehicles and knowing that they can spot criminals easily is good, the government is trying,’’ he said.
However, Mr Adeniyi Alabi, an engineer, said that although the state government had good intentions, the project may crumble soon.
“It is good to light up the streets, but why are they using generators to power the street lights in this era of solar energy?
“In as much as I appreciate the street lights, I think it is a kind of photo trick because they would soon pack up like other lighting projects because of the high cost of powering the lights.
“The state government should, therefore, consider solar and other alternative sources of energy,’’ he added. (NAN)