Distinguished Guests, Eminent Stakeholders, Ladies and Gentlemen.
It is with great honor and humility that I stand before you today as the President of the Ogwus Youth Empowerment and Community Development Organization. On behalf of our organization, I warmly welcome each of you to this pivotal event— the EKO SAFE CAMPAIGN PROJECT.
Today, we gather here united by a shared mission: To champion safety and sustainability within in Lagos and communities. Eko, as we fondly call Lagos, represents the bustling heart of Nigeria, a city teeming with opportunity, innovation, and resilience. However, with such dynamism comes significant challenges, particularly in areas of environmental safety, youth engagement, and community well-being.
The EKO SAFE CAMPAIGN PROJECT is not merely an initiative; it is a movement, a call to action, and a shared responsibility. As an organization committed to empowering youth and driving community development, we recognize the importance of fostering a safe and sustainable environment for all Lagosians. This campaign encapsulates our vision to create a cleaner, safer, and more prosperous Lagos, where every individual can thrive without fear or limitation.
Through this campaign, we aim to:
Raise Awareness: Educate citizens, about the importance of environmental safety, public health, and sustainable practices with harsh tag #Stay undistracted while driving, #stay off your phone, #stay safe while driving.
Collaboration with Government for a Better Lagos: Collaborate with key stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector entities, and community leaders, to implement sustainable initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for all residents of Lagos. These initiatives include:
- Addressing Street Crimes: Develop solutions to remove criminal elements, particularly homeless youths engaging in activities that compromise public safety such as breaking car windows, stealing phones, and distracting drivers.
- Regulating Traffic Trading: Curtail street trading practices that contribute to criminal activities, ensuring safer roadways for commuters and pedestrians.
- Providing Support for Vulnerable Groups: Offer assistance to the underprivileged, including individuals sleeping on bridges and roadsides, as well as those dealing with mental health challenges, to reintegrate them into society and provide secure housing.
- Improving Infrastructure: Repair and overlay deteriorating roads like the Lekki-Epe expressway to ensure safety for both vehicles and pedestrians.
- Managing Heavy Truck Traffic: Introduce measures to limit the operation of heavy trucks during peak working hours, reducing congestion and enhancing safety.
- Promoting Cleanliness and Public Health: Implement comprehensive drainage and gutter cleaning programs to improve air quality and contribute to a healthier environment, thereby extending residents’ life expectancy.
- Promote the implementation of CCTV cameras at key junctions, streets, and traffic points to enhance surveillance, monitor activities, and effectively deter criminal behavior, contributing to a safer and more secure Lagos.
At Ogwus Youth Empowerment and Community Development Organization, we believe that youth are the driving force behind transformational change. Our young people possess the creativity, energy, and determination to turn challenges into opportunities. With the EKO SAFE CAMPAIGN PROJECT, we are not only addressing immediate issues but also building a foundation for future generations of leaders who will carry forward the spirit of innovation and resilience.
As we gather here today, I urge every one of us to reflect on the role we play in this collective effort. Whether you are a policymaker, business leader, educator, or concerned resident, your voice and actions matter. Together, we can shape the future of Lagos and ensure it remains a beacon of excellence for Nigeria and beyond.
Let us also take a moment to acknowledge and appreciate the tremendous support we have received from our partners, stakeholders, and volunteers. Your dedication and contributions have been instrumental in bringing the EKO SAFE CAMPAIGN PROJECT to life.
In closing, I leave you with this thought: small actions can lead to great changes. By choosing to act today, we are creating a legacy that will inspire future generations. Let us rise to the occasion, embrace the challenge, and work together to make Lagos not just the Center of Excellence but a model of safety and sustainability.
Thank you for your attention, your support, and your commitment to this cause. May the EKO SAFE CAMPAIGN PROJECT inspire us all to build the brighter, safer future we envision.
God bless Lagos State. God bless Nigeria.
