A careful observation of some major streets in Lagos during a recent visit, led me to compare the Lagos of years back and the city today. These days, several positive transformation stare one in the face wherever you turn.
Major roads, like the ever-busy Lagos/Ikorodu Road, Ikeja/Oregun Road and so many others which used to be daunting are now easily motorable, thanks to the repair work and beautification carried out on such roads. Flowers and grasses now adorn many of the major roads of Lagos.
A careful observation also revealed that Lagosians are now conscious of the truth in the saying that cleanliness is next to godliness. From Ojota to Berger, I hardly noticed empty water sachets usually flung on the roads.
As I contemplated these things in my heart while travelling back to Benin City, I began to wonder, whether Benin City can be modernised like Lagos - at least some of the major streets.
There is no doubt that Benin City could be beautiful - if residents of this ancient city are willing to complement the ongoing beautification project in the City.
What are the facts? I want to believe that it is already in the consciousness of Lagosians that they have to contribute to efforts to make Lagos a beautiful and cosmopolitan City, although one must admit that there are many places in Lagos that could hardly fit any description of being modern.
Early in 2009, Edo State governor, Adams Oshiomhole vowed to restore the Benin City master-plan which has been disrupted over the years by the erection of illegal structures on the right of way and the blockage of natural drainages facilities by human activities.
The administration started out with the demolition of those illegal structures. But the take-off point was the desire to restore sanity to the boisterous city centre, particularly the King’s Square which has gained reputation for notoriety over the years.
All illegal structures, shanties, make shift tables, building attachments and lockers were not spared in the process; although left in its wake were not only tales of woe, but angry traders that had been deprived of their means of livelihood without getting any alternative. A life was even lost in the process.
The exercise was greeted with criticism by the victims, as well as political opponents who viewed the exercise as inflicting more pains on the already impoverished masses.
Beyond the criticism, however, was the determination by the government to transform not only the King’s Square, but the entire city. It went ahead with beautification plans. At the moment, the nauseating stench, shoving, haggling, daylight robbery and other negative vices associated with major areas of the city are now history.
Presently, the roundabout at the Kings Square has been asphalted and all adjourning roads like Akpakpava, Airport, Sapele, Oba market roads have been re-designed, expanded and are either completed or close to completion, with walk ways provided for the convenience of pedestrians and street lights adorning those roads.
The administration also makes provision for flowers and green grass which further enhances the radiance of the new look kings square.
More things to do
However, the plot to remake Benin City has had to contend with street hawkers and vehicles owners who park their cars in unauthorised public places. There is also the menace of commercial motorcyclists and vehicle operators who pick and drop passengers indiscriminately along the King’s Square and the adjoining roads.
Another problem is the indiscriminate disposal of empty water sachets and wrappers along the roads - as well as refuse heaps at street corners.
The government has to come down hard and fast on this negative development by creating alternative motor parks and markets for street traders, to keep them off the roads.
The public could also contribute to the realization of a beautiful Benin City by cooperating with the authorities in compliance with traffic rules, and refrain from dropping trash on roads and street corners. To this end, road side waste bin must be placed at strategic locations for the use of the pedestrians.
It must be admitted that Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), in spite of the barrage of negative criticism it attracts of recent, must be credited for the sanity on Lagos roads. The same could be replicated in Edo State.
