Tobun’s enthusiasm was palpable as he revealed the imminent construction of the visionary Omu Creek Bridge, a project orchestrated by the Lagos State government. This bridge, set to materialize this year, will interlink Oko-Abe, Ito-Omu, Ladaba, Gadangba, and Ipeshu, heralding new opportunities and development prospects for these areas. Tobun articulated how this infrastructure will alleviate traffic congestion, save valuable time, and catalyze socio-economic growth in the community, setting the stage for what he described as “the new Lagos.”
Additionally, Tobun, the Chairman, House Committee on Commerce, Industry, and Cooperatives, provided an update on the nearing completion of the promised Jetty, which will soon commence ferry services between Epe and Lagos, enhancing connectivity and accessibility for residents. He also mentioned the conception of various inner roads awaiting government approval, promising a holistic approach to infrastructural enhancement in Epe.
“And the jetty that I promised you last year is nearing completion. Any moment from now, it will be commissioned. We have secured ferries from LASWA that will be commuting our people from Epe to Lagos. So many other inner roads have been conceptualized, and we have sought approval from the government. So, we are going to see more than what we have been seeing by God’s grace,” he averred.
Transitioning to the broader economic landscape, Tobun acknowledged the prevailing hardships faced not only in Lagos or Nigeria but globally. He emphasized the need for self-reliance, particularly in food production, to mitigate external economic shocks. Tobun expressed optimism that resilience, hard work, and a shift towards sectors like agriculture would help weather these challenges and pave the way for economic stability.
“They should bear the burden; the hardship is everywhere in the world; it’s not Lagos State or Nigeria alone, though we are most affected because we are not self-reliant when it comes to food. We still import food, but this has taught us a lesson. We need to prepare ourselves, we need to secure our future, and we need to work harder,” he said.
A critical aspect of Tobun’s vision is youth development and empowerment. He underscored the importance of investing in the youth, citing the popular slogan “Build the youth, build the nation.” Tobun’s initiatives, including distributing 500 JAMB printouts and organizing free tutorials, aim to equip young individuals with the tools and opportunities needed to succeed academically and professionally. He urged youths to stay focused, avoid destructive habits, and strive for excellence to secure a brighter future for themselves and their community.