Ambode visits Japan, woos investors on transportation, urban development

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7 years ago

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Lagos State

LAGOS State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday held a meeting with the Japan-African Union Parliamentary Friendship Committee in Tokyo, in furtherance of his quest to woo Japanese investors especially with regards to finding a comprehensive solution to the challenge of transportation in the state.

According to Ambode, the parley with the Friendship Committee, an influential group in the Japanese parliament, which was attended by members of Japan House of Representatives, including Hon. Ichiro Aisawa, Hon Asahiko Mihara, among others, was also pursuant to his determination to achieve infrastructural renewal for Lagos State.

Others in attendance are the Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Sadanobu Kusaoke and the Nigerian Ambassador to Japan, Mallam Mohammed Gana Yisa.

“As a government, the renewal of infrastructure of Lagos State is of paramount interest to us. We cannot afford to miss the train of regeneration going around the world. We must continue to seek a comprehensive and holistic solution to the various challenges confronting us.

“Lagos and Tokyo share many similarities including huge populations which require a comprehensive transportation and urban management strategy to deal with. Japan is also a city Lagos should aspire to be in terms of vertical development, land space optimisation, and efficiency,” the Governor said.

During the week, the governor also visited the headquarters of Yurikamome Incorporated, a light rail transportation facility which connects the downtown Tokyo with Tokyo Waterfront City.

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The light rail is patronized by all those who live, work and visit the facility since it opened in November 1995. It operates on just 14.5km stretch and has 16 stations.

Findings revealed that the light rail, which carries more than 45 million people yearly, was built by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, while Yurikamome Incorporated provided other necessary equipment.