The ₦531 million renovation of Saint Andrews Anglican Church in Oke-Popo, Lagos Island, has been justified by the Lagos State Government.
According to Anaedoonline.ng, Funso Doherty, the Action Democratic Congress’ (ADC) candidate for governor of Lagos State in 2023, has expressed concerns regarding the transfer of ₦531 million intended for the church’s repair.
Doherty questioned why the Lagos government would use ₦531 million in tax payer funds to renovate a church in an open letter to the state government.
Along with other exorbitant charges he saw on the state’s procurement portal, he requested the administration to justify the permission of ₦24.5 million for renovations to the Lagos Commissioner of Police’s official residence.
In response, Gbenga Omotoso, Commissioner of Information and Strategy, stated in a Tuesday interview with Arise News that the government’s social duty includes renovating the cathedral and the Oba of Lagos Palace.
According to Omotosho, the funds are intended for both renovations and compensation for the church’s partial demolition that occurred while a major road was being built nearby.
The commissioner went on to say that the church and the Oba of Lagos palace are important historical sites in the state that should not be overlooked.
Procurement Act violations impede project execution – TETFund
He said “The Church was founded in 1889 and stands as a significant historical landmark in Lagos State. The need for the state to preserve such landmarks can, therefore not be over-emphasised.
“The contract amount encompasses funds allocated for both the refurbishment of the church and compensations given to the church for the necessary demolition of sections of its property due to road expansion.”
Omotosho declared that the state government will continue to be transparent by keeping the procurement website accessible to the public and that they welcome criticism from the opposition in order to improve the efficacy of their job.
Follow us on Facebook
Post Disclaimer
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author and forum participants on this website do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Anaedo Online or official policies of the Anaedo Online.