Ikoyi, V/I residents pledge support for clean-up exercise

Residents of Victoria Island and Ikoyi, on Sunday, pledged unalloyed support for the initiatives of the Governor Akinwunmi Ambode-led administration to embark on the clean-up exercise of the area, saying it was a welcome development.

Speaking under the auspices of Victoria Island and Ikoyi Residents Association (VIIRA), the residents said they would all participate in the exercise.

Dr. Mohammed Salami who spoke with journalists shortly after the association’s meeting said the association wholeheartedly supports the move, stating that one of the cardinal objectives of the association was environmental maintenance and cleanliness.

According to him,  “One of the reasons why VIIRA was started was because of the environmental aspect. We are very particular about the environmental aspect of Victoria Island and Ikoyi and we want action on the part of government”.

He advised residents of the areas to be ready to cooperate with the State Government by allowing the special committee to embark on the task at hand, saying: “It is in our own interest and at the end of the day, we shall benefit. So nobody should put obstacle in the way of the task force that is going to carry out the exercise”.

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of Victoria Island and Ikoyi Security and Environment Trust- the operative arm of VIIRA, Mr. Abdul Lateef Muse, said the association was not looking at a onetime exercise but a continuous exercise adding that it was possible that a number of corporate institutions would also have a buy-in and on their own take some other initiatives that would support the action that is just about to start.

“The VIIRA Trust works very collaboratively with the Police and it is a good thing we are also a part of the committee of government. The attempt here will deepen the cooperation and ensure that whatever information comes out, we share it around the members of the residents association”, Muse added.