Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, the Lagos State governor, on Thursday, said his government would formally sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with investors for the construction of the proposed 4th Mainland Bridge before the end of May.

Ambode stated this at the First Quarter 2016 Town Hall Meeting, the third in the series, held at the Ikorodu Town Hall, Ikorodu.

He assured the residents that once the MoU is signed, work would begin on the 4th Mainland Bridge.

 Thousands of residents from the Ikorodu area thronged the Town Hall to be part of the event, which attracted several government officials, especially members of his cabinet as well as royal fathers, market men and women, artisans as well as politicians.

 Although the event was scheduled to start by 10 a.m., the hall was packed full as early as 8 a.m., while a large number of security personnel were there to keep the peace in the vicinity.

The crowd was exhilarated when they sighted the governor and his entourage while the hall exploded with songs and praises as he was ushered into the crowded hall.

 The governor told the gathering that when completed, the 4th Mainland Bridge would go a long way to boost the economy of Lagos East Senatorial District.

Ambode said: “Many investors have shown interest in the actualisation of our dream for the 4th Mainland Bridge, which will run from Ajah to Ikorodu to Isawo and berth at Ojodu, Ikeja, back to the Ibadan expressway. By the grace of God, we will sign an MoU and commence action before May 29.”

 The governor hinted that investors had also shown interest in the redevelopment of the fish market to an international market and the redevelopment of inner roads in Epe and Ibeju-Lekki.

 Ambode said the intention of his administration was to ensure that no part of the state was left undeveloped, expressing optimism that the Lagos East Senatorial District, which used to be the economic hub of the state in the then Western Region, would regain its position.

He said: “Over the years, the economic activities have continually dwindled resulting in urban migration, underdevelopment and unemployment.  It is with a view to revitalising the economic activities of this zone that government has identified the need for urgent intervention.

“To this end, government will be relocating the Mile 12 Market to Imota.  Work on this will commence next week.  Our vision is to make the East Senatorial Zone economically viable and livable.”