Lagos State Government has opted for a low key celebration of the 60th Independence Anniversary due to the ravaging effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is still with us.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has directed that the planned parade and other activities that involve the gathering of more than 50 people should be cancelled.
He congratulates Lagosians on this auspicious occasion and strongly advises that they should celebrate quietly at home and pray for the country. They should also observe the COVID-19 protocols, including wearing of face masks to protect themselves and their loved ones.
The Governor urges Lagosians not to relax their vigilance against COVID-19 so as not to reverse the gains that the state has made in fighting the disease. They are to keep embracing social distancing and washing of hands with soap and water. Anybody who feels unwell should stay indoors and contact health authorities.
The police and other security agencies have been directed to ensure that nobody flouts these directives in the interest of all of us, especially now that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is warning that a second wave of the deadly disease could occur.
A major step towards the realisation of the Fourth Mainland Bridge was, today, taken by the State Government with the first stakeholders meeting on Environmental and Social Impact Assessment for the construction and launch of the Bridge’s logo.
Speaking at the meeting, Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, described the event as a significant one in the joint effort to change the narrative of the socio-economic development of the State, through the provision of critical infrastructure for sustainable prosperity.
The Governor emphasised that the proposed Fourth Mainland Bridge has been well integrated into the overall Lagos Master Plan in relation to transportation infrastructure, adding that the project allows for the first time, direct access from the large suburb of Ikorodu to the Island and the Lekki Free Trade Zone area.
While noting that the present administration has left no stone unturned in ensuring that the strategic project becomes a reality, Sanwo-Olu disclosed that the State government reactivated the construction of the bridge in October 2019 with the development of a six-step process that will lead to the selection of a suitable concessionaire in line with global best practices.
He emphasised that the stakeholder-engagement and consultation on Environmental and Social Impact Assessment was a precursor to the third step, which will involve issuing a “Request for Proposal” to the six consortia for the presentation of their respective financial proposals and methodologies for carrying out the project.
According to him, “The stakeholders’ meeting was organised to open the project to further inputs, comments, ideas and observations for incorporation into the ongoing social and environmental impact assessment. We hope the meeting would boost the acceptability and implementation ratings of the 4th Mainland Bridge in line with global best practices”.
In her welcome address, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Aramide Adeyoye, stated that the meeting was another bold step by the present administration towards ensuring the buy-in of Lagosians into the government project and another fulfillment of the promise of Mr. Governor to adopt inclusiveness as a tool for governance.
She explained that as primary coordinator for the project, the Ministry has arranged a number of meetings with the relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the State to inform all stakeholders and foster progress on the project.
In his goodwill message, the Minister for Works and Housing and former Governor of the State, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, represented by Dr. Adetunji Adeoye, commended Lagos for the construction of the Fourth Mainland Bridge, adding that the construction will create a lot of activities and job opportunities for residents.
He, therefore, assured the people and government of Lagos State of his unalloyed support towards the construction of the bridge.
The Minister of State for the Environment, represented by Mrs. Oluwatoyin Agbenla, described the Fourth Mainland Bridge as an endearing project to the citizens, which will be executed with the highest levels of environmental sustainability.
The Fourth Mainland Bridge is a 37.4km freeway subdivided into three sections namely Island Section, Lagoon Section and Mainland Section. It will commence from Abraham Adesanya Roundabout in Lekki through Ajah and Langbasa areas, crossing the Ado Badore Road before arriving at the Lagoon shoreline.
The road crosses the Lagoon via a 4.5km Lagoon Bridge landing between Bayeku and Ijede villages, passing through Ikorodu-Epe expressway to further link Isawo Road and from there to Lagos/Ibadan Expressway.
The General Manager, Lagos Traffic Radio 96.1 FM, Mr. Tayo Akanle, has challenged staffers of the station to continue to deliver exceptionally as they strive to become the most reliable radio station providing accurate and timely traffic information beyond the shores of Lagos.
Speaking while declaring open a two-day, in-house training programme for staff of the News and Programmes Department, themed: ‘Excellent Delivery in News Reportage and Programmes Presentation’, and held at the Eko FM Multipurpose Hall, Ikeja, Akanle stressed that the recent expansion of the frontiers of the radio station has to be sustained and advanced.
He envisaged that the training would also give room for staff to synergise and improve their productivity in tandem with the core values of the station, which is to provide timely, reliable and accurate traffic information while being dynamic, innovative and objective in executing the organisation’s mandate.
The General Manager noted that the training birthed as a result of the just concluded Management Retreat of the station, hoping that it would entrench a positive pedestal for achieving efficient and quality news delivery, prompt reportage of live programmes and improved social media content.
Akanle encouraged the trainees to show more enthusiasm in acquiring knowledge in order to boost their productivity and take Lagos Traffic Radio to the next level.
After more than three decades delay, President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday commissions the 326 KM Itakpe-Ajaokuta-Warri rail line for commercial operation as well as the ancillary facilities yard, at the recently named Goodluck Jonathan Railway Complex in Agbor (Owa-Oyibu), Delta State.
At the virtual opening of the rail line linking Itakpe to Warri, President Buhari directed the Federal Ministry of Transportation to link all the nation’s ports of origin and destination – Apapa, Tin Can, Warri, Onne, Calabar Ports- to the rail network in order to significantly improve overall transportation and economic capacities.
The President declared that his administration recognised the importance of the railway mode of transportation as a vital backbone to support industrialization and economic development.
”Accordingly, I have approved the prioritization of viable railway routes for either new rail lines or the reconstruction and rehabilitation of some, to achieve effective and efficient train services supporting the country’s trade and commerce.
”The Railway Infrastructure that I have the honour to commission today is the rail line from Itakpe via the steel town complex of Ajaokuta to Warri, and is an important link for the country’s economy as the central rail line.
”This Government has also approved to link this line further from Itakpe to Abuja, thereby, connecting the Northern Zone of the country and also extending southwards to link the Warri Ports,” he said.
The President expressed confidence that the project, which serves as a vital link of South-South geopolitical zones of the country to the Northern zones, would be completed during the tenure of this administration.
”It will link people across the cultural divides and expand the frontier of trade and commerce, which will lead to better standards of living for our citizens,” he said.
President Buhari recalled that to further give recognition to Nigerian sons and daughters who have distinguished themselves at nation building and development , 11 railway stations and railway village were named after some deserving citizens.
He listed them as follows: Adamu Attah Station, Itakpe; Abubakar Olusola Saraki Station, Ajaokuta; Augustus Aikhomu Station, Itogbo; George Innih Station, Agenebode; Anthony Enahoro Station, Uromi; Tom Ikimi Station, Ekehen and Samuel Ogbemudia Station, Igbanke.
Others are Goodluck Jonathan Railway Complex, Agbor, Owa-Oyibu; David Ejoor Station, Abraka; Michael Ibru Station, Opara; Alfred Rewane Station, Ujevwu; and Michael Akhigbe Railway Village, Agbor
The President enjoined all Nigerians in the transportation industry, especially the railway sub-sector, to continue to support Government in its stride to achieve other railway infrastructure projects.
He also enlisted the support of all at realizing this milestone of a functional and full-fledged central railway, after more than 30 years during which the project has suffered several setbacks and false starts.
”I implore those who work on this line to uphold maintenance and safety culture necessary for long-lasting service in this difficult terrain.
”By the same token, I urge other sectors who will be primary beneficiaries of this transportation backbone, including, the iron and steel sector, stakeholders in agricultural and mining sectors on this corridor, as well as the host communities to protect and sustain this infrastructure and maximize the benefits that could be derived from it and which is readily available at their doorsteps.
”This project will increase the volume of their trade and kickstart and resuscitate the iron and steel complexes.
”All these, I hope will improve our industrial potentials and capacities as well as boost employment,’’ he said.
President Buhari said projections indicate that the commencement of operation of the Itakpe-Ajaokuta-Warri Rail line will account for close to one million passengers annually and also unleash approximately 3.5 million tonnes capacity of freight annually that will service all off-takers on the corridor and beyond.
Congratulating the Minister of Transportation Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi and his team on successfully completing the project, the President recognized the host communities on this corridor for their patience during the long wait of over 30 years for the realization of the project.
He also commended the host communities for their cooperation during the completion works by the Federal Government.
He assured Nigerians that his administration would continue, within available resources, to judiciously connect commercial and industrial hubs to boost trade, generate wealth and create employment.
In his remarks, Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa commended President Buhari’s bi-partisan approach to governance, saying ‘‘it is a thing of pride and joy that this rail line was completed under your watch.’’
”Deltans are excited that this day has come,’’ he said, adding that the Ika nation is glad of the recognition accorded former President Goodluck Jonathan, in naming the railway complex in Agbor after him.
Okowa urged the private sector to take advantage of the historic corridor by establishing investments that will create jobs for locals, curb youth restiveness and stem the tide of criminality.
”It is imperative that the Federal Government in collaboration with the States provide adequate security cover for this rail line corridor,” he said.
In his remarks, Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki congratulated the President on the feat of completing the project, saying it is quite fortuitous that few days to the country’s 60th independence celebration, the President has achieved the completion of this critical infrastructure.
”For us in Edo State we are excited that we have a few stops that have been completed and we are going to be working with you to utilise this infrastructure,” he said.
The Edo Governor appealed to the minister of transportation to extend the rail line to the industrial park in Benin City to facilitate the movement of goods to the northern part of the country.
In his remarks, Minister Amaechi said the project was fully funded by the Nigerian government, adding that 8 of the 10 stations are in the Niger-Delta/ South South region of the country.
”There is no loan on this project, it was funded from the budget and I had the directive of the President to go and revive it and complete it as soon as possible,’’ he said.
According to the Transportation Minister, the project started under the military era in 1987 but ‘‘underwent protracted hiccups, prolonged abandonment and massive vandalisation,’’ before it was resuscitated by the Buhari administration.
The Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Housing has embarked on a fact finding mission in a bid to resolve the prolonged crisis of mismanagement of the 1004 estate in Victoria Island Lagos.
The Committee led by the Chairman, Hon Bisi Yusuf, paid a visit to the estate following a petition sent to the House on the incompetence and gross mismanagement of the estate by some self appointed members of the 1004 Estate Owners and Residents Association.
Hon Bisi Yusuf took a tour of the estate, inspecting the facilities and also interacting with some residents who lamented on the high service charges they pay without commensurate value for their money.
On the Committee’s request, record of diesel consumption revealed gross impropriety as the quantities of diesel which was reported to have gulped millions of naira over the years could not be ascertained.
Hon. Bisi Yusuf while addressing press men at the estate said the Committee has gone round and made observations, “we have gone round and seen state of things, we will report back to the House”. He also said “We represent 40 members of the house therefore we would take our report to the House where it would be debated on before a resolution will be made” He further urged the people to remain calm, assuring them that 1004 is a multi billion investment which needs to managed well, owning to the fact that it adds value to the state and Nigeria as a whole “we will not sit down and let such investment rot away hence our intervention” he said.
Earlier the Committee had met with the Petitioners at the Assembly Complex before the visitation.
On the inspection tour with the Committee was also the special adviser to the Governor on Housing Mrs Toke Benson Awoyinka and also Hon kehinde Joseph representing Alimosho II.
Alarmed at the rate of encroachment on the Federal Highway alignment abutting CMD Road, Magodo, the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development has set up a special four-man team to rid the axis of illegal developments.
The Honourable Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Idris Salako, who inaugurated the team in Alausa at the weekend, charged them to ensure the removal of all illegal structures in the area, starting from Otedola end to Ikosi end of CMD Road.
He stated that it is out of place for people to illegally take over every urban space for development purposes, despite repeated warnings by the Government that such acts were inimical to the sustainable physical development of the State and, as such, not condonable.
Salako reiterated that the government would not sit by and allow people to indiscriminately despoil what ought to form part of the reserved lands in Lagos State, noting that the efforts of the special team would assist the Ministry to reclaim and control the development of the valuable urban space.
He, therefore, urged the team to assiduously work for the realisation of the objective without fear or favour, as nothing short of diligence and professionalism was being expected from its members in the discharge of the important assignment.
The team, comprising the General Manager, Lagos State Urban Renewal Authority (LASURA), Tpl (Mrs.) Ajibike Shomade; Ag. General Manager, Lagos State Planning and Environmental Monitoring Agency (LASPEMA), Engr. Waheed Kazeem; Director, Physical Planning Department, Tpl. Bola Aliu and Director, Regional and Masterplan, Tpl. Lateef Oladehinde, was given two weeks to deliver on the mandate.
The Independent National Electoral Commission , on Monday , commenced the processes that would lead to the replacement of manual voting with an electronic voting system .
Already , the commission has invited manufacturers of electronic voting machines around the world to practically demonstrate how the machines work , preparatory to the full migration. The Chairman of INEC , Prof . Mahmood Yakubu, said this during the demonstration of electronic voting machines .
He said , “ Over the years, the commission has been automating the critical pillars of the process . The biometric register of voters has been updated continuously . At the moment , the INEC register of voters is the largest database of citizens in Nigeria .
“ In addition , the combination of biometric voter cards commonly known as the Permanent Voter Card and the Smart Card Reader have revolutionised the accreditation of voters during elections.
“ More recently , the introduction of a number of portals has facilitated the seamless nomination of candidates for elective offices by political parties as well as the accreditation of observers and the media.
“ Most significantly, the commission now uploads polling unit level results in real- time on Election Day to a portal for public view . These are significant innovations that have deepened the transparency and credibility of elections and the electoral process in Nigeria .
“ The commission developed the specifications of the functions required of the machine . After extensive discussion and review , the commission took the decision to invite original manufacturers of electronic voting machines around the world for a virtual or practical demonstration of the machines. ”
The Lagos State Youth Ambassadors under the aegis of the Lagos Ministry of Youths and Social Development hereby notify you of its award Ceremony which will be coming up by November 28th to celebrate the youth Ambassadors’ successful tenure in office and award Ceremony.
The Ceremony which would serve as a bowing out programme of the Ambassadors to Celebrate their tenure in service to the Lagos State Youths, this award is designed to Celebrate young individuals.
This meritorious award is to recognize and appreciate them for all their contributions towards the youths and their socio economic come political development.
AjasaInfo 