Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu

  • Sanwo-Olu Commissions Oshodi-Abule Egba BRT Corridor, Unveils New Smart Ticketing System

    Sanwo-Olu Commissions Oshodi-Abule Egba BRT Corridor, Unveils New Smart Ticketing System

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Tuesday commissioned the Oshodi-Abule Egba Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor and unveiled 550 high and medium capacity buses which would be immediately deployed for public use.

    At the commissioning ceremony, the governor also formally inaugurated upgraded e-ticketing system in fulfilment of his pledge.

    The new BRT corridor is a median running route with 14 drop-off terminals along the Oshodi-Abule Egba route, which terminates at Katangua Bus Station. Each terminal has well ventilated foyer where passengers could sit and wait for buses.

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    The route was designed with 11 pedestrian bridges, traffic safety measures and street lighting.

    Sanwo-Olu rode in a BRT bus to formally flag off the 13.68 kilometre-long corridor for public use.

    The Oshodi-Abule Egba corridor is a major link for residents who commute in and out of Alimosho, Egbeda, Ijaiye, Iyana Ipaja and Oshodi. The route is also a gateway to neighbouring Ogun State and Republic of Benin.

    Speaking at the event, Sanwo-Olu described the commissioning ceremony as “a major milestone” in the implementation of his administration’s reform agenda in public transport system, pointing out that the handover of the BRT infrastructure was another promise fulfilled by his administration.

    He said the transportation asset would create a new travel experience for residents of Alimosho and Oshodi, noting that the project was specifically designed to improve journey time for commuters, thereby scaling up productivity and life expectancy in the state.

    According to him, “A little over a year ago, we pledged to significantly improve traffic flow and transportation system which is the very first of our six-point development agenda encapsulated as Project T.H.E.M.E.S. We made the pledge knowing that the people are the main reason we have been entrusted with the management of our commonwealth.

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    “Today, we are here to formally flag-off a very important public transport infrastructure – the Oshodi-Abule Egba BRT corridor – which officially launches the commencement of transport operation along the BRT corridor.

    “We are unveiling 550 high and medium capacity buses which will be immediately deployed for public use. This event also formally inaugurates our upgraded e-ticketing system in fulfilment of our pledge.

    “This project is very significant because of its immense benefits to Lagosians in the different communities it straddles and to visitors to our state. This new BRT corridor will bring great relief to over 60,000 commuters who will use this facility daily.

    “Travel time, which is estimated at an average of two hours during peak periods, will be significantly reduced to an average of 30 minutes. This will improve the health of our people, engender a safer environment, and increase the value of socio-economic activities in the state.”

    The governor added that his administration’s reform efforts were geared towards birthing a new commuting order in the state through seamless travel and creating smart mobility model that’ll result into a congestion-free state.

    He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to bringing problem-solving interventions across all modes of transportation sector in Lagos.

    To integrate all transport modes on a single smart payment ecosystem, Sanwo-Olu launched an upgraded e-ticketing platform that would automate fare payment and create smart mobility through a cashless pre-paid Cowry card.

    The e-ticketing mechanism has modern functionalities which simplify the process of bus booking and ticket purchase. It introduces simple solutions that guarantee seamless cash and wireless payment for passengers at designated booths.

    The Cowry card would enable passengers proceed to the loading bay and scan the card for fare deduction.

    “With the e-ticketing system, we envisage the use of a single card on buses and ferries and later upscale to the railways system when passenger operations commence in 2022.

    “The system promotes a cashless ecosystem, aids personal budgeting and planning and commuters can easily top up,” Sanwo-Olu said.

    The governor disclosed that the state government would be distributing the first 100,000 Cowry cards to residents free of charge.

    Sanwo-Olu added that his administration was on the verge of complementing Oshodi-Abule Egba BRT corridor with rail project to aid mass mobility.

    The BRT project was handled and supervised by Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) – an agency of the state’s Ministry of Transportation.

    The governor hailed LAMATA for supervising the project construction and bringing it to reality, while also thanking President Muhammadu Buhari for supporting the state government in its drive to deliver efficient transport system.

    “Our administration is very passionate about easing the movement of the citizenry around this beautiful state which is why we would not stop at ensuring that we give you a transport system that works for you.

    “I would like to congratulate Lagosians on the successful completion of this project in spite of the challenges thrown up by its implementation. I would also like to commend Lagosians for the pains they had to endure while the construction of this important transport project lasted,” he said.

    In his remarks, Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Frederic Oladehinde, described the project as “great progress” in the public transport system, noting that the BRT route was important to the state’s strategic transportation master plan.

    LAMATA Managing Director, Abimbola Akinajo, on her part, said the commencement of the BRT operations along the corridor would reduce travel time for commuters by 35 per cent, while also enhancing socio-economic development.

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    She said: “The frequency of the BRT operation along this route will enhance public transport accessibility by up to 25 per cent, while the provision of dedicated lane will enhance reliability on the public transportation by 30 per cent.

    “The project has been designed to integrate the proposed Red Line Rail Mass Transit project as part of the Sanwo-Olu administration’s transportation blueprint.”

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Sanwo-Olu disapproves truck-parking on Apapa road, says Lekki port’ll ease congestion

    Sanwo-Olu disapproves truck-parking on Apapa road, says Lekki port’ll ease congestion

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has explained that to restore life back to Apapa, there’s need to agree and formalise the matrix of the trucks’ movement in and out of the ports.

    The governor expressed displeasure over disturbing gridlock created along Apapa corridor in Lagos State by heavy-duty trucks clogging the major highways.

    Speaking on Sunday while touring projects and infrastructure being developed on Apapa corridor to ease traffic congestion in the area, Sanwo-Olu sought to know why container-laden trucks usually disregard Lagos State’s traffic laws and park on roads.

    The poser generated heated arguments among terminal operators, including Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) and Maritime Transport Unions and Associations (COMTUA).

    In the ensuing blame game, the governor expressed disapproval of the truck drivers’ action and the failure of NPA to enforce extant regulations preventing trucks not yet approved for loading to park indiscriminately on the highways.

    He pointed out the need to overhaul the terminal system at the ports, saying there was no reason for the trucks to park on the highways if their dedicated terminals were operational.

    Sanwo-Olu disclosed that his administration has made a request to the Federal Government to prevail on the concessionaire that would operate the 700-truck capacity Lilypond Terminal at Apapa to open the facility for use without further delay.

    He revealed that Lagos State Government has donated additional 30 hectares of land in Ijora area as part of the solutions initiated to address the problem, noting that the land would expand the holding capacity of the Lilypond terminal.

    “Today, I have taken time to personally inspect some projects being developed both by the federal and state governments to improve traffic around Costain, Iganmu, Apapa and Mile 2 areas.

    “The projects are initiated specifically to address the chaos created mainly by indiscriminate parking of trailers along the routes. Already, there is an ongoing rehabilitation work on Marine Bridge, where a stretch has completely been scarified.

    “There is also a Lilypond Terminal, a major holding bay for heavy-duty trucks, which has not been operated after it was transferred to a concessionaire. We are aware that the concessionaire is meant to complete an agreement with NPA on the transfer of the facility. But, while this is being done, Lagos Government has donated 30 hectares of land in Ijora to raise the capacity of the Lilypond Terminal.

    “These steps will be part of the solution of taking the trucks off Apapa highways. When the rehabilitation work on Marine Bridge is completed in another four months, there will be improvement in journey time towards Apapa.

    “We will also be having meeting with various stakeholders operating at the port, including the truck owners. The system needs a total overhaul. We need to agree and formalise the matrix of the trucks’ movement in and out of the port,” Sanwo-Olu said.

    The governor also decried the failure of the truck drivers to make use of over 30 holding bays around the port area, including the 320-capacity Tin Can Transit Park.

    He pointed out that the gridlock created by the indiscriminate parking of trailers had impacted negatively on the businesses environment on the axis, adding that the menace had endangered the lives of people living on the corridor.

    Sanwo-Olu observed that the volume of maritime business being carried out in Apapa and Tin Can Island ports had outgrown their capacities. He said the state government has started building another port in Lekki in collaboration with NPA to serve as alternative and ease the pressure on the two ports in Apapa.

    The governor admitted that Apapa needs a complete regeneration, saying government has responded to the challenge with the re-construction work currently going on in the area.

    According to him, “We need to set out our activities in a methodical order and see how we redevelop Apapa. There is a massive road construction that is going on in Apapa and the work is extensive. We are using concrete for roads that are being rebuilt. Liverpool and Creek roads have already been completed. By October, all the road network leading in and out of the port area would be opened up for public use.

    “My message to our citizens residing and working on this corridor is that, we have assessed the issues and we will be meeting with various operators and stakeholders. We will fashion out how we will all work collaboratively to bring about an efficient system that will deliver permanent solution and diffuse the gridlock. This, we hope, will bring life back to Apapa.”

    The governor also inspected a failed section of Mile 2 Interchange along Lagos-Badagry Expressway, where the state government has cleared 70 trucks of waste materials from the road drainage.

    Sanwo-Olu promised that repair work would commence on Monday, but appealed to residents to desist from clogging the drainage with waste.

    At the Costain Bridge being constructed by the Federal Government, the governor said there would be a re-adjustment of the turning radius to alleviate the difficulty being experienced by motorists in negotiating the descending point of the bridge.

    He also visited Iganmu intersection in Apapa-Iganmu area, where illegal settlements are springing up and encroaching the right-of-way of the Blue Line Rail project.

    The governor gave the slum occupants one month to remove their shanties and vacate the space.

    He said: “The mess created under Iganmu intersection has encroached the right-of-way of our rail project. In the next one month, we will be taking a decisive action to eject those creating illegal settlements under the bridge. We will give them notice of eviction and we will clean up the place. Once it is cleaned up, we will hand over the space to corporate organisations to restore the aesthetic of the environment.”

    The governor also inspected the on-going repair work on the failed section of Eko Bridge. The repair is expected to complete by the end of September.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Lagos to boost local food production with 279-hectare centre

    Lagos to boost local food production with 279-hectare centre

    In order to boost local food production, the Lagos State Government says it is now set to revive a 279-hectare Lagos Food Production Centre, formerly known as the Songhai Food Production Centre in Avia, Badagry.

    The State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who made this known over the weekend in Badagry while on a site inspection tour of the Centre, explained that this was necessary in preparation for the take-off of the State Government’s two food centres designed to attain food sufficiency.

    The Governor pointed out that reviving the 279-hectare Food Production Centre, originally acquired by the State Government in 2012 for a commercial agricultural project, would encourage organic farming using simple biological methods to enhance production outputs with a model, based on new approaches and farming systems that rely heavily on the combined inputs from local experiences, indigenous technology, business communities and research institutions.

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    According to him, focusing on local food production would increase agricultural production to meet the food needs of the State’s growing population, transform agriculture to commercial and export-oriented production while at the same time generating employment.

    Governor Sanwo-Olu added that some of the agricultural projects to be developed for commercial production at the Centre include fishing, poultry, piggery and agro-forestry among others.

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    Sanwo-Olu reckon that apart from delivering wholesome food items, training and creating employment, the Lagos Food Production Centre would also provide raw materials for the Agro-Industry, new environmental products and services, and feedstock for renewable energy supply.

    The Governor added that the project will give rise to similar agro-allied businesses to open up Badagry’s economy for more growth, while also boosting its tourism business.

    Photos:

  • Governor Sanwo-Olu saves man who attempted jumping into Lagos lagoon

    Governor Sanwo-Olu saves man who attempted jumping into Lagos lagoon

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has rescued a man who attempted to commit suicide by jumping from the third mainland bridge into the Lagoon Friday morning.

    The Governor made this known on his Instagram page, explaining that the rescued man attempted to end his own life because of his indebtedness.

    “Earlier in the morning, we rescued a resident who was planning to jump into the Lagoon at the Third Mainland Bridge because he had a debt of N500,000. We rescued him, paid the debt, and counseled him on the importance of never giving up inspite of the challenges life throws our way.”

    In another account, Governor Sanwo-Olu, accompanied by his wife, Joke celebrated Sallah, with healthcare workers, new mothers and other patients at the Lagos Island Maternity Hospital.

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    The governor stated that: “Today, to celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, my wife and I joined healthcare workers and patients at the Lagos Island Maternity Hospital. We felicitated with new mothers, and patients alike.

    This Sallah celebration is about love and sacrifice, and we recognize the blessings that come with obedience and sacrifice.

    “We need to always show the humane side of us while not losing sight of the big picture. Yes, we want to build roads, bridges and schools but we certainly need to create time for the little things as well”, he said.

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    Governor Sanwo-Olu however, reiterated the commitment of his administration to prioritize the welfare of the people.

    “This cannot be achieved in one day. We are constantly brainstorming and putting heads and working on improving the lives of residents, and we do not plan on stopping until this has been achieved”, he said.

    Photos of Gov. Sanwo-Olu at the Lagos Island Maternity Hospital.

     

    By Tobiloba Kolawole

  • Sanwo-Olu inspects work on Third Mainland Bridge, urges motorists be patient

    Sanwo-Olu inspects work on Third Mainland Bridge, urges motorists be patient

    •600 Mass Transit Buses Coming In August – Gov

    •Pen Cinema Bridge Gets October Completion Date

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has appeared has appealed to motorists plying the partially shut Third Mainland Bridge to be patient and cooperate with traffic management personnel deployed on the routes, while meandering through the carriageways, as the Federal Government repairs the failed segments of the bridge.

    The Governor made the appeal to commuters on Saturday, while on an inspection of the bridge and alternative routes rehabilitated by the State Government.

    The Governor also toured various highways where junctions and roundabouts have been redesigned to diffuse traffic, including Allen Junction, Maryland Junction, and Lekki’s first and second roundabouts, among others.

    Governor Sanwo-Olu said the bridge’s repair was long overdue and could no longer be postponed as it would portend danger to the residents.

    Urging commuters to explore the option of waterways as faster alternative, the Governor said the State Government has strengthened the capacity of the ferry services and currently building six additional jetties across the State.

    “I am here to supervise the repair activities and to monitor the effect of the closure of the bridge on the vehicular movement, with the aim to enable us focus on where improvement could be made. However, what we need to communicate to the road users is patience.

    “Our traffic management officers are on ground to make their journey hitch-free.

    “The contractor handling the repair work will be fully on site by Monday. In the next three months, repair work would have been completed on the first lane, while they will move to the other lane.

    “While we urge road users for patience, we also advise them to look at the option of waterways transportation in commuting to and from the Island. We have just opened the Ilaje jetty for public use and we are delivering additional six jetties across the State to ease movement”, the Governor said.

    During his inspection of the newly designed Allen Junction on Obafemi Awolowo Way, the Governor said he was satisfied with the project, expressing optimism that the new layout would relieve the highway of gridlock.

    Governor Sanwo-Olu however disclosed that the State Government, by August, would roll out 600 buses to ply various routes, including Ikorodu, Abule Egba-Oshodi, and Ikeja.

    “We are rolling out 600 buses in high and medium capacity.

    “The buses will be deployed next month and they will be seen across busy roads. The medium capacity buses will be plying Obafemi Awolowo Way. Oshodi inward Abule Egba will be priority. We will also be increasing bus capacity from Ikorodu to Tafawa Balewa Square,” he said.

    The Governor used the opportunity to explain the slow pace of work on some ongoing capital projects, including the Pen Cinema Bridge in Agege, which, he said, was disrupted by Coronavirus pandemic.
    The Pen Cinema Bridge, he said, would now be delivered in October.

    The Governor was accompanied on the long-hour tour by some cabinet members, including the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, his Transportation counterpart, Dr. Fredric Oladehinde, Special Adviser on Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Aramide Adeyoye and Special Adviser on Transport, Hon. Toyin Fayinka.

    Sanwo-Olu also inspected drainage at Eric Moore Road, Eko Bridge and Lekki-Epe Expressway.

    By Tobiloba Kolawole

  • Lagos inspires innovation, pays over N16 billion pension in one year

    Lagos inspires innovation, pays over N16 billion pension in one year

    The Lagos State Government has initiated an interactive knowledge sharing platform to tap into the wisdom of its pool of civil-servant-staff for novel ideas that will aid the development of the state.

    The platform known as SHIFT Talks, was disclosed Wednesday by the state’s Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pensions, Ajibola Ponnle at the Ministerial Press Briefing to mark the one year in office anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu held at the JJT park in the Alausa area of Ikeja, Lagos State.

    In her remark to journalists at the event, Ponnle described the initiative as one that will help the State “at harvesting the collective wisdom inherent within the service, showcasing innovation by staff and networking to bridge the inter-ministerial gap”

    Giving further explanation on how the initiative will also celebrate members of the Lagos State Government staff who distinguish themselves by following through on creative ideas, the Commissioner recognised some civil servants who had come up with ideas that aligned with the intent of the initiative in its first edition.

    “Knowledge SHIFTer, like Mrs. Tope George, a lawyer from the Ministry of Justice shared nuggets from a book she authored while Innovation SHIFTer, Seun Ogunmolu, who launched an App he developed, was recognised by Mr. Governor for an excellent performance. It should be worthy of note that Mr. Ogunmolu was advanced to GL 10 as a result of his innovative drive”.

    Giving performance account of her ministry and agencies under her supervision in the last one year, Ponnle noted that the Public Service Staff Development Centre (PSSDC) had by the end of March 2020, designed and implemented a total of 44 Learning and Development programmes for a total of 2,164 Public Service staff to enhance job performance.

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    Among others, She listed the organisation of In-Plant, Tailor-Made Workshops and Seminars, sponsorship of officers for Local and foreign training and approval for Study Leave as programmes implemented to boost the morale of employees.

    Reiterating the commitment of the Sanwo-Olu led government to boost service excellence, the Commissioner noted that: “We have trained a total of 4,210 staff during the year in-class sessions, representing 30% of the cumulative number trained in the previous four years, apart from the over 11,000 participants online”.

    She averred that in order to ensure a safe, conflict-free and productive workplace, the Ministry provided strategic and expert advice on industrial relations and also played an important role in the successful negotiation of the new minimum wage plus consequential adjustments, noting that three months arrears, as agreed, had already been paid to employees between February and April 2020 during the lockdown.

    Ponnle also emphasised that “the Lagos State Government pays more than the Federal recommended minimum wage, which shows the magnanimity of Governor Sanwo-Olu in ensuring that the ‘take-home’ of staff truly take them home”.

    In the area of Pension payments, she affirmed that the State Government has consistently distinguished itself as the leading State in the payment of contributory payment scheme, its management, implementation and administration in Nigeria, while also leading the pack in the full implementation of an increase in employers’ contribution from 7.5% to 10% and employees contribution from 7.5% to 8%.

    She submitted that a total of 4,104 retirees had their accrued pension rights of N16,759,441,707.75 credited into their RSAs between May 2019 to April 2020, saying that the government also approved the release of N13.75billion to fund the Redemption Bond Account, thereby increasing the additional funding rate from 5% to 10% of total annual staff emoluments in order to fully clear the backlog of arrears from the old defined benefit scheme era of pension management by the State.

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    Ponnle stated further that the Lagos State Pension Commission, LASPEC, has commenced the issuance of pensioners ID cards to retirees while additional benefits that will accrue to civil service retirees, who hold ID cards, will be unveiled in due course.

    She reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry to developing initiatives that will ensure the mandate of a 21st Century-compliant workforce is achieved.