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Tag: Lagos State

Hamzat Visits Site of Baruwa Gas Explosion, Reaffirms Govt’s Position on Business Protocols

Lagos State Deputy Governor, Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has carried out an on-the-spot assessment to the site of gas explosion which occurred in Baruwa area of the state on Thursday.

Speaking at the site of the incident, Hamzat said the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led Lagos State Government would not tolerate any form of carelessness, which could jeopardise the health and safety of the people.

He called on business owners and entrepreneurs in Lagos State to always be responsible and mindful of the safety of others while siting their businesses to prevent loss of lives and property.

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According to him, “We are not saying that people should not do business but you must not do it to the detriment of other people. It is okay to have a business but you cannot do that at the risk of people’s lives.”

While describing the incident as very sad and unfortunate, the deputy governor disclosed that the Sanwo-Olu administration would ensure those in the hospital get the best treatment, just as he commiserated with the families of the deceased.

He said the Sanwo-Olu administration would leave no stone unturned in its efforts at getting to the root cause of the explosion, adding that anyone who violates protocol in siting gas stations would be prosecuted.

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“There are protocols to be followed in doing things. As a government we have to make sure that those protocols are followed and in cases where the protocols are not followed, people are prosecuted to the full extent of the law in order to serve as an example,” he said.

Hamzat was accompanied on the visit by Lagos State Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Tayo Bamgbose-Martins, and the Director-General, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Femi Oke-Osanyintolu.

Idowu Sowunmi

October 10, 2020
Youths Are Pivotal Actors in Achieving Peace, Sustainable Development- Lagos Youth Commissioner

A call has gone out to youths to channel their energy into productive activities as they are pivotal actors in the achievement of peace and sustainable development in the country.

This appeal was made by Lagos Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Segun Dawodu, on Thursday, during a virtual youth dialogue on peace and conflict resolution organised by the Ministry of Youth and Social Development.

The Commissioner noted that the effect of COVID-9 pandemic on youths has been tremendous, creating personal and group conflict in the society, hence the need to dialogue and find lasting solutions to issues that may trigger conflict in the society.

Conflict, the Commissioner noted, may arise as a result of lack of education, skills or adequate information, pointing out that idle youths can be easily lured into violence and manipulated by extremist groups.

Dawodu observed that because conflict as a form of human character cannot be wished away, it is essential to address conflicting issues and resolve them effectively before they escalate into violence, abuse or war.

He maintained that peace and conflict resolution allow people to thrive economically, socially and politically by addressing the root causes of violence.

Dawodu charged youths to take advantage of the many opportunities created by the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for building a network for peace and prevention of conflicts and violence.

While charging youths to avoid idleness, the Commissioner advised them to key into the entrepreneurship drive of the State as well as agriculture, saying “an idle hand is the devil’s workshop”.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Mrs. Yewande Falugba noted that youths possess a strong potential to drive change at all levels and can be heroes of strong positive action.

She noted that although youths may be at the centre of negative security related issues, large numbers of them are making a positive impact in the society, urging youths to embrace non-violence and channel their energy into making good use of the technological advances available.

October 9, 2020
Sanwo-Olu’s Govt Rallies Support for Epileptic Patients

The Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led Lagos State Government has charged the general public to give necessary support to persons suffering from epilepsy and desist from the act of discriminating against people with hereditary medical conditions, especially diseases that are not self-imposed.

Sanwo-Olu, who stated this through Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Segun Dawodu, explained that people with epileptic diseases suffer much stigma and discrimination, hence the need for a change of mindset towards them.

Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Segun Dawodu

The commissioner made the call while declaring open a virtual training programme organised by the ministry for social workers and caregivers themed: “Sensitisation and Training the Trainers on Epilepsy and Its Management.”

Dawodu said it’s a well-known fact that epilepsy is like any other hereditary disease that affects people of all ages, noting that it’s not infectious but called for a stop to the stigmatisation and discrimination against victims of the terrible ailment.

He noted that the virtual training was designed to create awareness and also train social workers and caregivers on how to handle people suffering from epilepsy, adding that this was necessary because of their huge roles in managing and caring for sufferers.

Dawodu, therefore, urged the participants to make judicious use of the training opportunity, describing the facilitators selected for the programme as specialists in their field with years of experience about the disease.

In her contribution at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Yewande Falugba, stated that the awareness programme was to further enhance the knowledge of social workers and caregivers for proper handling of epileptic cases.

Affirming that the wellbeing of citizens is vital for improved productivity, Falugba maintained that the virtual training programme would be rewarding to participants as seasoned experts in the field of neuropsychology discussed important issues about epilepsy.

Also speaking at the training programme, a leading Consultant Neurologist in the state, Seyi Roberts, applauded Lagos State Government for its efforts in creating awareness about the disease, noting that it would go a long way in erasing all erroneous beliefs and misconceptions people have about the disease.

The Chief Executive Officer of Mary Special Needs Foundation, Adedoyin Oseni, expressed optimism that participants would benefit from the experience garnered by her organisation through its dedication to creating awareness on the causes, prevention and management of epilepsy, among others.

Idowu Showunmi

October 7, 2020
[Just In] COVID-19: Lagos Cancels Parade at 60th Independence Day Celebration

Lagos State Government has announced that this year’s independence day celebration coming up on Thursday, would be held on a low key, devoid of the usual colourful parade.

The state’s commissioner for information and strategy, Gbenga Omotoso disclosed this on Wednesday in Lagos, sating that Governor Babajide Sanwo-OLu has cancelled parade for the 60th Independence Day celebration.

File Photo: Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu in a motorcade procession during Nigeria at 59 independence day parade in 2019.

According to Omotoso, the Lagos State Government opted for a low key celebration 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 physical 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”, the statement read.

September 30, 2020
Sanwo-Olu Identifies Real Estate Business as Key Factor of Lagos Economy

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has identified real estate business as a key sector that has the potential of contributing 25 per cent growth to the state’s economy, saying his administration could not afford to miss this opportunity.

Speaking at the maiden Policy Roundtable Dialogue with the theme: “International Best Practice on Real Estate Regulations,” organised by Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA), Sanwo-Olu charged property developers, investors, real estate lawyers and practitioners to work with his administration to create a home ownership model that would help the state government address the deficits observed in housing market in Lagos State.

The governor raised concern over the huge gap observed in the provision of mass housing to large number of residents, describing the situation as unacceptable. He said Lagos State Government was ready to bridge the gap by partnering the private sector and working with stakeholders to ensure people have access to viable home services.

Sanwo-Olu disclosed that his administration had started to identify big players in the real estate sector that would partner with the government to raise housing stock of in the state. He said the government was ready to provide enabling environment for the investors to put their finances in creation of viable housing market for residents.

According to him, “Public Private Partnership is one of the options we are exploring to realise our objectives of providing viable housing scheme for our citizens. We are at the edge of identifying real big players in the real estate sector to see how well we can leapfrog housing stock in our state. The government is ready to provide enabling environment and remove the bottlenecks that may impede this opportunity.

“The housing stock deficit that we have in Lagos is not acceptable, but we all know the government cannot provide everything. We certainly need to explore opportunities in private investment to ensure we realise our objective.

“Real estate business has the potential of contributing 25 per cent growth to the State’s economy and we cannot let this opportunity pass by.”

Sanwo-Olu said part of the efforts being made by the government to raise the investment level of real estate business is to improve the turnaround time on land transactions. He said the state government had started improvement work on its Geographic Information System (GIS) platform to enable real estate investors have real time information on status of property they are investing in.

The governor harped on lack of accurate data on real estate investment in the state, pledging that the state would be working with the practitioners to create workable database that would help investors and government. He added that his administration would introduce legislations that would help curb bad behaviors among tenants and property owners.

He disclosed that his administration would be launching a N5 billion seed capital through Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) to support businesses that want to provide succour to citizens in different areas.

In his remarks, Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN, assured the stakeholders that the current administration was ready to regulate business and protect the citizens from abuse and fraudulent transactions.

Also speaking at the event, Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, said the incumbent administration would not fail in its social responsibility to the people and investors.

She said: “The reason for the emphasis on registration with the Real Estate Practitioners and Property Developers is to provide protection to citizens from imposters, fraudsters and reduce sharp practices associated with some unauthorised individuals who are not registered members of any professional association in Lagos and the country at large.

“I urge all stakeholders to join hands with the state government to eliminate dubious individuals in the Real Estate industry and deal with them in accordance with relevant laws of the state.

“This way, the integrity of the business will be restored and international investment will increase. LASRERA portal will provide local and foreign investors with the relevant data analytics for market transparency and intelligence that will help the growth and development of the real estate sector.”

Idowu Sowunmi

September 25, 2020
Sanwo-Olu Tasks Cabinet Members to Step up Tempo of Governance

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Monday declared opened the first Lagos State Two-day Ministerial Performance Review Retreat at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium in Alausa, where he said his administration was determined to step up the tempo of governance through innovative and inclusive policies.

He assured Lagosians that his administration was committed to fulfilling all his promises despite disruption occasioned by the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and other challenges that were not envisaged.

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The governor said fulfilling his promises in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S development agenda for ‘Greater Lagos’ would be delivered by his administration, despite reduction in the budget as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, knowing fully that no excuse would be tenable to the residents of the state.

The T.H.E.M.E.S. agenda is predicated on: Traffic management and transportation; Health and environment; Education and technology; Making Lagos a 21st Century economy; Entertainment and tourism; and Security and governance.

According to him, “I want to assure you that despite disruption occasioned by COVID-19 and other challenges that we did not envisage, we are still committed as a government to fulfilling the promises we made to people knowing fully that no excuse will be tenable to our citizens.

“We must be determined to step forward, heighten the tempo of governance and continue to create opportunities through innovative policies that are not only inclusive but provide sustainable solutions for this present administration and lay foundation for future administrations coming behind us.”

Sanwo-Olu also implored members of the state executive council and other public office holders to be committed to the incumbent administration’s effort to meet the yearnings and aspirations of Lagosians, especially the electorates who elected him to govern the affairs of the state.

“Let me emphasise that our yardstick for performance assessment will not be based majorly on the amount of money expended or budget but the outcome of our various interventions that we have had; what measures the impact that touched the lives of citizens that we swore to serve.

“One of the promises we made at the inception of our administration and in line with the principle of continuity was to ensure the completion of projects that were inherited from the last administration. A significant part of our efforts and resources was devoted towards fulfilling this promise and taking government to another level,” Sanwo-Olu said.

Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, in his address, enumerated the present administration’s achievements in the last one year and four months in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S. agenda.

Hamzat said: “We should understand that our focus should be Lagosians, Lagosians and Lagosians because ultimately, they will define what we do and they will grade us. So, we are like in an examination now and examiners don’t have deep knowledge into the operations of how we actually do things but they only measure it by perception and of course by what they see.

“And as such, our job is to make sure that we set that perception right and then we give quality things in dimension; that at the end of the day our integrity will be intact and then they can say the party has done very well and this government has done very well.”

Also speaking, the Secretary to the State Government, Folashade Jaji, said the COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected governments and institutions globally, bringing in its wake, a new normal, adding that Lagos State, which is not left out, was the epicentre of the virus in Nigeria.

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She, therefore, commended Lagos State Chief Incident Commander, Sanwo-Olu, and his deputy, Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, as well as the entire health sector family in Lagos State for the outstanding management of the pandemic, which was acknowledged statewide, nationally and internationally.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has affected not only the health sector, but also the economic sector and how we work. Therefore, our trajectory for implementation of the T.H.E.M.E.S agenda to achieve ‘A Greater Lagos’ is going to change as we operate within the new-normal to deliver the dividends of democracy to the good people of Lagos State.

“I believe in the capability of the Executive Council members, to prolifically deliver as political heads in our various MDAs and of course with the support of all others present for this retreat. I also believe that when objective feedback is given and taken in good faith, it can only lead to improved performance,” she added.

In his address, the Head of Service, Hakeem Muri-Okunola, noted the importance of a harmonious and effective working relationship between Permanent Secretaries who are accounting officers of Ministries and the political heads who are members of the state executive council.

He said: “While the Permanent Secretary has overall responsibility for the day-to-day administration of the ministry as accounting officer and in addition to advising the commissioner on public service processes and procedures, it is critically important that the responsibility of the political head for the implementation of government policies is duly recognised and the right balance and conducive atmosphere for a cordial and productive working relationship is established.”

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Okunola also disclosed that “the core objective of this two-day retreat is to conduct a forensic review of the present administration’s scorecard along the six pillars of our strategic development plans in the last one year. We are here to provide a honest and unemotional review of how have we fared sector by sector. Have we achieved our set targets in different sectors? If yes, what are the enabling factors that have been instrumental in the successes recorded? If we have failed to achieve set targets, what have been the factors that militated against attainment of set targets?”

He said the main thrust of the present administration is to make Lagos economy a 21st Century economy.

“In this regard, the state government has invested heavily in infrastructure renewal and roads rehabilitation across the five divisions of Lagos, not forgetting invitation for expression of interest in the 4th Mainland Bridge,” he stated.

Idowu Sowunmi

September 23, 2020
Sanwo-Olu Congratulates Hamzat at 56

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has celebrated his Deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, who clocked 56 on Saturday, describing him as a reliable, trust worthy and committed brother, friend and partner in the Greater Lagos Agenda of the incumbent administration.

Sanwo-Olu also lauded Hamzat’s contribution to the growth and development of Lagos State in the last 17 years, saying he has all along used his position as commissioner in different ministries and now the number two citizen of the Centre of Excellence to bring about positive change to the state and the country at large.

“Happy 56th birthday to my reliable, hardworking, dependable, supportive and committed brother, friend and partner in the Greater Lagos Agenda of our administration.

“You made great achievements as Commissioner for Science and Technology between 2005 and 2011 as well as Commissioner of Works and Infrastructure.

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“During your tenure as Commissioner for Science and Technology, you enforced the application of modern technology in the state’s ministries, thus changing the face of data and record keeping in Lagos and at the same time eliminating the trend of state ghost workers.

“In execution of your mandate as Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, your ministry completed several key projects for Lagos State in the mega-city era. Your achievements in the ministry were well recognised as you emerged winner of the fifth edition of the Lagos State Man of the Year Awards in September 2013.

“We cherish your contributions to party politics and governance in our dear state. You are a worthy ambassador and champion in the blend of technocracy and politics. As a true democrat and progressive politician, you have remained steadfast in the progressive camp.

“As you celebrate your 56th birthday, I pray that God will increase you in good health to enable you render more service to humanity, Lagos State and Nigeria,” Sanwo-Olu said.

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Meanwhile, in the spirit of social distancing and in line with the novel Coronavirus COVID-19 safety protocols, the deputy governor has said he would mark his birthday anniversary with his family, adding that he would still perform his official duty.

He thanked God for His mercy and promised to re-dedicate himself to the service of humanity.

He said: “To Almighty Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.

“Another September 19th has come to remind me to always count my blessings, to not take anything for granted. To work like no one is watching, to serve selflessly, to be giving of myself, to impact the lives of the people I have chosen to serve, to leave my footprints in the sands of time, to be humble yet firm, and to work hand in hand with my conscience at all times.

“I am grateful for the grace and favour bestowed upon me by Almighty Allah.

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“To my family for their love and support, and to everyone for their belief in the Sanwoolu/Hamzat administration. I say Thank You.

“In the spirit of social distancing and in line with the COVID-19 safety measures, I would spend my birthday with my family, and working.

“Thank you all once again, and God bless.”

Idowu Sowunmi

September 19, 2020
Sanwo-Olu, Cinema Owners to Work Together to Protect Creative Industry

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, members of the Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria (CEAN) and other key stakeholders in the Nigerian film sector Wednesday met virtually and agreed to work collaboratively to protect the creative industry.

The meeting, which was moderated by filmmaker and television host, Mosunmola Abudu, popularly called Mo Abudu, provided a veritable avenue for the governor and the stakeholders in the creative industry to rob minds together for the prosperity of the industry.

CEAN representatives during the meeting expressed concerns about their sector, appealing to the governor to reopen the cinemas and open up the sector for business.

They promised to adhere strictly to the laid down Coronavirus (COVID-19) safety guidelines.

Speaking on behalf of the association, Moses Babatope expressed the desire of cinema owners to reopen for business.

According to him, “We are ready to reopen our cinemas any time today or tomorrow. Cinemas outside Lagos are already opened and they are complying with all the necessary protocols.

“We understand that your office is being careful about health and safety of Lagosians, but we also assure you that these are top considerations for us too.”

The association also requested the Sanwo-Olu administration to set up a film office whose function would include liaising with foreign investors while also serving as a major hub for the film industry in Lagos.

A film maker and one of the participants at the meeting, Omoni Oboli appealed to the governor for tax waivers, saying no one in the film industry has earned a revenue in the past six months.

“Mr. Governor, we want you to help us with some tax break. As you may be aware sir, none of us has earned any revenue in the past six months. We want you to use your good office to help our industry,” she said.

In his response, Sanwo-Olu assured the film industry experts of his administration’s readiness to protect their interest, saying he’s a new convert having seen the level of creativity and economic importance of the sector.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to work collaboratively with the creative industry, adding that his government would do all that is possible to ensure that the sector thrives in the state.

Sanwo-Olu said Lagos State Government is mindful of the economic impacts of the COVID-19 lockdown on the entertainment industry particularly the cinema sector, promising to work with the association to achieve a win-win situation.

He said: “We would work collaboratively with your industry. I am aware of the enormous challenges you face especially in this period of COVID-19 pandemic. But as you know, we have to do what is right to protect the lives and property of millions of Lagosians.”

Sanwo-Olu promised to look into all the requests made and return to them in due course.

Idowu Sowunmi

September 17, 2020
Kogi Set to Tap into LAWMA”s Strategies to Establish Robust Waste Management System

Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has pledged technical support to Kogi State in its efforts to establish a robust waste management system.

LAWMA Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Ibrahim Odumboni, gave this indication while receiving Kogi State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Victor Adewale Omofaiye, and his team, who were on a fact-finding visit to the agency and its waste management facilities in Lagos.

Odumboni expressed LAWMA’s readiness to support the efforts of Kogi State to set up a proper waste management structure for the good of Kogi environment, its people and visitors alike.

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The LAWMA chief noted that the visit offered the visitors from Kogi State an opportunity to witness the waste management processes and innovative ideas being adopted by the agency to tackle day-to-day challenges of waste management in Lagos State.

He informed the visiting team that the agency would soon launch an educational initiative called “LAWMA Academy” with the sole purpose of imparting waste management knowledge to the younger generation.

Odumboni advised the delegation to explore the idea of setting up recycling clubs and similar programmes in schools to lay a solid foundation for waste management in Kogi State.

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While addressing the team, LAWMA Chief Technical Officer, Olohunwa Tijani, listed generation, collection and disposal as the key components of the waste management process in any geographical location, noting that proper management of those components is essential to having an effective waste management system.

He added that in order to achieve their goal of a cleaner and healthier state, the waste management system should be purpose-driven and devoid of political interference.

LAWMA Assistant General Manager, Waste Management Development, Essien Nsuabia, spoke on waste minimisation techniques, highlighting the importance of studying human activities in a particular geographical location for the formation of effective waste management plans and policies.

Earlier, Omofaiye had thanked the agency for a warm reception, noting that the purpose of their visit was to tap into LAWMA’s vast experience, which has made it a global brand.

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Omafaiye submitted that the environment is a gift from God, which required collective preservation, attesting that the level of achievement attained by Lagos State in environmental sustainability did not just happen overnight, hence the delegation’s visit to discover the secrets.

The team, in the course of their visit, embarked on a tour of some of the agency’s facilities such as the Engineering Department, where LAWMA engineers fabricate double dino bins for waste containerisation, Olusosun Dumpsite and others, for a first-hand assessment.

Idowu Sowunmi

September 13, 2020
Sanwo-Olu, FAAN Parley Ahead of Sept 5 International Flights’ Resumption

Ahead of the September 5 re-opening of airspace for international flights, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Tuesday met with the management team of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

Discussions at the meeting focused partly on actionable steps being put in place at Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) by the federal and state governments to give travellers comfort and better experience when the facility is re-opened for air traffic.

L-R: Company Secretary/Legal Adviser, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mr. Clifford Omozehian; Director, Finance & Accounts, FAAN, Mrs. Nike Abodemi; Managing Director/CE, FAAN, Capt. Rabiu Hamisu Yadudu; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, during a courtesy visit to the Governor by FAAN management, at Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, on Tuesday, September 1, 2020

FAAN team, led by its Managing Director, Rabiu Yadudu, harped on the need for state government’s interventions to ensure seamless operations at Lagos airport, which contributes 70 per cent of FAAN’s total revenue.

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Yadudu used the opportunity to thank the state government for the construction of the airport road from Oshodi, noting that the intervention had strengthened the partnership between Lagos State Government and FAAN.

The managing director, however, pleaded with Sanwo-Olu to intervene in ensuring smooth safety compliance and provision of services as the airport prepared to re-open for commercial activities.

Other requests made by FAAN included: provision of BRT buses to commute passengers from car park to departure and arrival halls, expansion of strategic airport roads, and halting of encroachment on the airport land around Ajao Estate and Shasha, among others.

Responding, Sanwo-Olu said his administration has been working round the clock with the Federal Government to put in place safety protocols at the airport and drive compliance. The effort, he said, would be followed by a joint assessment of the airport facility with FAAN and other agencies.

The governor used the occasion to explain the development activities embarked on by the state government to ensure travellers have better experience, while passing through the airport, disclosing that the state had already started the construction of a world-class bus terminal close to the airport.

The bus terminal, Sanwo-Olu said, would serve as holding station for international passengers who would not be driving into the airport. He added that the bus station would be complemented with rail infrastructure to shuttle air passengers from the metropolis departure terminals.

According to him, “An airport is a gateway that defines the nation, because it is the first facility to be seen by international travellers. Murtala Mohammed International Airport is an important asset, not only to the Federal Government but also to Lagos State.

“The strategic use of this airport should necessitate that need for us to fully harness the asset and make it a bubbling destination for tourists and businessmen coming into the country.

“As a state government, we are taking complementary efforts to ensure the airport promotes business and is safe for travellers. We have started the construction of a massive bus terminal along the airport road, which will be complemented with a rail project.

“The rail project is part of the Red Line Rail project which will start from Ebute Metta and pass through Oshodi. The right-of-way of this project has been determined and we are hoping the project will start before the end of the year.”

Sanwo-Olu charged FAAN management on remodelling of the airport’s facilities to become a hub of business and tourism. He said some of the facilities installed in the airport at inception were due for modernisation and upgrading.

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The governor particularly made a case for the provision of fast free internet connectivity within lounges at the airport, noting that the era of passengers sitting for long without internet access has passed.

He said the functionality of the airport must be fully explored, urging the management to invest in facilities that would drive more passenger traffic to the airport.

“Travellers across the world are looking for destinations where things they enjoy in their comfort zones are provided. When we provide services and infrastructure that will drive traffic to our airport, not only will it triple the revenue generated for the government, it will also improve the status of the airport within the continent,” he said.

The governor promised further engagements with the Aviation Minister on ways to resolve other issues around Lagos airport.

Idowu Sowunmi

September 2, 2020