Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: Lagos State

  • LAWMA Gets Another MD/CEO, One Year after Gbadegesin Assumed Office

    LAWMA Gets Another MD/CEO, One Year after Gbadegesin Assumed Office

    One year after Muyiwa Gbadegesin assumed office as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has approved the appointment of Ibrahim Adejuwon Odumboni as the new boss for the agency.

    Sanwo-Olu, in a statement on Monday by the Head of Service, Hakeem Muri-Okunola, said the appointment, which took immediate effect, was consequent upon the resignation of Gbadegesin on August 19, 2020, for personal reasons.

    Gbadegesin had assumed office at a handing over ceremony held at LAWMA office on August 8, 2019. He took over from former occupier of the position, Ola Oresanya.

    Announcing the new appointment on Monday, the statement said Odumboni’s appointment showed Mr. Governor’s confidence in his capabilities and demonstrated the administration’s commitment to quality service delivery, considering particularly the new managing director’s contributions to the growth of LAWMA as part of its management in his previous position.

    Odumboni was the Executive Director (Business Development) in LAWMA, in which capacity he had been deeply involved in the rebirth of the Waste Management Conglomerate.

    While noting that the immediate past managing director had built a strong and highly motivated team in LAWMA and laid an enduring foundation for reforms in the organisation, Muri-Okunola thanked Gbadegesin for his visionary leadership during his tenure of office.

    The Head of Service congratulated the new managing director and urged him to focus on improving service quality, adding that waste management and environmental sustainability are critical to all other aspects of the T.H.E.M.E.S. Agenda – Sanwo-Olu’s six development pillars.

    The statement added that a lot is expected from the new LAWMA managing director.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Lagos Tertiary Institutions to Resume Sept 14, Basic Schools Sept 21 – Sanwo-Olu

    Lagos Tertiary Institutions to Resume Sept 14, Basic Schools Sept 21 – Sanwo-Olu

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has directed all tertiary institutions in Lagos State to re-open for academic activities from September 14.

    He added that his administration was working towards re-opening of primary and secondary schools anytime from September 21.

    However, the governor, said the decision to re-open the basic and secondary schools is not cast in stone, noting that this is subject to a review of our ongoing modelling of the state’s response to the pandemic.

    This was disclosed directive by Sanwo-Olu at the 18th state-wide briefing held at the State House in Marina on Saturday.

    The re-opening order was coming six months after all tertiary institutions and basic schools were shut on the order of the government, following the outbreak of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

    Sanwo-Olu said the decision to re-open the schools was carefully thought through, given the decline in the number of positive cases and the progress recorded in the state’s response. He asked the management of the schools to ensure adherence to the safety guidelines as they re-open their campuses for activities.

    The governor, in addition, also permitted the re-opening of recreational centres and social clubs that have registered trustees, but on the condition that they obtain a provisional Safety Compliance Certificate through the registration portal of Lagos State Safety Commission (LSSC).

    “I am pleased to announce that tertiary institutions in Lagos State will re-open from September 14, 2020. We are also working towards the reopening of Primary and Secondary Schools anytime from September 21, 2020.

    “However, the decision to re-open the basic and secondary schools is not cast in stone and is subject to a review of our ongoing modelling of the state’s response to the pandemic.

    “Also, social clubs and recreational centers that have registered trustees have also been permitted to open, on the condition that they have applied for and obtained a Provisional Safety Compliance Certificate through the registration portal of Lagos State Safety Commission.

    “Restaurants are now permitted to open for in-dining services, but they must ensure the maintenance of a 50 per cent maximum occupancy at any point in time. They must also have obtained a provisional Safety Compliance Certificate,” he said.

    Sanwo-Olu said his administration remained sympathetic to the plight of business owners, especially those operating in hospitality and tourism sectors.

    He added that the state government was still reviewing the permissible opening dates for businesses tourism and hospitality industry, pointing out that there would be concrete decisions on easing the lockdown on tourism businesses before the end of September.

    The governor directed that all event centres, bars, lounges, night clubs, spas, beaches, cinemas, gyms and game arcades to remain shut till further notice.

    As Federal Government prepares to re-open international airspace for traffic on September 5, Sanwo-Olu said his administration had started to work with the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to put adequate measures in place in order to guarantee the safety and well-being of Lagos residents in the light of resumption of international air-travel.

    The governor also ordered civil servants in the state’s unified public service to comply with existing guidelines and roster schedules issued by the Head of Service and the heads of MDAs.

    According to him, “As a government, we will continue to keep our citizens informed and updated on the decisions that we are taking in response to the pandemic.

    “We will also continue to ask for your understanding and cooperation. These are challenging times for all of us, and it requires extra levels of patience, sacrifice and3 understanding.”

    Sanwo-Olu said the observed decline in the number of positive cases did not mean the pandemic was over. He urged residents to continue to adhere to the safety guidelines outlined by the health authorities.

    “The fact that we have been seeing a gradual easing of the lockdown does not mean that we are now returning to our old way of doing things.

    “The easing you are seeing is the outcome of a careful and deliberate attempt to ensure that livelihoods are not crippled by the overwhelmingly disruptive impact of the virus. It is certainly not an invitation to carelessness or nonchalance,” the governor said.

    The governor disclosed that the atate’s Deputy Incident Commander and Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, has been discharging his duty and responding to treatment, adding that Commissioner remained asymptomatic.

    Sanwo-Olu, at the briefing, launched a COVID-19 Care Pack, which contains medications, hand sanitiser, face masks and handy medical equipment that could be used to check temperature.

    The Care Pack is to be given to those who have been confirmed positive of the COVID-19 free of charge and who prefer home-based care.

  • Lagos to Review Issuance of State of Origin Documents

    Lagos to Review Issuance of State of Origin Documents

    The Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led Lagos State Government has said it would soon commence a review process for issuing state of origin documents to individuals, just as specific steps would be mapped out to follow due process before the documents are given to anyone.

    Speaking through his Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Tayo, Bamgbose-Martins, the governor called on those who issue letters of indigeneship to non-indigenes and those procuring same to desist from such untoward acts, as it’s a disadvantage to the real indigenes of the state.

    Bamgbose-Martins, who disclosed this during a meeting with the members of the Federal Character Commission in his office at Alausa in Ikeja, expressed his displeasure at the rate by which some government functionaries arbitrarily issue the state of origin document to non-indigenes in order to secure federal appointments.

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    “There have been verified reports that non-indigenes procure state of origin documents from different unauthorised sources in Lagos, sometimes at the local government level or even from some traditional rulers as attested to by the Federal Character Commission. This is quite unfortunate that people can descend so low to commit such despicable acts,” he said.

    The commissioner assured that, henceforth, his ministry would work more closely with the Federal Character Commission to appropriately address the issue and ensure that indigenes of Lagos State are no longer deprived of their place in federal appointments and placements.

    “Lagos State Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations is ready to collaborate with the Federal Character Commission to curb this impropriety. We will review the process of issuing state of origin documents and map out specific steps to ensure that due process is followed before the documents are issued,” he explained.

    Earlier, the commissioner, representing Lagos State at the commission, Abdul Wasiu Kayode Bawa-Allah, stated that the focal point of the meeting was to strengthen the collaborative efforts of the state and the Federal Government so that indigenes of Lagos State have equal representation they deserve for federal appointments.

    He disclosed that the survey carried out by the commission indicated that most of the candidates, who presented state of origin documents during recruitment, are non-indigenes of Lagos State but had procured such documents from dubious sources, hence, there’s a need to call the attention of the state government to it.

    Bawa-Allah maintained that the commission would no longer accept documents that do not emanate from the Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, adding that traditional rulers and local government authorities who issue such documents should be duly informed and educated on the implications of such actions.

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    According to him, “We will work with Lagos State to educate the traditional rulers, through the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, so that whatever they are issuing comes with the conscience and consideration of the future of Lagos. From now on there will be a need to obtain final clearance from the Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations.

    “The final papers must come from the Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations. Whatever paper we see from the ministry is what we will recognise as the state of origin document for any federal position.”

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Lagos Issues Guidelines for Reopening of Entertainment, Hospitality & Tourism Business

    Lagos Issues Guidelines for Reopening of Entertainment, Hospitality & Tourism Business

    The Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led Lagos State Government has listed some modalities, set of protocols and guidelines that must now be put in place and implemented by hospitality and tourism establishments for re-opening of business activities in the state.

    Sanwo-Olu, in a statement by his Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf, said the protocols and guidelines are meant to ensure the health and safety of all guests and staff in all the facilities involved.

    “The new rules affect all accommodation establishments such as hotels, motels, apartments, suites, inns, guest houses and so on; tourism enterprises like event centres/entertainment places, and food establishments, like restaurants, eateries, fast food, lounge and bars, and cinemas,” the governor said.

    The statement explained that the ministry arrived at the set of protocols for the practitioners after due consultations with relevant stakeholders in the hospitality and tourism sector and in recognition of the effects of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on the industry.

    While noting that, apart from the general safety protocols which include the compulsory use of face masks, regular hand washing, use of sanitisers, maintenance of social distancing, temperature check, encouragement of cashless transactions, disinfection of premises and buildings among others, Akinbile-Yussuf stated that owners of hospitality establishments are now required to offer 50 per cent of their space capacity to guests for now in order to maintain physical distancing, in addition to the separation of dining tables.

    “For now, there will be no buffet serving arrangement. All guests (over 18 years old) must be made to sign a COVID-19 form at the reception that has the name, address and phone number of guests for easy contact tracing purpose,” the statement added.

    For owners of food establishments such as restaurants, eateries, fast food, lounge and bar among others, the Sanwo-Olu administration said restaurants and eateries are mandated to indicate two metres spacing on the floor to guide their customers in physical distancing, adding that fast food outlets and eateries are also to maintain take-away services for now.

    On the modalities for tourism enterprises such as event centres/entertainment places, the commissioner directed that they must hold a valid licence from Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture prior to holding an event, in addition to an Event Safety Clearance from Lagos State Safety Commission before such event is held.

    “Occupancy at any event, for now, must not exceed 50 per cent maximum capacity of the hall with a maximum duration of three hours for all social events.

    “Event centres sitting arrangement must also comply with the two metre-physical spacing. All tables must be set at least five metres apart in order to maintain a safe distance and free movements,” Akinbile-Yusuf stated.

    She warned against violation of the stated conditions by event centre owners and party planners, noting that the penalty for the infraction would attract a sum of N1 million.

    While maintaining that owners of cinemas are to follow all guidelines stipulated for the hospitality sector and event centres as it relates to 50 per cent capacity, two-metre spacing and the signing of COVID-19 forms by customers above 18 years, the state government explained that the operation of all cinemas within the state must not exceed the hours stipulated by the government to ensure compliance with the 10pm to 4am curfew directive.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Lagos to Residents: You’ll Experience More Heavy Rainfalls from End of August

    Lagos to Residents: You’ll Experience More Heavy Rainfalls from End of August

    The Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led Lagos State Government has alerted residents that the state would experience more heavy rainfalls from the end of this month, saying it’s intensifying measures to minimise the effects.

    This was disclosed by Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tunji Bello, at a press conference in Lagos.

    Relying on data from the Nigerian Hydrological Services, Bello said the months of July, August, September and October also known as JASO months signify heavy rainfall, flooding and flood disasters in most parts of the country.

    He reiterated that while states like Ogun and Ekiti suffer from urban and river flooding, Lagos is at the receiving end of three types: coastal, urban and river flooding, because of the peculiarity of its location.

    Bello said the management of Ogun Osun River Basin Authority has also commenced staggered release of water from Oyan Dam, with eight to 10 million cubic meters being released in August. It would increase to 18 million in September and 23 million cubic meters in October which is the peak.

    He appealed to residents of low lying areas that are contiguous to Ogun River to be alert to the possibility of their homes being flooded as water is released from the dam.

    He urged residents to adopt an attitudinal change of not dumping refuse in drainage channels and erecting structures on drainage alignments, vowing to prosecute offenders.

    The commissioner explained that work is ongoing on more than 200 secondary channels with over 80 per cent in various stages of completion just as 46 primary channels are presently receiving various forms of attention.

    According to him, “This is in addition to the gigantic efforts of our Emergency Flood Abatement Gangs (EFAG) that are being deployed round the state to undertake quick fix to free manholes or clogged up drains manually.”

    He added that one of the new measures put in place to combat flash flooding is the provision of pumping stations with a pilot one being planned for Ilubirin in Lagos Island.

    The commissioner noted that the pumping stations would ensure quick pumping out of water from flooded neighbourhoods and reduce risk of damages to properties.

    Bello said major flood prone areas in the state that are natural buffers to the lagoon like Isheri and its environs, Owode, Agboyi-Ketu would also benefit.

    “For a coastal city like Lagos, once it rains consistently for a minimum of eight hours, we are bound to have flash flood caused by increasing inability of effective discharge into the lagoon which is brought about by a rise of the ocean level.

    “This will automatically lock up all our drainages and until the water level goes down, the drainages would be unable to discharge.

    “This is the new wave in most coastal cities around the world including those who have adopted the best of technological advancements to curtail flooding,” he said.

    Also speaking at the occasion, Special Adviser to the Governor on Drainage and Water Resources, Joe Igbokwe, maintained that effort to contain flood was the responsibility of everyone and not left to government alone.

    He enjoined Lagosians to collaborate with the government by cleaning the drainages in their frontages and desisting from indiscriminate dumping of refuse in unauthorised places.

    “I would like to appeal to Lagosians to always play their part in cleaning of the environment. This must be a collective effort, so residents should ensure they take responsibility of what is going on around them,” he said.

    He warned those engaging in these unwholesome acts to desist, saying the ministry has empowered its environmental enforcement agents to arrest and prosecute sanitation offenders in the state.

    Igbokwe thereafter enjoined residents to report all cases of drainage blockages, dumping of waste into canals and other unauthorised places to the appropriate authority, adding that by so doing they would be complementing the Sanwo-Olu administration’s efforts to tackle flooding in Lagos State.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Sanwo-Olu, Tinubu Pay Glowing Tributes to APC Chieftain, Lanre Razaq

    Sanwo-Olu, Tinubu Pay Glowing Tributes to APC Chieftain, Lanre Razaq

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, have expressed sadness over the death of a member of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) of Lagos State APC, Lanre Razaq, who passed away on Saturday morning at the age of 74 after a brief illness.

    Sanwo-Olu, who described late Razaq’s death as a rude shock, said the deceased was a great politician, a strong party man and an advocate of masses oriented programmes.

    Tinubu also described the passing of prominent politician, businessman and APC chieftain in Lagos State as a big loss to the state.

    Razaq, Balogun of Epe, died on Saturday at Reddington Hospital in Lagos after a brief illness.

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    Sanwo-Olu, in a condolence message by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Gboyega Akosile, said the deceased, in his lifetime stood for what is right, always championing policies that would lift the lot of the poor masses.

    The governor added that late Razaq, popularly called KLM did not hide his love and support of his administration especially the Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S. agenda.

    “I am saddened by the death of one of our political leaders in Lagos APC, Chief Lanre Razaq. He was a loyal party man and committed democrat, with a deep understanding of the state’s political landscape. He was an extremely loyal politician, who did his best for our party, the All Progressives Congress.

    “Chief Razaq served his people and Lagos State passionately as Chairman of Epe Local Government Area and Commissioner of Public Transportation. He brought a lot of development to Epe as a council boss and also made a lot of positive contributions to turn around public transportation in Lagos during his tenure as member of the State Executive Council.

    “Chief Razaq was a great politician, a strong party man and an advocate of masses oriented programmes. His support for our T.H.E.M.E.S. agenda was exemplary. He always propelled us to do more for the people of Lagos State.

    “There is no doubting the fact that he would be missed by the entire political class, particularly the people of Epe, the Lagos East Senatorial District and the atate as a whole,” Sanwo-Olu said.

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    The governor also condoled with the immediate family of the departed, Tinubu, other GAC members, Lagos State APC and the entire people of Epe, praying God to grant the soul of the beloved Razaq eternal rest in Aljannah firdaus.

    On his part, Tinubu said Rasaq was a grassroots politician, party loyalist and believer in the progressive cause.

    Tinubu, in a condolence message issued by his Media Office and signed by his Media Aide, Tunde Rahman, said: “I’m deeply saddened by the passing of Chief Lanre Rasaq, a grassroots politician, well-known ally and a defender of the progressive cause.

    “A member of our Governor’s Advisory Council in Lagos and one of the apex leaders in Lagos East, Chief Rasaq is an important part of our political movement.

    “He was a loyal and energetic party man who did a lot for APC, Lagos State and his Epe hometown.

    “Since he joined politics to meaningfully contribute his quota to the development of the people and betterment of the society, Chief Rasaq had had his hand on the plough and never to look back.

    “He served Epe and Lagos State in various capacities including as Chairman of Epe Local Government Area and later Commissioner for Public Transportation in the state.

    “So influential is Rasaq in his hometown that he was gifted the traditional title of Balogun of Epe. His death is a big loss to Lagos and Epe town. Lagos APC and members of the progressive family across the country will deeply miss him.

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    “I mourn with his wife and children and the entire Rasaq family. May Almighty Allah give them the strength to live after their father and patriarch.

    “I commiserate with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the government and people of the state, particularly the entire people of Epe for the loss of an illustrious son.

    “May Almighty Allah forgive the late politician of his shortcomings, reward his good deeds and grant him Aljanna Fridaus. Amin.”

  • Sanwo-Olu, Tinubu Pay Glowing Tributes to APC Chieftain, Lanre Razaq

    Sanwo-Olu, Tinubu Pay Glowing Tributes to APC Chieftain, Lanre Razaq

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, have expressed sadness over the death of a member of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) of Lagos State APC, Lanre Razaq, who passed away on Saturday morning at the age of 74 after a brief illness.

    Sanwo-Olu, who described late Razaq’s death as a rude shock, said the deceased was a great politician, a strong party man and an advocate of masses oriented programmes.

    Tinubu also described the passing of prominent politician, businessman and APC chieftain in Lagos State as a big loss to the state.

    Razaq, Balogun of Epe, died on Saturday at Reddington Hospital in Lagos after a brief illness.

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    Sanwo-Olu, in a condolence message by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Gboyega Akosile, said the deceased, in his lifetime stood for what is right, always championing policies that would lift the lot of the poor masses.

    The governor added that late Razaq, popularly called KLM did not hide his love and support of his administration especially the Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S. agenda.

    “I am saddened by the death of one of our political leaders in Lagos APC, Chief Lanre Razaq. He was a loyal party man and committed democrat, with a deep understanding of the state’s political landscape. He was an extremely loyal politician, who did his best for our party, the All Progressives Congress.

    “Chief Razaq served his people and Lagos State passionately as Chairman of Epe Local Government Area and Commissioner of Public Transportation. He brought a lot of development to Epe as a council boss and also made a lot of positive contributions to turn around public transportation in Lagos during his tenure as member of the State Executive Council.

    “Chief Razaq was a great politician, a strong party man and an advocate of masses oriented programmes. His support for our T.H.E.M.E.S. agenda was exemplary. He always propelled us to do more for the people of Lagos State.

    “There is no doubting the fact that he would be missed by the entire political class, particularly the people of Epe, the Lagos East Senatorial District and the atate as a whole,” Sanwo-Olu said.

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    The governor also condoled with the immediate family of the departed, Tinubu, other GAC members, Lagos State APC and the entire people of Epe, praying God to grant the soul of the beloved Razaq eternal rest in Aljannah firdaus.

    On his part, Tinubu said Rasaq was a grassroots politician, party loyalist and believer in the progressive cause.

    Tinubu, in a condolence message issued by his Media Office and signed by his Media Aide, Tunde Rahman, said: “I’m deeply saddened by the passing of Chief Lanre Rasaq, a grassroots politician, well-known ally and a defender of the progressive cause.

    “A member of our Governor’s Advisory Council in Lagos and one of the apex leaders in Lagos East, Chief Rasaq is an important part of our political movement.

    “He was a loyal and energetic party man who did a lot for APC, Lagos State and his Epe hometown.

    “Since he joined politics to meaningfully contribute his quota to the development of the people and betterment of the society, Chief Rasaq had had his hand on the plough and never to look back.

    “He served Epe and Lagos State in various capacities including as Chairman of Epe Local Government Area and later Commissioner for Public Transportation in the state.

    “So influential is Rasaq in his hometown that he was gifted the traditional title of Balogun of Epe. His death is a big loss to Lagos and Epe town. Lagos APC and members of the progressive family across the country will deeply miss him.

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    “I mourn with his wife and children and the entire Rasaq family. May Almighty Allah give them the strength to live after their father and patriarch.

    “I commiserate with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the government and people of the state, particularly the entire people of Epe for the loss of an illustrious son.

    “May Almighty Allah forgive the late politician of his shortcomings, reward his good deeds and grant him Aljanna Fridaus. Amin.”

  • Lagos Workers: Wellness centre timely to check stress, depression – Youth Commissioner

    Lagos Workers: Wellness centre timely to check stress, depression – Youth Commissioner

    Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Segun Dawodu has stated that the Lagos Sate Employee Wellness (LASWELL) centre initiative of the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led administration is timely and in consonance with the Health and Environment pillar of the T.H.E.M.E.S. Agenda, which represents Traffic Management and Transportation; Health and Environment; Education and Technology; Making Lagos a 21st Century state; Security and Governance.

    Dawodu stated this at the launch of the Wellness Centre by the Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola.

    He noted that the appropriate timing of the project will afford civil servants the opportunity to present themselves for medical advice in this era of ever-increasing socio-economic challenges, in addition to work-related stress and home front challenges.

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    “The fact that the rate of depression, hopelessness and lack of self-actualisation has assumed unprecedented dimension in our society today is enough to invest in the system. As a responsible government, we are taking this step to nip the development in the bud”, Dawodu added.

    The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Mrs. Yewande Falugba explained that the Lagos State Employee Wellness Centre (LASWELL) was set up for the mental stability and management of common mental health disorders of Lagos State Public Servants.

    She revealed that employees can only continue to contribute their quota to the attainment of a Greater Lagos when they are alive and in good health.

    She implored Civil Servants to take advantage of the Centre as a way of regaining self-confidence, self-worth and self-actualisation, and even reintegration to the society rather than submitting to hopelessness, depression, substance abuse or considering suicide as an option.

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    LASWELL Centre, with the motto: “Total Wellness for Public Servants”, is located within the Folarin Coker Staff Clinic at the Secretariat, Alausa.

    Services like mental health counselling, psychotherapy, initial diagnostic assessment, organisational psychology and referral, among others, will be provided by Psychiatrists, Clinical Psychologist and Social Welfare Officers.

  • 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

  • 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.

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