For decades, the roads have become death traps, leading  to several loss of lives. But the federal and state governments seem set to reverse the trend following protests by commuters and other road users, OKWY IROEGBU-CHIKEZIE reports.

It was a bizzare site but not unexpected. Last week, residents and commuters on the Abeokuta-Lagos Expressway  took to the street, barricading the road. Their grouse was fueled by the parlous state of the road, which has become a death trap.

Indeed, the sordid site of the highway paints a lurid picture of what obtains in other major roads across the country. They have either been abandoned or are undergoing some rehabilitation which has been taking eternity to complete.

Examples of these are the Onitsha/Enugu Expressway, Lagos/Ibadan Expressway,  Port Harcourt/Enugu Expressway,  Abeokuta/ Ota /Lagos highway, the EasWest road, among others.

The fears of commuters on these deplorable roads are not unfounded if data by the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) is anything to go by.

A breakdown of the data shows that in 2013, 5,539 deaths were recorded from road accidents; 4,430 fatalities in 2014; 5,400 in 2015; 5,053 in 2016; 5,049 for 2017; 5,181 in 2018; and 5,483 in 2019. In the third quarter of last year, 1,236 deaths were reported in the road traffic crashes.

But relief may have appeared on the horizon for road users. Arising from the protest, the Federal Government appears set to accede to their demand.

At the weekend, the Federal  and  Ogun State  government announced rehabilitation synergy on the Ota-Idiroko Road. In a  statement, both parties said plans had been concluded to execute palliative works on the 64-kilometre Ota-Idiroko Road in Ogun State.

At the road inspection led by the Federal Controller of Works in Ogun State, Mr Umar Bakare, the Federal Government expressed concern about the plight of road users, assuring that it was committed to the speedy reconstruction of the road.

Bakare said the contract for the reconstruction of the highway was undergoing procurement under the Tax Credit Scheme of the Federal Government. He said documentations were at advanced stage to mobilise the contractor to site, adding that the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) was already fixing some bad portions of the road.

He said the rehabilitation would precede the award of contract for reconstruction of the distressed international route linking Nigeria with neighbouring Benin Republic.

Bakare added that apart from being an international route, the highway also links major industries, two private universities and factories, hence the government’s resolve for rigid pavement on it to absorb its huge traffic.

“While the processing of the contract is on-going, there is a synergy between the Federal Ministry of Works and Ogun State Government to put this road in a motorable state,’’ he said, assuring that consultations had reached an advanced stage on the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the road.

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The  Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Ogun State Government, Mr. Lateef Yusuf, said the maintenance would begin in a fortnight. “The Ogun State Government has started the process for palliative work that will start maybe in the next one to two weeks,’’ he said.

It would be recalled that scores of travellers on the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway  last week were stranded after residents in the Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State protested the bad roads in the area. The residents, who came from Sango, Ota, Ijoko, Oju-Ore, Joju and their environs, blocked the highway for several hours to protest the deplorable condition of roads in the area. Last week’s demonstration on the road was not the first. Last October, some youths  also protested against the condition of roads in the community with the hashtag, #FixOtaRoads.

A spokesperson for the protesters, Sola Afariogun, said the group was made up of people living in Ota,  indigenes and non-indigenes. He said: “We have lost lives and we are losing work hours on a daily basis. The cost of car repairs is much; fares are also on the rise; it has affected  the cost of goods as market women now add the cost of transporting goods to the cost of selling.

“We want the governor to fix the state roads in Ota and we have given him a list of roads we want him to fix. Our message is very clear: leave federal roads to the Federal Government and concentrate on state roads. We have only three federal roads in Ota and we have 19 state roads.”

The state Governor, Dapo Abiodun, recently faulted the Federal Government for not ceding the roads to Ogun and Lagos states. He, however, assured that some engineers from the Federal Ministry of Works were on the road to assess it, a move that gives him confidence that rehabilitation would start soon.

By Adeola Ogunlade

The Managing Director/Chief Executive of Federal Housing Authority (FHA), Senator Gbenga Ashafa has called on stakeholders in the housing sector to embrace smart technology for efficient housing delivery.

Ashafa spoke at the real estate event in Lagos organised by Thinkmint Nigeria. It had as the theme: “Real estate markets signals in Africa: Trends and opportunities.”

He said technology is predominantly “brick and mortar.” There is an urgent need to look to more viable alternatives to reduce costs while enhancing efficiency and minimising environmental impact.

Ashafa said the world is fast embracing “smart” technology and Africa cannot afford to be left behind as the presence of technology will influence business and building processes as well as consumer behaviour.

He noted that housing, though one of the basic needs of man, however, facilitates holistic development within a planned economy, including safe, efficient, secure and affordable housing leads to a better quality of life for citizens.

“Real estate investment is the pedestal for growth and development.  It is the bedrock upon which many countries have attained a vibrant economy,” he said.

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Ashafa further stressed that the sector remains the asset of choice for investment.  A boost in growth is expected despite COVID-19 headwinds, which will provide opportunities in the various subsectors.

Although he noted that the major challenge would be the third trust, however, that human resilience would, ultimately, triumph.

He urged investors to invest in Africa’s real estate market to explore the potential for local partnerships.

“It is important that investors explore the potential for local partnerships.  Not only may this be required by legislation, but such a partnership could also bring local expertise to help identify and overcome difficulties in doing business in the local environment,” he added.

In his presentation, the Director, Regional Office for Africa, United Nations Human Settlements Programme,  Oumar Sylla, said various towns in Africa face pronounced urban planning and management capacity challenges which may also constrain the pandemic responses.

He said the need for a new policy around COVID-19 and urban health management communication strategies, multi-stakeholder community engagement, map and update data on vulnerable groups to ensure evidence-based support and integrated urban and local area data management systems is imperative.

By Okwy Iroegbu­Chikezie

To deepen access to shortlet rentals and stake market leadership, Shortlethomes, has opened 1677 Mayfair Apartments.

The Chief Executive Officer, Digital Landlords Nigeria Limited, the parent company of Shortlethomes and 1677 Mayfair Apartments, Mr. Keji Giwa, said the facility is primed to be the choice destination for travellers and visitors who desire luxury away from home.

“The 1677 Mayfair Apartments is no different from living in central London’s rated five-star apartments, offering proximity to the best bars, restaurants and night clubs Lagos Island has to offer,” Giwa said.

He explained that the 1677 Mayfair Apartments was built on a strong foundation inspired by the 1980’s colonial architectural design for expatriates but which has been redesigned to meet the needs of modern finishing.

Giwa noted further that its firm’s decision to open 1677 Mayfair Apartments became necessary to boost access to shortlet apartments while offering various experience from the conventional hotels.

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“Travellers and Lagos residents yearn for luxury, convenience, comfort and an experience of a lifetime. For us, we take this seriously with our shortlet offerings ensuring we provide the best of quality services, adequate security, and luxury that is obtainable anywhere in the world.” Mr. Giwa stated.

According to a report by Market Watch, short-term rentals market has grown significantly during the last few years, and it is expected to grow at a rapid pace in the next five years with the occupancy rate projected to hit 70 per cent by the end of the year.

Giwa added: “Nigeria is experiencing a real estate boom driven by high yield rental income from short let opportunities. This is a huge opportunity for the hospitality industry to provide access to quality apartments for short let rentals. The prospect of this continued expansion is a timely warning to hotels offering rooms at the same rates consumers can get a whole apartment and, in some cases, much lower.”

The Conservator-General, National Park Service, Dr. Ibrahim Goni, has assured Nigerians of the safety of tourists in the Kainji Lake National Park.

Speaking at a parley on the outcome of the recent joint patrol at the Park with a total area of 5,340.82sq/kilometres, he lamented that the park that was almost a safe haven to some highly endangered species of wildlife and  criminal elements recently but  for the agency’s vigilance.

He said their intelligence gathering led to a collaboration among the organisation, vigilantes and others, leading to the arrest of several illegal loggers.

Goni said about 20  illegal loggers who had  various trucks, loaded with timber were arrested by the patrol team and that they would be prosecuted.

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He said: “The collaborative efforts paying off and will effectively degrade the activities of bandits and other criminal elements within our parks and the surrounding communities. These collaborations, which are a continuing exercise, would help to speedily restore peace and stability at our parks, the host communities and Nigeria as a whole. It is worthy to note that this operation was successful because of the vital information shared to the Service and which is a crucial role every person in Nigeria should play. It is pivotal in decisively checking the activities of criminals,” he added.

He said the park, just like other forest reserves, has challenges such as illegal poaching, grazing, logging and fishing.

However, he said his agency is resolute and remains committed to attaining the desired status of a tourist destination for legal visitors.

He pledged the preparedness of his organisation  to sustain the ongoing operations to stop the insecurity in the area.

The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Lands Bureau, Bode Agoro, has said  the agency is digitalising.

He spoke during the investiture of the 27th Chairman of the Nigeria Institution of Estate Surveyors & Valuers (NIESV), Lagos State Chapter, Olabisi Demola­ Alade.

Agoro said the government had implemented reforms that would ease the process of business in the property investment sector through the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority and the state’s task force on land matters.

He said: “It is worthy to note that through the activities of the institution, we have been able to secure and improve the technical knowledge entailed in landed economy valuation, appraisal of real estate, other fixtures and fittings, that have been helpful and instrumental in the development of real estate while also reducing the troubles residents face when it comes to property development and valuation.’’

Agoro advised the new chairman to build on the relationship between the government and institution to ensure that their members and investment firms are registered with the government to ensure uniformity in sanitising the sector.

He congratulated the new chairman, stressing that the state, which Nigeria’s commercial hub has been able to secure and improve the technical knowledge entailed in landed economy valuation.

Demola­Alade said her 10-point agenda would be delivered soon. She reiterated that about 35 households needed decent housing nationwide.

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She promised to increase the process of achieving it through a robust engagement with the private sector.

She said: “My administration will extend the frontiers  and deepen the relationship  between both the public and  the private sector  to foster a robust engagement that will grow the sector. We would be expanding the frontiers of the branch’s engagement with internal and external stakeholders and deepening relationships with both public and private sectors. I have presented to members a “10-point agenda and this has been documented for reference and strict compliance in the implementation of our programmes, which has members’ welfare at the top.”

The keynote speaker, Mr. Kingsley Mojekwu, urged estate surveyors and valuers to synergise with other professionals in the sector.

Lagos State Governor,  Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has charged members of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) to work with other professionals in the sector to end the menace of building collapse.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 51st Builders’ Annual Conference in Lagos, Sanwo-Olu said the event had become a platform for builders to brainstorm on issues that are essential to the growth of the nation.

He said the theme of this year’s gathering, “Advancing technologies, systems and standards for sustaining building construction” is germane to the state in attaining and sustaining its technology driven Smart City that would enhance the programmes and plans of the government in improving the lives and welfare of its citizens.

“The builders’ role takes prominence at the construction stage and thus entrusted to take charge of the activities on a building construction site in translating designs, specification and lot more into a physical structure. Structures can be built in the most efficient and cost effective manner when a builder is brought early into the planning process.

“The quality of structures will impact the lives of people, economically, socially and mentally. It is pertinent to say that opportunities for exposure be provided for builders to acquire more knowledge to develop global best practices.”

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The governor, who was represented at the event by his Special Adviser on Works and Infrastructure, Aramide Adeyoye, said: “I want to use this opportunity to implore and charge you all to work with other professionals in this industry to find a lasting solution to the building collapse and upgrade your expertise.’’

In his keynote address at the forum, an activist, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), decried incessant incidents of building collapse, calling for penalties.

According to him, owners of buildings and quacks or builders who were involved or negligent in building collapse are liable to be prosecuted.

The President, Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), Mr. Kunle Awobodu, lamented the activities of quacks, saying the outcome of many investigations of collapsed buildings had shown that quackery was mainly responsible for the problem.

He emphasised that until such quacks were brought to book to serve as deterrents, building construction would remain an attractive business for charlatans.

In the belly of the sprawling Isolo environ in Lagos State sits a serene upper class abode with state-of-the-art infrastructure, OKWY IROEGBU-CHIKEZIE reports.

The first consideration was to create wealth for individuals through a shared prosperity formula using real estate. It was, therefore, not surprising when the choice of location to have an impact was the Isolo suburb of Lagos State.

Here, Wealth Island Properties (WIP), a real estate firm, appears to have turned the fortunes of the area around with the siting of its 150-housing unit estate on a piece of land surrounded by a lake, a problem, which has necessitated the provision of a boat that residents can enjoy and connects Ajao Estate to the International Airport.

The promoters of the estate, christens the estate, which sits on 14.5 acres  “Parkland Apartments”

The WIP Managing Director, Tade Cash, said the mission is to build a city that will stand the test of time by creating prosperity for every investor.

He said their target is to provide 24 units of three bedrooms and two-bedrooms, with a 600-metre road network at N18.9million and N14.5million.

Besides, Cash said their objective is to upgrade the lifestyle of the residents while enhancing urbanisation in the neigbourhood.

He stated that every great city is built on great and innovative infrastructure, saying this is why they are investing over N150 million to build a connecting bridge and to invest further huge finance draining the canal to enable a boat cruise by residents.

WIP’s investment in infrastructure is attraction for would-be owners or residents in the estate. Therefore, he said, providing standard infrastructure could not be over-emphasised to keep an environment in a tip-top shape.

“Several parts of Lagos State can be categorised as urban slum areas. Most prime neigbourhoods like Victoria lsland, Lekki and others are a mixture of shanties and cities. This is what has brought about a high deficit in infrastructure. The problem urban slum areas pose is that they  could become a hideout for social miscreants and that defeats the overall goal of the government’s vision to build great cities and have a safe environment for residents,” Cash explained, adding that having identified these problems with some Lagos highbrow estates, his company decided to change the narrative with the belief that a home determines how a person lives. He canvassed the need for the federal and state governments to provide an enabling environment and competitive infrastructure to enable businesses to thrive.

The WIP chief bemoaned the high cost of approval fees in the state, and poor infrastructure provision where developers are expected to provide  the needed infrastructure, delays and multiple taxation that discourage investment from the private sector.

Cash said his holding company would provide financing for subscribers for between five and 10 years on 13 per cent interest because he would want every prospective subscriber to be part of their strong customer base that can serve as a referral point.

He said: “Our mission is glaring; it is driven by a fundamental philosophy to make cities in seemingly impossible places. Some people call this whole area a canal but looking at the level of infrastructure we are bringing here, we decided to call it ‘the love canal,’’ adding: Boats will be able to cruise around and it is going to be a healthy environment for the residents. The philosophy driving us as an entity is to build cities that enable the prosperity of all.’’

By Okwy Iroegbu-­Chikezie

Lagosians have been charged to take responsibilities of looking after their roads to compliment government’s continued effort to rehabilitate road defects across the state.

This charge was given by the General Manager of the Lagos State Public Works Corporation (LSPWC), Olufemi Daramola an Engineer in a media chat in his office while briefing on the operations of the Agency.

According to Daramola, maintenance work carried out by the Agency sometimes come under threat as a result of some negative activities of the public such as pouring oil by mechanics and other negative attitudes. In its bid to address the situation, he said the corporation is ‘’reinvigorating its advocacy campaign to sensitise the public man-made causes of road damage with a view to inspiring the people to take ownership of the roads’’. Habits such as burning of items on the road, discharge of waste water on the road, removal of manhole covers, excessive axle load, cooking on roads, indiscriminate cutting of roads and dumping of refuse in drains are all part of reasons why roads cannot last their supposed lifespan’’; he said. He pledged that some roads such as Fatai Atere, Cappa , Fagba, Osolo way will receive attention urgently as they progress.

Speaking on the preparedness of the corporation to discharge its duties even in the rainy season, the General Manager hinted that his Agency has evolved a culture of working round the clock, adding that night operations have become permanent features of its modus operand.

On the impact of rain he said: “ He said though weather conditions have some impact on road maintenance activities generally, the corporation is prepared to take full advantage of dry periods in-between to carry out maintenance operations.

He also said that weather forecast are usually considered in planning work schedules while efforts are concentrated on cold mix asphalt to address pot-holes.

He pledged that the agency will continue to support the corporation to rapidly attack road defects, especially on strategic roads with high vehicular movement where pot holes and failed sections slow down movement, thereby impacting negatively on economic and social activities in the state. For this reason, he added, the Agency has sustained its effort to provide various forms of interventions in combating road defects which includes palliative works, routine maintenance and total rehabilitation.

He said : “The Corporation has worked on a total of 385 roads across the state from January 2021 till date. Among the 385 roads, 100 strategic roads have been rehabilitated, while routine maintenance was carried out on over 268 roads and 17 roads were maintained using palliative approaches. The Corporation hopes to work on additional 400 roads before the year ends.

Some of the strategic roads done so far include: Aye/Isolo , Mushin-Isolo Local Government Area, Ileshomi Street, Oshodi LGA, Ado Badore, Eti-Osa LGA, Dailey Street, Shomolu LGA, Odogbolu Street, Surulere LGA, Keffi Street, Obalende, Lagos Island LGA.

Others are Jakande Estate Road, Alimosho LGA, Afolabi Street, Ikotun, Alimosho LGA, Old Otta Road, Powerline Junction, Orile Agege LGA and Etunreren Street and Ikorodu Samuel Ayetutu road.

By Okwy lroegbu-Chikezie

General Manager, Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK), Mrs. Adetoun Popoola, yesterday said about 4,000 trees will be planted on that date, simultaneously across Lagos by both private and public sector institutions, while about 7.6 million trees have been planted between 2011 and end of last year with 50,000 targeted for 2021.

According to her, there will be ceremonial tree planting events by members of the state executive at designated locations.

In addition, trees will be planted across the 57 Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas.

“We have commenced sensitization and mobilization in preparation for the exercise. Tree seedlings are already being distributed to all the state LGAs and LCDAs for this purpose.

To encourage more people to plant, we will also be giving out tree seedlings free of charge to interested participants, private Organisations and volunteers like Non Governmental Organisations (NGOS), Community Development Associations (CDAs) and Community Development Committees (CDCs), until the end of July.

According to her, the Lagos State Tree Planting Day which was established in 2008 and further established by law as a statutory responsibility of the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency, remains a significant day for us as it offers the opportunity to create awareness on the need to protect our environment and enhance healthy living through planting of trees.

Poopola, said “Over the years, the Lagos State Tree Planting Day has grown to be one of the largest platforms for environmental public outreach in Lagos State and is celebrated annually by thousands of people, groups and organisations across various sectors of the state.

“In line with this, we recently established an urban forest park on the Lekki-Epe expressway which consists of a spiral loop trail for walking and jogging, garden seats, fun wall art, solar-powered security lights and several tree and plant species across the entire length.

“Our efforts do not stop at planting trees tomorrow, we will continue to plant and replant trees, engage partners and stakeholders on advocacy programmes critical to the recovery and restoration of our ecosystem”, she added.