Stakeholders at the petroleum industry on Wednesday held a meeting with men of the security forces in a deliberate effort to end incessant gridlock on the Apapa, Oshodi-Mile 2 express road. The meeting at the NNS Beecroft, Navy yard at Apapa, was called to identify and proffer solutions to the causes of traffic problems in order to free the entire area. Addressing journalists after the meeting, Commander Ovenseri Uwadiae, who is the Chairman of the occasion and Commander of NNS Beecroft, lamented the economic loss brought upon the country by the perennial gridlock as well as threat to the general security to some extent. He further assured that with the commitment and support of the stakeholders to confront the traffic problem, the entire gridlock in the area can be completely solved. According to the Commander, some of the solutions proffered by stakeholders can be categorised into long and short term. “But for now, members of the stakeholders have resolved to focus on immediate solutions capable of bringing relief to motorists using Apapa Mile2 express way road. “Members of the stakeholders have agreed to set up a committee that would implement all the decisions taken at the meeting,” he noted. He also maintained that the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) would lead other members of the committee to inspect and ensure that shipping companies are operating loading bays in order to reduce number of trucks around the area and only trucks that have been marked for loading are within Apapa vicinity. Similarly, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA),Police, NPA and other stakeholders are therefore expected to fashion out alternative routes for trailers and tankers coming to Apapa – Mile 2 area for business in a way that they will only occupy a dedicated section of the service lane. This, Uwadiae maintained is necessary to bring orderliness on the road while reiterating his conviction that with the support of every stakeholder, motorists would soon begin to experience stress-free driving around the said axis. The commander said the management of NPA, must see to it that concessionaire operating at the port improves on human and facilities in order to reduce time being spent by trucks at the ports entrance, as spill over from the entrance often lead to traffic gridlock. The meeting urged the truck owners to cooperate with the management of the NPA in the area of registration to reduce cases of truck drivers packing within the area to solicit for business in the port, that such action is partially responsible for road blockade at Apapa. So too, the commander disclosed to media that he has been reliably informed that the repair of Apapa Mile 2 road will commence in earnest by Julius Berger. On his part, the General Manager, LASTMA, Eng. Babatunde Edu reaffirmed the commitment of the agency to pay attention to traffic along the axis and therefore solicited for the support and cooperation of other stakeholders for roads to be free of any gridlock. Other stakeholders at the meeting are leaders and representative of RTEAN, AMATO, NARTO, POLICE, NPA, FMW, UTQEN and Nigeria Navy
Tag: Babatunde Fashola
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Fashola hopeful of APC victory in Lagos
Lagos state governor Babatunde Fashola yesterday expressed optimism the All Progressives Congress (APC) will win the governorship and House of Assembly elections in the state.
Fashola spoke shortly after casting his vote alongside his wife, Abimbola and son Ademola at polling unit 002 in State Senior Grammar School, Itolo.
The governor voted at exactly 2:39pm.
He disagreed with insinuation of apathy, stressing that such conclusion can only be drawn after counting of votes.
The governor added that reports at his disposal indicated that INEC officials and materials for election arrived at many polling units and points on time, just as accreditation went smoothly.
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Speak out against electoral violence, Fashola urges elder statesmen
LAGOS State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) has urged elder statesmen and other notable leaders in the country to speak up against issues that could cause electoral violence before, during and after the forthcoming general elections.
Speaking at the Lagos House, Ikeja, when he hosted members of the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development’s Council of the Wise led by former Nigerian Permanent Representative at the United Nations, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, the governor said time has come when all lovers of the country, particularly eminent elder statesmen whose voice are respected globally to condemn statements capable of disrupting the electoral process.
Maintaining that the only way to hold politicians accountable was by putting them to task on what they do and what is done on their behalf, Fashola said, “Anytime hate messages or statements that push us to the brink are made on behalf of any of the contestants, I think you stand in a privileged position to say ‘look you haven’t done your duty here; you go out and renounce that speech’, adding, “I will say no more; I think my message is clear.”
In a veiled reference to alleged statements by some politicians to unleash violence if their parties lose the election, the governor pointed out, “When some people say that when one party or the other is not elected there would be violence, they deliberately lose what the purpose of an election is or they mischievously want to achieve an ulterior motive. An election is a contest; the outcome lies on how the people behave and they cannot predetermine that.”
Stressing that the thought of further postponing the election or removing the head of the electoral umpire should not even be entertained at this period, Fashola said what should be uppermost in the minds of Nigerians at this moment was how to comport themselves on the days of election in order to have a free, fair and credible polls.
He declared, “There should be at this time no thought at all as to whether or not the election would be conducted. That is the statement you are eminently qualified to make; that you are leaders of this country by right and will not entertain the thought at all and that everybody should perish the thought. In keeping quiet, we inadvertently help them to promote bad behavior.”
While urging the Council members to be advisory but also judgmental when there is evidence of injustice or bad behavior within the polity, Fashola said, “If we have used taxpayers’ money under the watch of a government to procure Permanent Voters’ Card (PVC) and to buy Card Readers, excuse me, this is a joke that has gone too far. That is why I say on the evidence before you, you can be judgmental. The truth must be told.”
He urged the elders to undertake the task to speak and condemn what is condemnable adding, “It is not a mean task, but you have the stature to do it. I miss the organisation that used to be called The Patriots led by late Chief FRA Williams, because this is the time they used to be at their elements. But you have the stature to fill that vacuum. I hope that you will find not only the strength but the deep wisdom to do it.”
Earlier in his opening remarks, Professor Gambari said he got the inspiration to establish the Savannah Centre after his tour of duty at the UN from two former Secretary Generals of the world body, Mr. Butrus Butrus Ghali and Mr. Kofi Annan.
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Performance should be the basis for voting elected officials, says Fashola
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, has urged Nigerians to vote for politicians seeking elective offices based on the record of performance.
Speaking during the commissioning of the 350-unit Chois Garden Estate, Abijo GRA in Ibeju Lekki area of Lagos, the governor further noted that issues such as ethnicity, religion or language are irrelevant in the coming elections, while calling on prospective voters to focus more on things that would enhance their living standards before casting their ballot.
He added that as a result of the various housing schemes which the state government has embarked upon and delivered in the last six years, thousands of Nigerians have secured jobs and means of livelihood, as well as decent places of shelter.
Speaking on the many strides recorded by the state government in the housing sector, the governor said, “A few weeks ago, we were in Agbowa where we delivered a housing estate of 460 units. Today, we are at Abijo where we are delivering a housing estate of 324 units. I have just driven through Sangotedo where we are painting and finishing I think, about 540 units and in Ibeshe in Ikorodu, we have 722 Units.
“In Surulere, in Iponri, 144 Units are under construction, in Ajara in Badagry, we have over 500 units, in Igbogbo, Ikorodu, there are two units there culminating to over 200 units, and this is going on in no less than 25 places in Lagos.”
Commenting on the housing model of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-controlled Federal Government, the governor said while the APC-controlled state government houses could be seen and known to be real, the Federal Government has continued to make unrealistic proposals such as borrowing $300 million from the World Bank for the entire country.
He added, “But that was not the only problem. That $300 million, what did they want to do with it? They wanted to use it for mortgage refinancing, not to build houses. That was what the Minister of Finance said they were doing with the $300 million. Now what is mortgage refinancing? It means that you must first find a house of your own and go to bank and take a loan of over 20 percent and after taking the loan, they now re- finance your home. So where is the house you want to buy if they are not building?
“Now, assuming that all of us could actually get that loan, they reported that 66,000 people had applied and that they had shortlisted 23,000 out of 66,000. So let us say that every one of those 23,000 got it, divide that number by 36 states. It means that no state will get more than 638 houses.”
Commenting on the promise by the PDP gubernatorial candidate in Lagos State, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, to build low cost houses for Lagosians if elected, Fashola, who noted that the candidate was yet to tell Lagosians where he would find the low cost funds, low cost labour and low cost cement and other building materials, added, “I do not make promises to deceive people; I make promises that are informed, that are researched and that are practical and can be delivered.”
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Fashola: Pray well before casting your votes
Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, yesterday urged Nigerians to seek divine guidance before casting their votes during the forthcoming elections.
The governor spoke at the 2015 interdenominational service at the Apostolic Church Nigeria Convention Grounds at Ketu, Lagos.
He reminded the worshippers that the summation of their votes come with consequences.
Fashola said the election presents a unique opportunity for everyone to make a choice to better their lives.
According to him: “Before you cast your votes, ask yourself why you are making the choice.
“At the end of the election, when votes are counted, it will make a statement. The statement is your statement and it will have consequences.”
Fashola, who equally flayed criticisms against the state government for borrowing money to execute some capital projects, said had his government failed to take the initiatives, it would have been difficult to execute projects now considering the falling value of naira in international market.
He explained: “I am happy to tell you that in the last four years, we have always been above 80% whereas many governments find it difficult to have 40% budget implementation.
“The impact of the budget is seen in the various projects that we commissioned. Those saying we borrowed money to execute projects, if we had not borrowed to build and do the constructions that we did, we would not have been able do it now that a dollar is about N220.”
Prelate of the Methodist Church, Samuel Uche, who preached during the service, upbraided politicians for suffering “from stupendous ignorance.”
According to him: “Only few of them are enlightened. Most of them are not. All these hate speeches and campaigns coming from politicians are unnecessary. God knows who will emerge at the end of it all.
“What I want to tell you is that your vote is your bullet. If you take N5, 000 and sell your vote, you are the most foolish person on earth. The voice of the people is the voice of God.
“They should allow Jega do his work. Jega conducted 2011 elections and we still have confidence in him. Why are we afraid of him now, why shivering now?”
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Photo: Evening with Buhari in Lagos
L-R Dr Kayode Fayemi Director of Research and Policy, Action Progressive Congress (APC),Governor Babatunde Fashola ,Senator Hadi Sirika and Alhaji Nasri Danu, National Ex-official APC and sponsor of the programme, An evening with Buhari and Oshinbajo by celebrities, professional, entertainment and media committees in Lagos. Photo Bola Omilabu -
Photo: Buhari meets South West Youths
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola; National Chairman, All Progressives Congress , Chief John Oyegun; and APC Presidential Candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, during a Town Hall Meeting with South West Youths, in Lagos…..Thursday
Photo :Bola Omilabu -
Lagos hands over Maidan-Agiliti roads, bridge
Lagos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola, yesterday handed over the Maidan-Aina-Agiliti network of roads and bridge in Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area, stating that the successful completion of the project is a promise made and kept.
The Governor spoke before cutting the tape to open the road and four others including Oremerin/Ibikunle, Oniyanrin, Ajanlekoko- Oluwo and Adeyeye.
He described the Maidan- Aina- Agiliti roads as another evidence of slum regeneration and urban renewal.
“I was here in 2007 and 2008 and have been here every year until we came now. It was overtaken by flood. Canoe was the only means. They asked to make them boxed culverts and to make them a jetty and somebody said the community has been separated from Kosofe for over 50 years,” he said.
According to him, the new roads and bridge has brought prosperity to all the people in the area, with the traders commuting easily with their wares and Landlords also enjoying an increase in rate of properties due to the new roads.
Governor Fashola said the project represents the value of democracy where voters can hold politicians responsible for the promises that they made to them.
He said: “Our work is not finished, for the 800 metres stretch remaining that the residents want us to complete, let us make a promise here today that if you vote for all my party candidates at all levels during the general elections, I assure you that we will come and finish that road. It is social contract, you want something, I promise you that I would do it.
“You stand in the sun and in the rain and you will vote. Once you finish voting, be sure that you will see me in the sun and in the rain and I have been there for the last eight years. Because I always remember that you voted for me in the sun, you stood in the rain, I cannot hide under the canopy when it is my turn to fulfil my part, you have fulfilled your vote. That is why today you are seating down under canopy while I am in the sun. This is the real opportunity for you to show that you are the masters.”
The Governor warned that if the people fail to change the Government at the centre now, the Dollar that is now exchanging for over N210 may go as high as N300 to One Dollar, adding that instead of the Federal Government providing a solution to the ongoing fuel scarcity, it is accusing the All Progressives Congress of being responsible for it.
He thanked the Special Adviser on Works, Ganiyu Johnson who commenced work on the project and the Commissioner for Works, Dr Femi Hamzat who completed it, all the staff who worked on the project and the main contractors, Messrs CCCEC for a job well done.
Speaking earlier, Dr Hamzat said the new roads include Ibikunle Oremerin, Oniyanrin, Ajanlekoko- Oluwo and Adeyeye and have all been designed to handle flooding that comes with opening of Oyan Dam in the area.
He added that the Bridge which is 300 metres length is also heavily fortified with 364 piles and can last up to 300 years, just as the roads have been provided with service ducts to prevent cutting for laying pipes.
He urged the residents and the Community Development Associations (CDAs) to take ownership of the roads and bridge.
According to him, the roads and bridge are constructed with tax payers’ money.
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Fashola lifts police with ICT centre
Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola yesterday handed over an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Resource Centre to the Area ‘C’ Police Command in Surulere to facilitate its work.
He said his administration plans to hand over 100 of such centres to the police before his tenure expires on May 29.
The ICT centre has two computers and trained personnel to man the accessories which include a digital camera, Digital Assert Management Systems Software (DAMS) and two KW Solar installations.
“We cannot over-emphasise the importance of information communications in our lives. What we have done with these centres is to empower and enable the police to be able to keep detailed records of evidence. For instance, why do we have to keep a vehicle that was involved in an accident in the station for so long and allow it to rot, thereby losing value and depriving the owner of the vehicle? With this centre, the police can just take the photographs of the vehicle from all possible angles and incident it in their electronic file,” he said.
The ICT centre, he said, would also help to ensure a clean environment as the police can do their work with improved self-esteem; remove blockades and reduce traffic gridlock.
Fashola praised the Ministry of Science and Technology, which he said, helped in the training of the policemen.
While commending the dedication of policemen, the governor said: “In spite of the remarkable decline in crime rate in Lagos, the state government will not relent in taking to another level the wide-ranging crime-reduction strategies to address the peculiar security challenges arising from the heavy human density and daily economic-driven migration into the state.”
Commissioner of Police Kayode Aderanti praised the governor for his investment in the police, saying: “What we have in Lagos as far as policing is concerned would not have been possible if you were not police-friendly. The ICT centres would really help us in our fight against crime in the state.”
