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Tag: bridge

  • Bridge joins Wema Bank’s startup accelerator program

    Bridge joins Wema Bank’s startup accelerator program

    Bridge, an innovative and multi-layered escrow payment platform poised to transform the landscape of social media e-commerce, has announced its selection as a participant in Wema Bank’s Startup Accelerator Program.

    This remarkable chance positions Bridge to elevate its mission to transform online transactions in Nigeria’s dynamic and rapidly expanding digital market to new heights, setting the stage for a new era of seamless and efficient online commerce.

    The Wema Bank Accelerator Programme represents a pivotal moment for Bridge, providing the startup with essential resources, expert mentorship, and financial backing to elevate its cutting-edge secure transaction platform.

    Selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants, Bridge hopes to take advantage of the programme’s holistic support system, including workshops, networking, and exposure to industry expertise.

    This will enable the company to maximize and expand its innovative solutions, tackling major issues faced in Nigeria’s rapidly growing e-commerce industry, such as payment security, transaction speed, and customer confidence.

    Through this partnership, Bridge is poised to make a lasting difference in the marketplace, fuelling growth and spurring greater access for online consumers

    “Being selected for Wema Bank’s Accelerator Programme is a validating milestone for our vision of establishing a trusted and secure transaction environment for online buyers and sellers,” said Jerry Peters, Co-Founder of Bridge.

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    “This opportunity will allow us to speed up our growth and expand our mission of promoting secure social commerce to more Nigerians.”

    Through the Wema Bank Accelerator Programme, Bridge aims to significantly expand its customer base by actively targeting new demographics and regions, allowing more individuals and businesses to access its services.

    The program will also continue to advance Bridge’s technology infrastructure, including software and hardware enhancements, to deliver sound security and a superior user experience.

    At the press conference and official announcement, Mr. Babatunde Mumuni, Chief Transformation & Innovation Officer, announced the return of the Accelerator Programme, emphasizing its role in empowering startups that emerged from the Hackaholics Programme.

    “We are reigniting this initiative to provide these startups with the critical support they need to secure funding and drive meaningful collaborations,” he stated.

    Solomon Ayodele, Head of Innovation & IDEAx Labs [WEMA Incubation & Accelerator Lab], further highlighted the depth of the programme, revealing that a meticulously designed curriculum will equip startups with the knowledge and networks required for long-term success.

    “Over the course of five weeks, participants will engage with global facilitators and mentors across key industry verticals. The programme will culminate in a high-impact Demo Day, where we will bring together key ecosystem players to showcase the groundbreaking innovations of these startups,” he added.

    In addition, under the accelerator program, Bridge seeks to establish strategic collaborations with other organizations, financial institutions, and technology firms.

    The collaborations will leverage complementing capabilities to create innovative solutions and promote mutual growth. The initiative will also enable Bridge to utilize data-driven market research and outreach strategies, enabling it to discover new opportunities and effectively reach potential customers in various industries.

  • ‘Opebi–Ojota Bridge will be completed this year’

    ‘Opebi–Ojota Bridge will be completed this year’

    The strategic Opebi/Mende/Ojota Bridge will be completed before the end of this year, the Lagos State government has said.

    The bridge and other arterial roads connecting it were conceptualised to solve major traffic issues and provide alternative routes for motorists plying Toyin, Allen, and Opebi to access Ojota, and those from Maryland to connect Ikeja and its environs.

    Special Adviser in the Office of Infrastructure to the governor, Olufemi Daramola, who inspected five strategic roads being built by the government, said the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration is committed to completing all ongoing road and bridge projects across the state.

    Daramola, accompanied by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso and other officials, inspected the Abiola-Onijemo link road with bridge; Ikeja Urban Regeneration Project consisting of five roads – Oduduwa Way, Oduduwa Crescent, Oba Dosunmu, Sobo Arobiodu and Sasegbon Streets.

    The team also inspected the Opebi-Mende Link Bridge and roads, the Arowojobe link bridge and approach road at Maryland, as well as Agidi Demurin and Church Street Network in Kosofe Local Government Area. They also visited Saint Finbar’s Road (UNILAG to Abule Okuta- Soluyi (Deeper Life Church in Kosofe Local Government Area. Daramola and Omotoso expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work.

    Daramola said though the weather had slowed down the pace of work, the contractors were working assiduously to complete the projects before the end of the year.

    He said: “This tour is part of our efforts at ensuring that all our contractors are up and doing. Most of the projects have very commendable progress. But the major challenge now is the rain. However, I assure you that public works are up and running.”

    Omotoso expressed satisfaction with the level of work across project sites, saying the government has been engaging youths and students to be abreast of new trends in technology.

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    He noted that despite the rains, contractors are committed to meeting deadlines.

    “We have been going round since morning and what we have seen is testimony that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is not resting on his oars.

    “There are so many projects that have been completed and so many in the pipeline like we saw that despite the rains, contractors were at work, it shows that we’re forging ahead despite the weather,” he added.

    One of the students on internship at the construction sites, Apologun Onetere, said the experience has been thrilling.

    The 400-level student of Babcock University said: “I have learnt a lot about piling which is the foundation of building a bridge. It’s so refreshing to see things in practice. I appreciate this experience.”

  • President, governors inaugurate bridge, roads, vehicles across states

    President, governors inaugurate bridge, roads, vehicles across states

    • Nigeria’s democracy worth celebrating, says Obasanjo

    President Bola Tinubu yesterday marked the maiden anniversary of his administration with the inauguration of projects.

    In Akwa Ibom State, residents of Ibeno and Eastern Obolo communities were elated when the President inaugurated a 600-metre bridge which was started 19 years ago, to link a 6.7-kilometre road.

    The road is a two-lane single-carriageway with an asphaltic surface, including the 600-metre reinforced concrete bridge and side drainage, linking over 20 communities and facilitating trade and economic activities.

    The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) started the project to link the Iko-Atabrikang-Akata-Opolom-Okoroutip-Iwouchang road (Section 11).

    The President, who was represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, praised the management of NDDC for directly touching the lives of the people of Niger Delta in just one year in office.

    “Today, the people of Ibeno have another access road to civilisation. It was difficult before to access these areas, but today, you can access with the 600-metre bridge.

    “About 20 communities separated by Qua-Iboe River are now linked up by this bridge to Eastern Obolo and other parts of the state.

    “The economic activities, exchange of commerce and education will now flourish. This is the first time NDDC is impacting on the lives of the Niger Delta people directly,” the President said.

    The Minister of Niger Delta Development, Abubakar Momoh, promised that the ministry and the NDDC would deliver one legacy project after another while implementing this year’s budget.

    He hailed the President for facilitating the completion of the project.

    Also, former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said May 29 is a most important and memorable day in the life of corporate Nigeria.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Tinubu inaugurates 600-metre bridge project in A’Ibom

    He said democracy has been an achievement, irrespective of what critics may say.

    The former President, who spoke yesterday in Yola, the Adamawa State capital, stressed that 25 years of uninterrupted democracy is worth celebrating.

    Also, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago yesterday inaugurated 200 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses in Minna, the state capital, under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to reduce transportation problems among the residents.

    The governor also inaugurated 50 security vehicles to support security agencies, 50 calibrated trucks for refuse disposal and 50 transformers for distribution.

    Also, Kwara State Governor AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq yesterday announced that his administration had converted 20 of its petrol-engine vehicles to CNG vehicles.

    He said more would soon be added to the number.

  • Fed Govt to save N300b from redesigned Second Niger Bridge Bypass

    Fed Govt to save N300b from redesigned Second Niger Bridge Bypass

    • Action excites Ayim, Metuh, Southeast leaders

    The redesigning of the Onitsha Bypass for the Second Niger Bridge will save the Federal Government N300 billion, it was learnt yesterday.

    Works Minister Dave Umahi, who commissioned the redesigning, said flaws and overestimation were discovered in the initial design.

    The minister directed contractors working on federal road projects in the Southeast and Southsouth to accelerate work while ensuring compliance with contract specifications.

    In a statement by his media aide, Uchenna Orji, Umahi said the defective design of the Second Niger Bridge Bypass was discovered while inspecting the rehabilitation of Section IV (Aba-Port Harcourt stretch) on the Enugu-Port Harcourt dual carriageway by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation Ltd (CCECC).

    The minister was accompanied by the Deputy Chief Whip of the 10th Senate, Onyekachi Nwaebonyi and Southeast leaders, including former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF)/ex-Senate President Pius Anyim and former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olisa Metuh.

    They all commended the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration for its commitment to rebuild the country and the foresight in appointing a professional to oversee the Works Ministry.

    Reaffirming the Renewed Hope administration’s dedication under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Umahi emphasized the non-negotiable commitment to constructing enduring road infrastructure with the most efficient design at minimal expense.

    Umahi attributed that his work ethic were some of the ideals in the Renewed Hope mantra under his ministry, including design and cost-effectiveness, speed and standard of job delivery as well as innovations that would guarantee zero maintenance and durability of road infrastructure.

    He said: “And just only two days back, with these leaders, we went to Asaba to look at the design of the bypass of the second Niger bridge, and we went to Onitsha.

    “By that singular movement, we saw that the design was defective and we agreed on a new kind of design. That was how we saved the country over N300b by that singular movement to that location.”

    Giving a marching order to CCECC on its section of the road, Umahi said the contractors should always consider the sufferings of the road users as they set up their work plans, while urging them to ensure that the roads they are working on are made passable for commuters during the rainy season.

    He said: “We will not accept anything less than two to three sections working. And I’ve given seven days for this particular lane, that is, the upper bound lane to be totally repaired, to ameliorate the sufferings of the commuters.

    “I feel for them very highly. When you go through this road, you now need to take a number of painkillers. It’s not desirable. So, I’m begging CCECC, the controller, and engineers to do everything possible in the next seven days and create a smooth sail on this right-hand side.” 

    The minister, who also visited the Upgrading of the 15km section of the East-West road section III:  (Port Harcourt – Eleme Junction to Onne Junction in Rivers State) handled by RCC, the rehabilitation of Enugu- Port Harcourt Expressway Section 3, Enugu- Lokpanta handled by CGC and the rehabilitation work at the collapsed bridge site at the New Artisan Bridge near NNPC mega fillings station Enugu Capital City, Enugu State, was quoted as expressing satisfaction with the job done but charged contractors to step up their pace to cover a milestone ahead of the rainy season.

    Of the project on Eleme refinery road, the minister was quoted as saying, “we are upgrading the 15km road between Eleme flyover to Onne junction. We are starting with excavation to fill all the failed sections to make them stable. And when we get to where stable, we build up the boulders. After boulders, we put up sharp sand, and after the sharp sand, we compact.

    “After the compaction, we put the first layer of stone base, 20cm first layer that will build up against another 10cm of stone base, we compact. After compacting, we leave it out for the traffic. So that it gets maximum compaction.

    “After that, we put 10 cm with five per cent cement to stabilize it and make it very strong. That will make the road very stable and it will last for a long time.”

    Commending the President for creating the conducive environment for him to effectively carry out the tasks assigned to him, Umahi said: “I want to thank Mr. President, so much. He has done a lot in our road infrastructure.

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    “He’s a man who wants all the roads to be completed as soon as possible. But let me assure him that I’m doing the best that I can with the fear of God and with commitment to his Renewed Hope agenda, which we all embraced.”

    The stakeholders from the Southeast, who joined the Minister on the inspection tour, also expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his decisive and confidence-inspiring measures aimed at revitalising the country’s economy, with competent aides appointed to support him in this endeavor.

    The Southeast leaders urged Nigerians to maintain their confidence in President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope administration.

    Sen. Nwaebonyi, who doubles as the Deputy Chairman of Public Accounts and member of the Works Committee of the 10th Senate said: “This is what we were lacking before, like he said here, he is not an office minister.

    “He moves from site to site to ensure that the jobs are done according to specification. That is what we want in this country, and I want to commend Mr. President for finding him worthy.

    “This is the very first time an expert is leading this ministry, and I want to assure Nigerians that very soon, they will see the difference in all our projects.”

    Anyim said: “I want to remind you that the day the Honourable Minister took oath of office, he had a reception and I chaired it and I reassured Nigerians that he would exceed their expectations.

    “I think this trip is a follow-up to that assurance to satisfy myself that he’s actually exceeding expectations. And I can tell you that it’s amazing. His passion, his expertise impact the design, the quality, the speed, the durability, and, in fact, impacts the style of project implementation.

    “And for the two days we’ve been on the road, it’s been like never before. And I want to say that I am proud that he is exceeding expectations. And I want to say that I have been vindicated that the President did not make any mistakes.”

  • Lagos coastal community gets first bridge

    Lagos coastal community gets first bridge

    The ancient Island of Agboyi, in the Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area on Friday recorded the historic opening of the first bridge in the coastal community.

    At the event, the monarch of the community,   Oba Monsuru Abimbola Oladega, the fourth Olu of Agboyi, drove his  Sport Utility Vehicle on the bridge at exactly 11:45 am.

    The construction of the bridge was facilitated by the Federal Government and supervised by Lagos State.

    The project engineer, Sunday Akinlabi said the project was designed in phases and aims to connect Agboyi Phases 1 to 3 together.

    He commended the people of Agboyi for their support since the inception of the project.

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    In his remarks, the Chairman of the Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, Hon. Dele Osinowo thanked the Federal Government and Lagos State government for the project. He noted that the project will bring about a new Agboyi town.

    In his speech,  Oba Oladega promised that the community would continue to support the government at all levels.

    The monarch of Oruba- Agboyi,  Oba Taiwo Lamino Opeifa, also expressed his satisfaction with the project.

  • Lagos reopens Third Mainland Bridge

    Lagos reopens Third Mainland Bridge

    The Lagos State government has announced the reopening of the Third Mainland Bridge yesterday.

    The bridge was closed last month to enable the government carry out essential maintenance on it.

    The entire bridge is now fully accessible to the public for smoother connectivity and safe commuting.

    Read Also: Tinubu expanding horizon of entrepreneurship in Nigeria – Alake

    Lauding the patience of motoring public during the temporary closure, Transportation Commissioner Oluseun Osiyemi said the reopening reaffirmed the state’s commitment to infrastructure upkeep and public safety.

  • Bridge International Academies to discuss children safety at webinar

    Bridge International Academies to discuss children safety at webinar

    Bridge International Academies has concluded plans to hold a webinar for parents on a range of safety measures both at home and online as well as travel tips during the Yuletide to ensure a secure environment and equip them to navigate potential challenges.

    The interactive programme will also create learning curves for parents to navigate around security online and the tools they need to create a secure atmosphere for their children.

    According to a statement signed by the manager communications of the international organization, Olamide Oni, the interactive session is part of ongoing commitment to fostering a safe and informed community.

    Besides, the programme scheduled for December 22, 2023, according to Oni will contribute to the collective goal of nurturing a generation of empowered and secure individuals.

    Oni noted that the webinar aims to empower parents with knowledge and resources to create a secure environment for their children during the yuletide season.

    He said listed Chinua Agbasi, a distinguished leadership and development expert with years of experience in child safety as one of the resource persons that will lead the conversation, providing valuable insights and practical tips on ensuring the safety of children during the festive season.

    She said: “The webinar aims to empower parents with knowledge and resources to create a secure environment for their children during the Yuletide season. Topics will cover a range of safety measures, from home and travel safety to online security, ensuring that parents are well-equipped to navigate potential challenges.

    “To add to the excitement, the webinar will include freebies for attendees and special announcements for non-Bridge parents interested in exploring the educational opportunities offered by Bridge International Academies.

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    “Parents will also have the opportunity to share live testimonials about their experiences with Bridge International Academies, offering firsthand accounts of the positive impact the school has had on their children’s academic and personal development.”

    In a related development, the school has received widespread praise from parents across the country for providing quality education as a leader in the educational landscape.

    The parents lauded Bridge International Academies for its exceptional academic results, pioneering teaching approaches, and the overall enriching experience it offers to students.

    According to them, Bridge International Academies stands out as a beacon of educational empowerment, ensuring that quality education is accessible to all.

    Recounting his experience , Mr Mahmud a parent at an Academy in Abaranje, Lagos said: “My children were attending a school at Iyana Ejigbo before now but they kept on increasing their fees to a point that I wasn’t comfortable with anymore. Although the standard was good, I couldn’t afford it and that was when I found Bridge International Academies where I even got more quality than I bargained for at a cheaper rate.”

    Another parent, Mrs Adewusi, from a Bridge International Academies school in Ikorodu whose child is now on scholarship courtesy of Bridge International Academies’ post-primary scholarship initiative, added: “Thanks to Bridge, my son got a scholarship to study at Rainbow College, one of the best schools in Lagos and he is doing very well over there. My daughter who is still at Bridge International Academies can compete with children who are paying huge amounts of money on school fees.”

  • PHOTOS: Truck collapses Bridge in Lagos

    PHOTOS: Truck collapses Bridge in Lagos

    PHOTOS: Truck collapses Bridge in Lagos

  • Fed Govt takes delivery of Second Niger Bridge

    Fed Govt takes delivery of Second Niger Bridge

    The Federal Government yesterday took delivery of the Second Niger Bridge from Julius Berger.

    It comes seven months after it was inaugurated by the Buhari Administration.

    Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, said he was satisfied with the project.

    He inspected it in the company of the contractor’s Managing Director, Dr Lars Richter.

    The former Ebonyi governor said what remains is to light up the facility every night.

    He added: “What we have agreed is to deploy solar solution in the coming weeks so that every night we don’t have to run on diesel.

    “The roads are going to be completed with the two interchanges.”

    One of them, to be built by Reynolds Construction Company (RCC), links Asaba town; the other cuts off Onitsha town to Obosi.

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    “President Bola Tinubu is very committed to the project.

    “We’re going to acquire more land so that we can build service stations, restaurants, supermarkets and other facilities,” he said.

    Richter said the event was a technical handover after the project had been inaugurated.

    Director of Bridge Design and Construction (South) in the Federal Ministry of Works, Mr Bede Obioha, urged residents to help secure the installations.

    He pleaded with road users to abide by traffic rules.

  • 21b ready for 3rd Mainland bridge rehabilitation, says Umahi

    21b ready for 3rd Mainland bridge rehabilitation, says Umahi

    The emergency rehabilitation of the 3rd Mainland bridge in Lagos flagged off on Wednesday will not stop as the N21b needed for the project has been provided by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi has said.

    While flagging off the rehabilitation project, the Minister said the project had to be redesigned following further examination of the extent of the work required on the bridge.

    He said: “It therefore became imperative to expand the scope of works beyond the subsisting scope of works as awarded, to accommodate the additional works and quantities of work items needed to restore the integrity and serviceability of this very important bridge.

    “This led to the expansion of the scope of the contract to allow for necessary remedial structural work beyond the initial limited scope, culminating in the award of a new contract to Messrs CCECC Nig Ltd in the sum of N21,047,430,431.71, which is being flagged off today.

    “It is my pleasure to inform you today that Mr. President, in keeping with his promise of renewed hope for all Nigerians, has approved and provided the funds needed for the completion of the project”.

    The scope of works to be covered by this contract include milling of the existing asphaltic surface; provision of asphaltic concrete wearing course on the carriageway across the entire bridge length and ramps to a compacted thickness of 50mm; removal and replacement of worm-out expansion joints on the carriageway; removal of all existing guard rails and installation of new ones; painting of guardrails, curb surface and concrete banners; lane marking using thermoplastic material; and installation of solar powered street lights for proper illumination.

    According to the Minister, when completed, the project will ameliorate the sufferings of commuters and all road users who ply the bridge with a lot of discomfort.

    “The resurfaced deck will ensure a smooth ending surface that will reduce the spate of accidents and reduce wear and tear of vehicles; solar-powered street fights will ensure proper illumination of the entire stretch of the bridge for safety; security and aesthetics; painting of the curbs and concrete barriers will give the bridge a new aesthetic look.

    “We intend to deliver this project in a systematic manner that will cause only minimal discomfort to road users.

    “In this regard, the contractor has been directed to also work at night to ensure that the project is delivered within the shortest possible time.

    “Also, a comprehensive Traffic management plan has been put in place by the Federal Ministry of Works working jointly with Lagos State Officials,” the Minister stated.

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    While urging road users to adhere to the traffic plan to allow for smooth movement during the period, Umahi noted, “We intend to start with the four (4) ramps to the bridge where works have already commenced on 6” November 2023 and will be completed on or before 13” December 2023.

    “The works on the major carriageway of the bridge will commence on 15th January 2023.

    “We intend to start with the four ramps to the bridge where works have already commenced on 6th November 2023 and will be completed on or before 13th December 2023.

    “The works on the major carriageway of the bridge will commence on 15” January 2024.

    “It is pertinent to state that the ongoing works being flagged off today only cover the superstructure elements of the bridge.

    “The Ministry is carrying out investigations as well as the design of the piles, pile caps, pliers as well as the deflected deck slabs which will lead to the award of a contract for the restoration of the substructure of the bridge at a later time.

    “Nigerians should be assured of Mr. President’s eagerness and commitment to deliver quality infrastructure that will stand the test of time and open the economy through the safe conveyance of goods and services across the length and breadth of the country,” he assured.