The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Lagos State

  • Aregbesola lauds Ambode’s performance in office

    Aregbesola lauds Ambode’s performance in office

    Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola on Thursday described his counterpart in Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode as the Governor General of Nigeria, saying that the position of Lagos as the economic nerve centre of the country and the brilliant performance of the Governor in office could not be downplayed in any form.

    Speaking while receiving Governor Ambode on a courtesy visit at Government House in Oke-Fia Osogbo, Aregbesola said considering the fact that the economy of Lagos was about the summation of economies of thirty States in Nigeria, one would be denying the obvious not to recognize the vantage position of the State and its Governor in the scheme of affairs in the country.

    “I recognize the Governor of Lagos State who by my own assessment is the Governor General of Nigeria. I say so for a very good reason. It is not a question of age of the occupant of that office or his tenure. It is simply an attestation to the fact that the economy of Lagos is about the summation of the economies of thirty States in Nigeria. One will be deceiving himself not to recognize that fact,” Aregbesola said.

    While recalling similar visit to former Governor of Osun State, Chief Bisi Akande by the then Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Aregbesola described Governor Ambode’s visit as historic and apt coming at a time when the State lost some illustrious indigenes and in the wake of democratic assault which he recently suffered, saying that he had been greatly encouraged, motivated and given calm disposition by the visit.

    He particularly commended Governor Ambode for his clear expression of commitment to economic integration and development of south west, saying that beyond rhetorics, concrete steps must now been taken to actualize the vision in the overall interest and benefit of the people.

    He said it would be disastrous for any State in the region to assume it can make any meaningful progress without integration, adding that it is in the interest of all the six states in the region to work together.

    “The only state with the clout and the muzzle to shun collaboration and integration superficially is Lagos and that too will be to its eternal regret because if the adjoining states to Lagos are underdeveloped, the consequence on Lagos is tragic. If it requires trekking from any part of the region to get to Lagos, people will do it and Lagos will have a huge number of internally displaced people who you cannot send away because they speak the same language with you anyway.

    “Even going national, there is no tribe or section of the country that is not properly represented in Lagos. So, if people come from as far North as Biu to Lagos, what more of Ikole, Ipetumodu and Arigidi. People will move and Lagos will have unending challenge of at least catering for their municipal needs. So, it is in the interest of Lagos as it is in the interest of other states to pursue with vigor this clamor for effective integration of not only our economy, but our political, social, commercial and educational relationship, among others,” Aregbesola said.

    He added that it was only through integration that the region could take maximum advantage of its comparative competitiveness.

    Earlier, Governor Ambode said the visit was basically to show solidarity and reflect and expand the brotherhood that the south west region was striving to achieve especially by ensuring the success of the integration of the Yoruba nation.

    “I am here to say that I want to further the economic partnership that should exist between the State of Osun and Lagos State. Yes, we have Lake Rice, yes we have a partnership with Kebbi State but the economic integration and food security of the south west remains in the vineyard of Osun and other states that surround Lagos.

    “Obviously, we have the consumer strength of the market, we have the commerce but we must integrate backward towards the south west and ensure that the economic prowess of the regional integration that we set out to achieve is put in place for generations yet unborn.

    “We have a historic duty and which Governor Aregbesola has continued to champion that we must stand up for the regional integration of the south west because therein lies the future prosperity of the Yoruba nation. I commit myself to that vision. I also commit myself to the vision of the south west governors to the effect that time has come for us to stand up as leaders for our people,” Governor Ambode said.

    Besides, Governor Ambode commended Aregbesola for his unwavering commitment and loyalty to progressive ideology of Asiwaju Tinubu, as well as remaining a symbol of steadfastness in the midst of storms.

     

  • LG elections: Lagos announces restriction of movement

    LG elections: Lagos announces restriction of movement

    …Urges voters to perform their civic duty peacefully

    The Lagos State Government has announced restriction of vehicular movement in the State on Saturday July 22, 2017 in view of the elections that will hold across the 20 Local Government and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) across the State.

    In a press release on Sunday by the State’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, the restriction of movement across the State will be enforced between 8am and 2pm on Saturday July 22, to allow for a smooth conduct of the polls and unhindered participation.

    According to the Commissioner, the State is known for peaceful conduct of elections, and as such, urged residents to be peaceful and orderly on Saturday to cast their votes in their respective wards for Chairmen and councilors who are expected to drive development at the third tier of government.

    He explained that as the election that will bring on board a new set of public officers for the next four years at the local government level, the restriction will allow the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) and the security agencies to distribute electoral materials in good time and ensure the sanctity of free and fair electoral process.

    “The police and other security agencies are ready to ensure that the electioneering campaign and the voting on Saturday are conducted smoothly without public disturbance. Every political party, candidates and their supporters and the general public are hereby assured of safety throughout the period of voting and collation.

    “However, the government solicits the cooperation of voters and the general public by obeying the restriction order and the general electoral rules in order to ensure a peaceful conduct before, during and after the elections,” Ayorinde said.

    The release also quoted Governor Akinwunmi Ambode as urging Lagosians to perform their civic obligations by trooping out with their Permanent Voters Card (PVC) “to once again demonstrate their belief in the tenets of participatory democracy and the importance of development at the local government level.”

  • Badoo members docked in Lagos court

    Badoo members docked in Lagos court

    Seven alleged members of the dreaded Badoo cult who have been causing unrest in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State were on Friday brought before an Ebute Meta Magistrates’ Court.

    The accused, Afolabi Kessington (25), Ismaila Shaibu (36), Mutiu Nurudeen (26), Ibrahim Bello (25), Lukman Mohammed (35), Gift Itafa (50) and Sheriff Adewunmi (23).

    The accused faced a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy and belonging to an unlawful society.

    They, however, pleaded innocence of the charges.

    The Prosecutor, ASP Fidelis Dike, said that the accused committed the offences between July 3 and July 5 at Powerline, Agbala area of Ikorodu and also at Irawo Estate, Owode-Onirin in Lagos.

    He said that the accused, who are members of the Badoo cult, had conspired and gathered in the above mentioned areas to have their meeting, which was deemed illegal.

    The offences, according to the prosecutor, contravened Section 42(a) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

    The Magistrate, Mrs Kofo Ariyo, admitted each of the accused to bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum, one of whom must be a blood relation.

    The case has been adjourned until Aug. 9, for mention.

     

  • Hajj: Lagos gets awards as best performing state in 2016

    Hajj: Lagos gets awards as best performing state in 2016

    The Lagos State Government on Friday received seven awards from the National Hajj Commission for being the best performing state in the federation at the 2016 Hajj in Mecca.

    Alhaji Fuad Adeyemi, South-West Commissioner in the commission, presented the awards to Gov. Akinwumi Ambode at the State House in Ikeja.

    Adeyemi commended the state government for its support, welfare packages, accommodation, feeding, coordination, education and enlightenment programmes for its pilgrims.

    “If a Christian Governor can support another religious body like this, then he must be honoured and appreciated so that he can do more.

    “In 2016 when we went for Hajj in Saudi-Arabia, at Arafat, Lagos stood out in terms of their e-tracking device, coordination of pilgrims airlift, feeding, pilgrims’ education.

    “Whenever any Nigerian misses his or her way , the Lagos tent was usually the first point of call to trace such person. Gov. Ambode should be commended for making us proud in Saudi-Arabia, ” he said.

    Adeyemi urged other state governments to emulate Lagos State and improve the welfare of their pilgrims at Hajj.

    Receiving the awards on behalf of Ambode, the Deputy Governor, Dr Idiat Adebule, thanked the National Hajj Commission for honouring Lagos State.

    “For us as a government, we are committed in making life comfortable for the people of Lagos State and we will not relent in our efforts.

    “I am pledging that the best support will be provided to our people in the next Hajj, ” she said.

    In his remarks, Dr Abdul-Lateef Abdul- Hakeem, state’s Commissioner for Home Affairs also commended the Governor for making Lagos a home for all religious bodies.

    According to him, the inclusive government policy of Gov. Ambode contributes to the peace, tranquility and development enjoyed in the state. (NAN)

  • Badoo cult: Whistles, machetes now household necessities in Ikorodu

    Badoo cult: Whistles, machetes now household necessities in Ikorodu

    Residents of Ikorodu in Lagos State now sleep with machetes and whistles as survival strategies against the dreaded Badoo cult, terrorising the area.

    An investigation by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in the area on Tuesday revealed that virtually every household in Ikorodu now has whistles and machetes and other implements for self-defence.

    A resident in distress is expected to blow the whistle many times to signal the presence of Badoo cultists.

    It will be recalled that scores of women and some family members have been killed in the area in recent times, the latest being a family of five hacked to death in their sleep.

    Mr Kazeem Yusuf, the Chairman of the Egba-Otun Community Development Association (CDA) in Itaolowu, Ikorodu, told NAN that residents had resorted to self-help.

    He said that able bodied-people in families were being drafted by the CDA to participate in vigilance-keeping during the night.

    “It is the government that asked every CDA in Ikorodu to sensitise its members to the need to have whistles and machetes ready at hand, especially at nights.

    “The whistle when blown for long will indicate the presence of those terrorising us.

    “It will urge close residents to come to the aid of the `whistle blower so that the bad people can be over-powered,’’ he said.

    According to Mrs Yemisi Toluope, the Vice-Chair of Ereko-Central CDA at Muti, Ikorodu, residents are now united in their battle against the Badoo group.

    She commended the government of Lagos and Ogun States for working assiduously with the CDA to combat the menace of the group.

    “The CDA structure is the best way to get the people to be involved in their safety and survival,’’ she said.

    However, a cleric, who preferred not to be named, advised the residents not to adopt jungle justice in dealing suspected members of the cult.

    “Mob killing will only bring further curse and woes to Ikorodu.

    “No society grows in glory when it does not encourage natural justice.

    “We know that the Badoo cult has caused us heartache and pain but that is not enough reason for us to have recourse to jungle justice and burning and maiming suspects.

    “Our government must ensure that we the people do not condescend to the level of these miscreants and killers by our actions,’’ he argued.

    A Muslim cleric, who also pleaded anonymity, appealed to Ikorodu residents to allow the police take apprehended suspects into custody for further investigation.

    “Natural justice must rule over justice of the jungle,’’ he said.

     

  • CVR: INEC to create additional centres in Lagos

    CVR: INEC to create additional centres in Lagos

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Lagos State says efforts are being made to create additional centres for Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) in 13 local government areas of the state.

    Dr. Mustapha Mudashiru, the Administrative Secretary of the Commission in Lagos State, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Lagos.

    He said the commission had pushed for more centres, especially in 13 of the 20 council areas in the state to reduce crowd in existing centres.

    He added that “we requested for additional centres, particularly for some peculiar local governments in Lagos State to further address some of the challenges facing CVR  in a metropolitan city like Lagos.

    “We are still awaiting formal approval by the commission.

    “We made the case for additional centres in Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Alimosho, Eti-Osa, Ifako-Ijaiye, Ikeja, Ikorodu, Kosofe, Mushin, Ojo, Oshodi-Isolo, Somolu, Surulere, and Lagos Mainland local governments.

    “We are hopeful that the commission will consider this and as soon as we get
    approval, we will put those centres into use.

    “This will go a long way in reducing crowd at existing centres because it is one of the challenges we have been facing.”

    The INEC boss said the commission was committed to bringing innovation and improvement to deliver its mandate to the people.

    He commended eligible residents of the state for their eagerness and enthusiasm toward the exercise, stressing that statistics nationwide showed that Lagos was leading
    in the exercise.

    According to him, the commission’s Voter Education Department is reaching out to tertiary institutions in the state to further increase awareness about the ongoing CVR.

    Mudashiru noted that the commission had carried its publicity to University of Lagos, College of Education, Technical, Akoka and would visit other tertiary institutions in the state.

    He urged the Lagos State Government to complement the efforts of the commission in the area of publicity and enlightenment, saying it would go a long way in assisting those who may be unaware of the exercise.

    On the high volume of uncollected Permanent Voter Cards (PVC) to the tune of 1.4 million, Mudashiru said the majority of the owners of the cards had relocated, especially students who had completed their course of study.

    He urged eligible residents to show interest in the exercise to avoid being disenfranchised in future elections, saying it was free.

    INEC started the nationwide CVR on April 27 to capture those who attained 18 years of age and others who did not register or those seeking replacement or transfer.

  • NNPC/Shell Cup Preliminaries: Lagos, Edo, Oyo record big wins

    NNPC/Shell Cup Preliminaries: Lagos, Edo, Oyo record big wins

     

    A hat-trick by Fagbolade Praise and a brace from Toriola Moses ensured Lagos State representative, Ijaye Housing Estate defeated their counterpart from Ondo State, Saint Daniel International College 5-0 in the Day 1 of the zonal preliminaries of the 2017 NNPC/Shell Cup held at the Ijebu Muslim College in Ijebu-Ode Zone on Wednesday.

    The Coach Adeshina Yusuf led side who won the last edition of the GTBank Governors Cup made known their intention of adding the NNPC/Shell Cup trophy to their cabinet by dominating the game from the blast of the whistle till the end of the game.

    In a chat with NationSport after the encounter, hat-trick hero, Fagbolade said his main aim is to help his side qualify for the quarter final of the competition.

    “I am very happy to score four goals today because I didn’t expect score such amount of goals.

    “Though I feel I can score like 10 goals in this competition, my major objective is to help my school to qualify from this zone to the next stage of the competition,” he told NationSport after the encounter.

    In earlier match decided at the center,

    Asegun High School, Oyo State also defeated Kogi State representative 5-1.

    At the Adeola Odutola College center, first half strike by Arase Iyoboro and second half goals from Aigbokie Joseph, Ojelum Earnest, Oviahon Lucky and Emmanuel Micheal ensured Hensen Demonstration School, Edo State whitewashed Mastercare International School, Delta State 5-0.

    Coach of Hensen Demonstration School, Chinedu Uba expressed satisfaction with the performance of his players.

    “It was a wonderful performance from my team and I will tell them not to let the result gets into their head because we still have a long way to go. We will continue to work hard and pray that we qualify from this center,” Uba told NatioSport.

    In the last match at the center, Islaudeen Middle High School, Osun State failed to take advantage of their numerical advantage by losing 1-0 to nine-man Community High School, Akwa Ibom.

    Day 1 Results:

    Oyo 5-1 Kogi

    Ondo 0 – 5 Lagos

    Delta 0-5 Edo

    Osun 0-1 Akwa Ibom

    Day 2 fixtures:

    Ijebu Muslim College

    Ekiti vs Delta 9am

    Edo vs Osun 11am

    1. Ibom vs Ekiti 2pm

    Delta vs Osun 4pm

    Adeola Odutola College center:

    Kwara vs Oyo 9am

    Kogi vs Ondo 11am

    Lagos vs Kwara 2pm

    Oyo vs Ondo 4pm

  • Lagos retirees hail LASG on prompt pension payments

    Lagos retirees hail LASG on prompt pension payments

    Retirees in Lagos State on Tuesday in Lagos commended the state government for its commitment of paying them promptly.

    They told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the state government had consistently ensured that contributions are remitted into Retired Savings Account (RSA) since 2007, when the state subscribed to the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

    The Director-General of Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC), Mrs Folashade Onanuga at 12th retirement benefit documentation seminar held on June 7 said the state had expended N28.5 billion on 6, 509 pensioners in the last two years.

    Adenuga said that a total of N62 billion had been paid into RSA of about 13,675 retirees since the commencement of the payment of entitlements in the CPS in 2007.

    Mr Olusesin Oluwakemi, a former staff of the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Woman Affairs said he was initially displeased when the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) was introduced.

    “Later I discovered the idea is a way to help the retirees.

    “The process of payments is now better unlike before, if you retired, you cannot sleep,“ he said.

    Oluwakemi pointed out that most retirees before 2009 could no longer afford to take care of themselves because they were owed their gratuities and pensions.

    “Those building houses and have children in universities as the retirees could not get their gratuities and if they ever did,  they will get it probably two years after retirement, “ he said.

    She noted that the scenario had changed since Gov. Raji Fashola’s administration and up till date, the state government paid promptly.

    “Once a retiree processes his or her documents on time, the gratuity will be paid on time and the monthly payments will be regular,“ he said.

    He said that challenges might surface when pensioners do not put things in place before retirement.

    “Like not upgrading RSA accounts and documentation of needed papers for processing gratuity, will make some pensioners have problems.’’

    Mrs Adeyemi Jeminat, an ex-staff of the Ministry of Lands and Survey also commended the state government for holding retirees in high esteem.

    “It is only Lagos State that holds retirement documentation seminar to ensure retirees peacefully enjoy their retirement lives.

    “I also use this opportunity to commend the D-G of LASPEC,  Mrs Onanuga on efforts of ensuring that Lagos state retirees are  enjoying their lives in retirement.

    “She achieved total government commitments to the welfare of the retirees with directives that all ministries and agencies ensure employees are promptly credited,’’ she said.

    According to her, Lagos remains the only state that fully complies with the provisions of the Pension Reform Law as it relates to contributions remittances.

    She said that pensioners in the last era were not enjoying like now, as Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode had been doing well,  especially for the Teaching Service Commission.

    Mr Olusosun Saheed, who worked with Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), praised Ambode on the innovations developed to facilitate gratuity and pension remittances.

    He said that the governor’s investment in the LASPEC on e-environment to ensure the commission delivered seamless service was commendable.

    “Through this, the commission has been able to introduce the Employees Retirement Evaluation System (ERES) to aid and facilitate the benefit payment system.

    “The software is to hasten the process of computing the past service benefits of retirees with minimal human intervention and zero per cent error rate,’’ he said.

    He also commended Ambode’s perfection of the electronic archiving records of finalising the Retiree Identification Card Issuance process.

  • We’re grateful to Ambode, say Ndigbo

    Pleased with the success recorded at the just-held solidarity celebration of Lagos at 50 by the Igbo Community in Lagos State, the member representing Oshodi/Isolo 11 State Constituency in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Jude Emeka Idimogu (KSM) has expressed his unalloyed gratitude to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for identifying with Ndigbo.

    Addressing journalists at a joint press conference he organised in conjunction with the Eze Ndigbo of Lagos State, Christian Uchechukwu Nwachukwu (JP) on Sunday to appraise the success of Lagos at 50 celebrations organised by Ndigbo

    in Lagos at the Lagos State Igbo Community Centre, Okota Lagos, Hon. Idimogu noted that for the Lagos State government to be present at the event was a “huge way of telling the Igbo resident in Lagos that the government identifies with you and is ready to support you in anything positive that you do.”

    “For Governor Ambode to send a high-profile representative in the person of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Mr Tunji Bello indicates that he means well for Ndigbo and other ethnic groups that are not indigenous to the state. It also demonstrates that the state and its indigenes regard Ndigbo as partners in progress.”

    Hon. Idimogu was also grateful to the Deputy Governor, Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule for identifying with the Igbo in Lagos. He paid special tribute and expressed unreserved gratitude to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa whom he described as “the speaking Speaker, Speaker of Speakers” for honouring Ndigbo invitation.

    He also thanked Principal officers of the House and other members of the Lagos State House of Assembly for their love and friendship.

    The lawmaker revealed that Ndigbo in Lagos are known for their enterprise and hard work, even as he said their cosmopolitan nature gives them an edge over others in areas of adventure and investment.

    “The Igbo race regards all parts of the country as their second home. But the way they do business and invest wholeheartedly in Lagos State shows they regard the state as their home, not even a second home. This is cheery in the sense that their contributions to the growth and development of the state are being recognized and appreciated by their wonderful and friendly host communities.

    “As stated previously, Ndigbo held the solidarity session of Lagos at 50 in order to wish the government and people of Lagos State well. We are happy with them for attaining 50 years as a geographical entity. We also wish to show our solidarity with them for being a good host,” he said.

    He pledged that Ndigbo will continue to be law-abiding, show respect to constituted authority and continue to contribute immensely to the socio-economic and political development of the state that has been favourable to them.

    Contributing, Eze Nwachukwu also thanked the government and people of Lagos State for their love and good relationship they have exhibited towards Ndigbo.

    Speaking glowingly about the achievements of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Eze Nwachukwu noted that Governor Ambode has shown love for Ndigbo by identifying with them by sending an influential representative to represent the state. That shows that he loves Ndigbo as he loves all resident in the state.

    He praised him for all his development strides that have made Lagos true-life Centre of Excellence and economic capital of West Africa.

    “Ambode’s strides since he assumed office have been tremendous. He has made development get to the grassroots, even as he has taken Lagos State to a higher level. Ndigbo in Lagos are happy to identify with him and the entire people of Lagos State.

    “The relationship built over the years by our forebears over five decades ago should be sustained. That was why we decided to hold a solidarity session to commemorate 50 years of the creation of Lagos State. Ndigbo are happy with the people and government of Lagos State for accommodating our people all these years and provided for them enabling environment conducive enough to carry out their legitimate businesses,” he said.

     

  • Way forward for Lagos VIO

    Way forward for Lagos VIO

    On May 8, news had filtered in from several quarters that the State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode had ordered officers of the Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) to permanently vacate the roads. Many Lagosians could not hide their joy for what they considered a great step by the governor.

    Putting the uncertainty to rest, governor Ambode, during the inauguration of the Ojodu Berger Pedestrian Bridges, Laybys and Slip Road said he had directed the VIOs to stay off Lagos roads permanently.

    That announcement finally put the nail to the coffin on the activities of the VIO officers on the roads.

     

    Core responsibilities

     

    The promulgation of Road Traffic Act, on January 1, 1949, resulted in the establishment of Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) in all the regions. With the creation of states in 1967, each state’s Ministry of Works established VIO Departments under the Directorate of Mechanical Engineering.

    In Lagos, the VIO Department was established under the state Ministry of Transportation and headed by the Chief VIO. Its core responsibilities include ensuring that all vehicles are properly inspected and certified before registration or renewal of vehicle particulars; public education and advocacy; effective patrols on roads and highway to carry out routine checks and enforce compliance; effective enforcement through vehicle impoundment and payment of fines to ensure compliance, among others.

    Others are ensuring that all vehicles are properly inspected and certified before registration or renewal of vehicle particulars, ensuring that vehicle inspection plazas are well distributed for easy access within the metropolis, collaborating with companies with large fleet for onsite vehicle inspection to ensure compliance using mobile vehicle inspection units and periodic training, retraining seminars and conferences for officers towards achievement of mastery in motor vehicle administration.

    Carrying out these oversight functions has not come without a price, particularly with some bad elements in the system that have consistently given the agency and the state bad name.

     

    Residents’ reaction

     

    Although quite a large number of residents are excited about government’s decision that men on white-and-black should vacate the roads, a real estate expert, Mr. Emeka Maduabuchi, who recalled his encounter with the officers, sometime last year, said his experience was one he will never forget in a hurry.

    “I was on my way to Victoria Island to meet with a client who was interested in a property, when I was stopped by VIO officers at Alausa. In the first instance, I did not sense any trouble because I had my entire vehicle papers complete and I was not hesitant to give them all my papers to peruse.”

    After nearly 20 minutes of thoroughly scrutinising his papers, the officers eventually picked on a small dent on his rear light and before Maduabuchi could explain himself, he had been handed a ticket for a fine of N20, 000 for driving with a broken rear light.

    Like Maduabuchi, Mr. Rotimi summed up the phenomenon that had characterised the activities of the VIOs on Lagos roads when he said that “the fear of the men in black-and-white is the beginning of wisdom for all Lagos motorists.

     

    Another resident Mr Paul Ipeazu, said in spite of the many short comings of the officers, their activities have assisted in checkmating many that flout the traffic regulations

    “I have not had any particular issues with VIO but from my observation, the activities of these officers have really helped to phase out rickety vehicles off the street.”

     

    Charting a new path

     

    Already, Ambode has challenged the VIOs to come up with new modes of operation. This has thrown up a number of questions, which some VIOs said, would help them think creatively and evolve new strategies to track registered vehicles and their owners for non-compliance.

    An enforcement official said the new directive implies that the responsibilities of VIOs will be more of administrative than enforcement. It also implies working out new ways of enforcing and operating in line with international best practices.

    The official, thus, said the VIO operatives “are educated. The least educated among us have OND. We have a good number of people with first and second degrees.  So, we are capable of devising new mode of operation in line with the governor’s directive.”

    However, another VIO operative exercised apprehension on the fate of the enforcement officials that were newly employed. With the new directive, he asked, what will be the fate of some operatives who are employed to patrol strategic roads and enforce compliance? Besides, will the state government guarantee their engagement?

    Acting Commissioner for Transportation Mr. Olanrewaju Elegushi, who clarified the situation, said the government has put in place intensive training for the officials so as to prepare them on their new mode of operation.

    He said: “Right now, the VIS officials are undergoing training on how they will improve their services on Lagos roads.

    “It‘s a month-long event for the officials where they will undergo intensive training so that they will be able to deliver quality and better services across the state.

    “We all believe that VIOs need to perform their functions in a more civilised way and be technologically driven”.

    On his part, the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, explained that government’s order to the VIOs to vacate the roads was to pave way for its reforms.

    “There is an ongoing reform as to how the VIS carries out its operations, which might require that the inspection officers are off the streets at this point,” Ayorinde said.