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  • Lagos to eradicate poverty with Trader Money initiative

    Lagos to eradicate poverty with Trader Money initiative

    Lagos State government yesterday launched the Lagos Market Traders Money Initiative, saying it is confident that it will banish poverty in the state.

    Governor Babajide  Sanwo-Olu, who launched the initiative, said  it was the fulfillment of the promise he made during the inauguration of the Mid-Level Agro produce Hub, Idi-Oro, Mushin on December 17, last year.

    He said: “This initiative was conceptualised as a stop-gap measure of the state government to empower small-scale traders in the Food Systems by providing them financial support to expand their businesses thereby fostering economic growth and improving lives of many within the state. This will ensure sustainable livelihoods and facilitate businesses expansion for 15,000 traders who occupy a strategic position in the state’s economic pyramid and food distribution network.”

    According to him, the state, which has a population estimated at over 24million has a food system transaction value of over N6 trillion yearly, is in the process of establishing a dynamic food market system under the Food Systems Transformation Agenda to promote the preservation, storage, transportation and presentation of wholesome food to the populace, with the aim of reducing food waste, improve affordability, guarantee food safety, quality and accessibility.

    This, he explained, led to the implementation of key projects such as the establishment of the Lagos Central Food Security System and Logistics Hub, Ketu-Ereyun, Epe and the Mid-Level Agro Produce Hub, Idi-Oro, Mushin. “As a mark of our resolve to follow through with the Agenda, work has commenced on three additional Mid-Level Agro-Produce Hubs at Sangotedo, Agege, and Abule-Ado, while the first phase of the Lagos Central Food Security System and Logistics Hub will be commissioned by December,this year,” Mr Governor said.

    He noted that the Lagos Market Trader Money will support 15,000 traders with N50,000.00 each.

    The beneficiaries ,he went on were identified by Agricultural Field Officers serving each LGA/LCDA in collaboration with the Iyaloja/Babaloja General and Market Masters of each Local Government/Local Council Development Area across the State.

    He said: “The beneficiaries were selected through a methodical process targeted at 200beneficiaries from markets in each LGA/LCDA in addition to 50 beneficiaries that were selected by the Iyaloja/Babaloja General in each LGA/LCDA making a total of 14,250 market traders.

     “Also, 750 beneficiaries were identified from markets within the Barracks and Military formations across the State in collaboration with their respective Iyaloja/Babaloja. This brings the total number of beneficiaries to 15,000.”

    To ensure fairness in the selection process while demonstrating the spirit of Lagos as being home to all, he said beneficiaries were drawn from across all the geopolitical zones of the Nation with 11,039 from the Southwest, 914 from the South East, 868 from the Southsouth, 1,710 from North central, 373 from the Southwest and 107 from the North east. 74percent  of the beneficiaries are women while the remaining 26per cent  are men, 33.7 per cent of these are below 40 years while 66.3 per cent are above 40 years. This goes to show the social inclusiveness in the implementation of the initiative.’

    He believes the gesture will go a long way to actualize the goal of transforming the food systems in the State and stimulate economic activities in our various food markets in line with our administration’s THEMES+ Developmental Agenda.

    In her welcome address, the Commissioner for Agriculture,   Ms  Abisola  Olusanya indicated that the

    Lagos Market Trader Money Initiative was part of the government’s efforts towards ensuring sustainable livelihoods and wealth creation for traders across the state.

    Read Also: ‘Lagos committed to addressing food crisis’

    She noted: “This initiative is part of the State Government’s commitment to the development of the downstream segment of food & agricultural value chains which centers on markets and market access. This is due to the fact that Lagos is the largest market city state in sub-saharan Africa.”

    According to her, at the commissioning of the Mid-level agro food hub at Idi-Oro Mushin on  December, 18,last year, Mr Governor had announced his plans for a more inclusive social-welfare framework for market actors with the first of it being the Lagos Market trader money initiative – a first phase of it being the distribution of N50,000 to 15,000 market men and women across the 57 LGAs and from within the military and police barracks.

    She said the support that would be extended is targeted at expanding the capacity of the beneficiaries to off-take more produce from our farmers thereby catalyzing increased food production in and outside the State.

    She said: “This Initiative, jointly implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Local Governments, in collaboration with market leaders across all the fifty-seven LGAs and LCDAs is only the first of many to be launched by Mr. Governor towards helping to shoulder the burdens of the citizenry, ranging from food, health, education to transportation.”

  • Government has not done enough! Or has it? A Lagos tale

    Government has not done enough! Or has it? A Lagos tale

    • By Temitope Omoakhalen

    Despite growing up in a community where political debates were as regular as Sunday dinners, I never thought I’d find myself amid decision-makers in governance, let alone attend a town hall meeting with the Governor of Lagos State. My journey to politics and governance began on that fateful Saturday, May 29, 1999, when I saw a man on the television, dressed in white Agbada and a green Yoruba cap swearing an oath on the Bible. I did not fully grasp the significance of that day, but it piqued my interest because, unlike typical noisy Saturdays, most shops were locked up on this day, making our street look like a ghost town. Little did seven-year-old me know that what I watched was the rebirth of a government “of the people, by the people, for the people, and from the people” – a mantra we have heard echoed throughout these 24 years of uninterrupted democracy.

     Over the years however, the hope and trust that the citizenry had in its leaders seemed to have dissipated. Expectations were high for economic reforms, social development, and infrastructural development at the turn of the new century. Lagos blossomed and continued its journey to becoming the Centre of Excellence indeed and in truth. I have watched places like Oshodi transform into something beautiful, I have watched public schools infuse technology into their learning curriculum, I have watched COVID-19 test the tenacity of an Incident Commander, and I have seen us export music, movies and culture to the globe.

    In just one administration, I have seen the government produce a state-of-the-art rice mill, empower thousands of youths and women in agriculture, improve waste collection and even solve a lot of the housing dilemmas.  Despite these, “the government has not done enough” has been a constant mantra throughout the changing dispensations and administrations.

    I must confess that this school of thought is not alien to me. While I applaud the government for providing BRT buses, the queues at the close of business suggest that more buses need to be rolled out. While I commend the beauty of the parks in different strategic locations in Lagos, the maintenance needs to be improved. While I am grateful for the intervention of LAGRIDE to ease the transportation hitches, the traffic congestion needs to be dealt with. Armed with this same ideology, I applied for the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy to understand why it seemed so difficult for the government to do “a lot!” It is my journey as an outsider becoming an insider I document here. Perhaps, seeing through my eyes might give you answers to this age-long question, “Has the government truly done enough?”

    On Thursday, January 25, I experienced my first town hall meeting with Mr Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu. The ambience was electrifying, and the expectations of the people were as clear as daylight. They wanted to hear their governor talk even if they weren’t sure about the promises that would be made. The air was charged with a sense of responsibility as if each citizen in the room was a superhero ready to question the powers that be. As a Fellow of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy, posted to the Ministry of Information and Strategy, my initiation into the town hall world felt like stepping into a political circus, complete with the ringmaster, Sanwo-Olu, presenting the THEMES Agenda scorecard.

    As Mr Governor stepped onto the stage to speak about the accomplishments of his administration, it was clear that no other state in Nigeria was doing what Lagos was doing. With the multifaceted investments in transportation and traffic management, we shouldn’t even have the kind of congestion we now have. But, as my commissioner aptly put it, “Lagos is a victim of its own success.” It made me think of New York – the city that never sleeps – a place as fast-paced and diverse as Lagos, facing its own set of challenges. I couldn’t help but draw parallels when I learned that 57% of Americans are frustrated with their government. That’s more than half the population! Yet, without the stats, one would think that all is well with the most powerful nation on earth. It turns out, that disillusionment knows no geographical bounds. The difference? Americans may grumble about their politicians, but they’ll be darned if they let anyone speak ill of their country. It made me wonder if Lagosians could adopt a similar sentiment – a sort of “Lagos Pride” as encapsulated in our mantra, “This is Lagos!”

    The difference between New York and Lagos perhaps rests in the patriotism of its citizenry. They have traffic issues, they have waste management struggles, and it’s always so busy yet the people have a love-hate relationship with their city. They love the powerful strides they are making in all sectors, but the hate comes from the aftermath of its success. Like Lagos, a victim of its own success. People will keep coming because it is a society that works. As long as people keep coming, there’s going to be traffic. Sad but true. Of course, the government will not rest on its oars and must continue to creatively solve our transportation challenges but for every new train depot opened up or a subway built, there will be more people thronging to Lagos – a land of possibilities!

     As the town hall unfolded, I discovered the government had been quietly working behind the scenes. The traffic situation, though still reminiscent of a labyrinth, had seen improvements. I couldn’t help but think of it as the government’s attempt at preparing catfish pepper soup for its citizens when all they could afford was hake fish – not exactly what we asked for, but sustenance, nonetheless. Imagine realizing at the town hall that four Mother and Child centres were already commissioned, “jigi Bola” had been relaunched, and a massive renovation of primary healthcare centres was underway. As I heard about the reconstruction of Massey Street Children’s Hospital, aiming to become the largest children’s hospital in Africa, I couldn’t help but wonder, “Why didn’t I know about this sooner?” Was there a conspiracy against spreading the good news, or was the government playing hide-and-seek with its achievements? Am I a selective listener of the news, choosing only to hear sensational news that trends or is the media simply full of news that’s designed to make citizens feel like the government is not doing enough? I don’t have the answers, yet.

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    Lagos had acquired boats, completed roads and flyovers, launched minibuses, and created jobs. I read through the achievements of Mr Governor so far and I was wowed. It may not be a perfect feast, but it was a meal on the table. In a country where hungry families [other states] go to bed without “fish”, Lagos had managed to serve something delicious. Maybe it is time to applaud the efforts of the government. A child who wants ice cream may never appreciate the fact that the pap served by his parents is the only meal they can afford at the time. With encouragement and a citizenry that backs up its government, I know that more can be achieved. For every great stride Lagos makes, it will battle immigrants who see Lagos as their own “promised land”.

    The THEMES agenda has had its fair share of successes. Against an unbiased scorecard, Lagos has done remarkably well.   Can more be done? Definitely! But I think Lagos should strive to be in competition with itself. If it chooses a standard too low, then it might become a local champion and rest on its oars but if it picks a standard too high, it may become frustrated with unfulfilled promises. During the town hall, I found myself questioning whether we, as citizens, have actively sought out positive news. Are we viewing every piece of information through the lens of discontent, or are we willing to acknowledge the strides taken? So, every time we yell that the government has not done enough, perhaps we should ask ourselves by what standards and in what context given its limited resources.

    As I left the town hall, buzzing with information and a newfound perspective, the words echoed in my mind: “This is Lagos!!!” Just as Americans end with “God bless America,” perhaps it’s time we embrace the spirit of “This is Lagos!!!” – Imperfect, striving, and always pulsating with life.

    •Omoakhalen (TBOG) writes from Lagos.

  • Lagos holds second edition of Commissions summit

    Lagos holds second edition of Commissions summit

    The Lagos State Civil Service Commission has organised the second edition of the Commissions Summit with the theme: “Statutory commissions/boards as catalysts in repositioning the public service in Lagos State.”

    Delivering the keynote address during the two-day summit, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu lauded the leadership of the Commissions and Boards, describing them as progressive partners in the realisation of the vision for a greater Lagos.

    The Governor, who was represented by the Chairman, Lagos State Civil Service Commission, Mrs. Olubunmi Fabamwo, stated the realisation of the THEMESPlus Agenda of his administration rests on a virile public service.

    He expressed confidence in the various Commissions and appreciated their leadership, saying: “I am happy with what you are doing, we will continue to work together for the realization of a greater Lagos which we have promised to deliver to every Lagosian.’’

    Sanwo-Olu encouraged the Commissions/Boards to sustain the culture of excellence, which Lagos has been known for over the years in the area of acceptable standards, processes and procedures.

    Chairman, House of Assembly Committee on Establishments, Training, Pensions and Public Service, Hon. Oladele Ajayi noted that the summit will foster the standardisation of processes and procedures in the application of enlightenment guidelines in the State Public Service.

    He charged members of the Commissions/Boards to use the opportunity of the summit to formulate new policies that will reposition the public service to enhance excellence in service delivery.

    Fabamwo whose address was read by Commissioner 1, Civil Service Commission, Mr. Adesina Odeyemi, recalled that the maiden edition of the Commissions’ Summit with the theme: “Fostering a professional and productive public service for the Lagos State brand” was adjudged very successful as very salient issues were frankly deliberated upon.

    Fabamwo noted that some of the developments that have positively improved the delivery of service in recent times are a result of the submissions made during the last Commissions summit.

    According to her, the summit has proven to be robust, flexible, and responsive to the changing needs and expectations in the Public Service and has also demonstrated the capacity of Statutory Commissions and Boards to collaborate, innovate, cooperate, and contribute towards professionalisation of the State Service.

     “There is the need for us to come together at this time to review the impact of the previous summit and set agenda for the repositioning of the State Public Service for better service delivery as only the best is good enough for Lagosians,” the Chairman stated.

    The Permanent Secretary of the Civil Service Commission, Mr. Akinbode Obadina, said that the theme for the year’s summit has once again given the Civil Service Commission a new character.

    He acknowledged Governor Sanwo-Olu’s unbridled support for the Commission’s programmes and projects, stressing that the the Governor’s disposition towards the Commission and indeed all employees’ related matters is a clear demonstration of his commitment to the welfare of the workforce within the Public Service. 

    A total of five plenary sessions were held at the Summit with following topics treated: Overview of year 2022 summit and review of report of the Technical Committees for the first session, Repositioning the Lagos State Public Service in the New World of Work in Relation to the THEMES Plus Agenda was the second topic, while the third topic was The Imperatives of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Operations of Service Commissions and Boards.

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    Other topics treated during the fourth and fifth plenary sessions were: The role of Commissions in Managing the welfare of the workforce in the prevailing economic situation as well as Statutory and other forms of exits from the service.

    The Summit was attended by the Chairmen and Permanent Secretaries of all Commissions and Boards namely: The Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Health Service Commission, House of Assembly Service Commission, Audit Service Commission, Primary Health Care Board, Judicial Service Commission as well as the. Local Government Service Commission who participated very actively in the discourse.

  • Lagos, ALX, others partner to boost tech skills

    Lagos, ALX, others partner to boost tech skills

    Tech career accelerator, ALX Nigeria, at the weekend in Lagos, unveiled a partnership with the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), financial broker, HFM and Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to bridge the gap between professionals in the legal, finance and tech industries, as well as fostering job creation and growth.

    Through these partnerships, ALX will provide specialised tech training to members of the NBA Continuing Legal Education, and residents of Lagos and beneficiaries of the LSETF. They will equip participants with skills in areas such as software development, data science and Artificial Intelligence Career Essentials (AiCE), empowering them to thrive in the rapidly evolving digital economy.

    Speaking on the occasion, Country General Manager at ALX Nigeria, Ruby Igwe, expressed enthusiasm for the partnerships. “We are excited to collaborate with the Nigerian Bar Association Institute of Continuing Legal Education and the LSETF to unlock new opportunities for individuals looking to transition into high-growth tech careers. By leveraging our expertise in tech education and innovation, we aim to empower professionals across various sectors to embrace digital transformation and drive sustainable economic development,” she said.

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    The NBA welcomed the partnership as a strategic move to enhance the competitiveness of its members in an increasingly technology-driven world.

    Also speaking, a member of the NBA National Executive Committee (NEC), Tobenna Erijokwe, said: “The legal profession is evolving, and it is crucial for our members to adapt to the demands of the digital age. Through this partnership with ALX, we are equipping our members with the necessary skills to navigate emerging legal tech trends and remain at the forefront of innovation in the legal industry.”

    Similarly, LSETF sees the collaboration as a catalyst for fostering entrepreneurship and creating employment opportunities for Lagosians. Funding & Partnerships Officer at LSETF Ufuoma Emonena who represented the Director of Partnerships, LSETF said: “At LSETF, we are committed to supporting initiatives that promote skill acquisition and entrepreneurship development. Partnering with ALX will enable us to upskill our beneficiaries and prepare them for the vast opportunities available in the tech sector, ultimately contributing to the economic prosperity of Lagos State.”

    The tech training programmes under these partnerships will commence in the coming months, with a focus on delivering practical, hands-on learning experiences tailored to the specific needs of participants. ALX also features a vibrant community of fellows under the ALX Fellowship and their ALX Ventures community provides support for entrepreneurs.  ALX, ICLE, and LSETF are confident that these initiatives will drive positive outcomes, empowering individuals to pursue rewarding careers in technology and contribute to Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.

    ALX Nigeria is dedicated to equipping the next generation with the necessary knowledge and skills to thrive in the digital sector by providing them with a diverse range of tech programmes and offerings. For more information about ALX and its programmes, visit www.alxafrica.ng

  • Lagos seeks cooperation for data collection

    Lagos seeks cooperation for data collection

    Lagos State government has called for collaboration with the private and informal sector towards gathering accurate data to help the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) computation.

    Special Adviser to the Governor on Economic Planning and Budget, Lekan Balogun, said collating these records was because of the inaccurate and non-availability of data critical to some sectors in the Lagos economy for the computation of the GDP.

    Balogun, while addressing a stakeholders’ at a one-day forum with private regulatory bodies in financial institutions, insurance, telecommunication, and trade and allied services, said responses previously gathered from GDP exercise shows gaps from the private sector and informal businesses.

    He said: “This meeting will assist in understanding and deploying sector-specific approach to GDP data gathering to address the gaps due to the non-availability of data critical to some sectors in the Lagos economy.

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    “The outcome of previously conducted GDP exercise revealed wide gaps in terms of responses and data returns from Organised Private Sector, Formal and Informal businesses as well as allied multinationals.” 

    Balogun, who acknowledged the role of the private regulatory bodies in maintaining ethical standards, ensuring compliance, and fostering innovation, urged its representatives to ‘actively engage in the discussions, share insights, and explore avenues for collaboration as the successful conduct of this exercise will further add value to governance in terms of informed plans and programmes, targeted at sustainable economic growth and development in contributing to the progress of our State’s Gross Domestic Product,” he added.

    Manager of the Small and Medium Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) Bunmi Kole-Dawodu urged government to be intentional and actively engage the informal sector in the GDP exercise.

    According to him, ‘businesses in Lagos is above fifty million, and this is where the strength of Lagos economy actually lies’. He noted that the activities or transactions by the medium and small businesses lack proper documentation, thus making them informal.

  • Lagos PFN: Bishop Adegbite congratulates Rev Kehinde

    Lagos PFN: Bishop Adegbite congratulates Rev Kehinde

    Bishop STV Adegbite, the executive secretary of the Nigeria Council of Pilgrims Commission and chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, has extended congratulations to the newly elected PFN chairman, Rev Dr Toyin Kehinde.

    In a telephone interview on Saturday, Bishop Adegbite expressed optimism that Rev Kehinde’s tenure would usher in spiritual rejuvenation across Lagos state.

    He said: “The new PFN chairman is our friend and brother. I wish him a successful tenure. On behalf of all Christians in Lagos State, I wish to congratulate Rev Kehinde. What we are waiting for now is the ratification of his election, and it will be done eventually.

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    “His tenure will be peaceful, and the state will witness spiritual rejuvenation during his tenure. We will continue to pray for him. It shall be well with the PFN and CAN family in Lagos State and nationally,” he added.

    On the final AFCON match between Nigeria Super Eagles and Elephants of host Cote D’iviore, Bishop Adegbite said it will end in praise.

    He said: “God will be with our Super Eagles as they confront the Elephants of Cote D’Ivoire in the AFCON finals tomorrow. They shall be successful, and we shall celebrate with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

  • Lagos plans vegetable exports’ facility

    Lagos plans vegetable exports’ facility

    The Lagos State government is to establish a processing and grading facility for vegetable export at its Central Food Security Systems and Logistics Hub in Ketu-Ereyun, Epe, Lagos.

    Answering reporters’ questions during the occasion of Lagos Food Systems’ Champions Sensitisation for Market Women at the Fresh Food Agro-Hub in Idi-Oro, Mushin, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms Abisola Olusanya, noted that apart from controlling waste, the development of agri-food hubs would strengthen the state’s  food security by stimulating the agricultural industry.

    She added that the development of agri-food hubs was to boost the development of exports of agricultural products.

    She explained that the purpose of setting up agro logistics foods remains enhancing product quality and exploring markets to ensure continued growth of  the sector.

    She said the government is working with local government councils to expand packaging facilities.

    The Commissioner noted that the proposed Fresh Food Agro-Hubs for Agege and Ajar, along with the Central Food Security Systems and Logistics Hub were opening to the markets, apart from increasing agricultural output, and uplifting the livelihoods of farmers and the wider community.

    According to her, it was a key part of the state’s strategy to develop a sustainable agrofood industry that can compete at the international level in terms of production and product efficiency and quality.

    The Commissioner urged for public-private partnerships to enable the establishment of more Food Agro-Hubs in various parts of Lagos, adding that the government alone cannot fund the establishments of such facilities.

    She stated that the Ministry places a high value on the role of the business community, in investing in production, processing, storage, logistics, and agribusiness, adding the government envisions an innovative ecosystem for food and agriculture by bringing together businesses and government organizations to address difficulties that arise throughout the value chain.

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    She announced that the N750 million Lagos Market Transfer Money programme aimed at supporting 15,000 market men and women across 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas in the state will be take off this month.

    The initiative seeks to cushion the effect of the fuel subsidy removal, with each beneficiary receiving N50, 000.

    Speaking at the inauguration of the Fresh Food Agro-Hub in Idi-Oro Market, Mushin Local Government Area, last year, Governor Sanwo-Olu detailed the distribution process, highlighting that each LGA would nominate 200 beneficiaries, and an additional 50 would be selected by market leaders – Iyalojas and Babalojas – across the state.

    On the sensitization for market women, the Commissioner noted indicated that it was   part of an effort to create market linkages and oversaw a process them will see them take off the management of such facilities.

    Expressing gratitude for the support, the Iyaloja of Mushin market, Alhaja Toyibat Borokini affirmed the importance of the programme.

  • Lagos to remove illegal building extensions

    Lagos to remove illegal building extensions

    The Lagos State government is set to commence the removal of illegal building extension and conversion across the state, two weeks from now.

    This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide.

    He frowned at the unwholesome practice of illegally converting residential to commercial premises and unduly erecting attachments to buildings, saying that it was high time for sanity and orderliness to reign across the State.

    He maintained that the state would not tolerate the spate of lawlessness witnessed in commercial centres such as Lagos Island, Ikeja, and Iyana-Ipaja, where shops are illegally extended with sheds and steel external staircase in a bid to attract customers.

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    He gave two weeks ultimatum for owners of illegal extensions to remove them, failing which the State Government would commence statewide demolition of such structures, precisely on 15th February, starting from Lagos Island.

    In the same vein, the Commissioner asked those who erected structures within the Right of Way of power lines, canals, and pipelines to prepare for a massive enforcement by the ministry in two weeks’ time.

    He stressed that the government would stop at nothing to ensure a livable and sustainable built environment.

  • NCC, Airtel, Nigerian Breweries, others for Lagos auto show

    Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Airtel Nigeria, Acess Bank, Zenith Bank, MUDI Africa with after sales support from The Phinx Fleet, and Coscharis Group have indicated interest in being part of the Lagos Motor Show (LMS).

    Others include CFAO Toyota Brass Motors and Marine Services, Jetron by ELIZADE Motors, Volvo, L-Solutions among others, while supports are offered by Seven Up Bottling Company, Tasties Fried Chicken, Nigeria Breweries, The Lighthouse, The Nicola and Co.

    The LSM, in conjunction with Classic Cars Collector of Nigeria,  ‘Work and Play’, a leading Motor Sport and recreation company, will be exhibiting car and a display of motor sports such as Vintage, Classic, Exitic Cars and Motor Sports  at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Onikan Lagos from February 15-17, 2024.

    The LMS is a total exhibition of all kind of cars.  Part of the goals of the Lagos Motor Show is to provide sponsors, individuals and corporate bodies with a simple but effective means through which to display their products and services to the public.

    This is inclusive of but not limited to automotive enthusiasts, car owners, salesmen, auto-mechanics and fleet maintenance team, vendors and others who may be interested in automotive matters.

     People looking to expand their corporate network or provide themselves with marketing within the automotive industry can register as sponsors. Individuals and corporate bodies who register as sponsors will receive a multitude of benefits in addition to exposure and networking within the automotive industry.

    One of the organizers of the motor show, Gbenga Adebayo, raised hopes that the motor show would become the largest auto-industry supported motor show in Africa, that unites the automotive  community and Auto Collectors by bringing together key  industry players, motoring enthusiasts, and consumers shopping for a new ride.

    In addition, several exhibitors will display automotive products, services, lifestyle, outdoor, and customised vehicle offerings to service the need of visitors.

    Adebayo said the show would deliver exhilarating experience and platforms for exhibitors, channels and visitors, including the opportunity to drive or be driven in both latest models, including Electric Vehicles (EVs), Antiques and commercial vehicles around the square.

    “The opportunity of a test-ride and opportunity to sight, feel  and see ‘ are core to the Show’s success as they provide a  unique way for the consumer to see, touch and feel various and favourite brands on one platform,” Adebayo said.

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    The event will have in attendance, motor companies, car collectors, transport operators and logistics companies. Decision makers, motor enthusiasts, banks, insurance companies, small scale auto-entrepreneurs, representatives of foreign trade missions and multinational companies, will also attend the event and feature the future of automobiles.

    Future energy efficient cars such as electric vehicles and gas powered low emission eco-friendly vehicles, will also be at the exhibition.

    The Show will offer an opportunity to interact with haulage, logistics, car hire companies, passenger transporters, financial institutions, Insurance, loans companies and other potential buyers and decision makers. The event will offer face-to-face, marketing opportunities and will help increase sales, with further opportunity to network with existing and future customers. It will offer significant brand visibility for all.

    The LMS is the dream of a group of car lovers, motor sports enthusiasts whose goal is to bring to the Nigerian motoring community, an auto show annually that would mirror Auto shows such as the annual Chicago Motor Show, Munich Auto Show, Middle East, Europe etc.

    Adebayo said: “We are very excited to bring to Lagos, now and on an annual basis, an event that will host all the major stakeholders in Automobiles, both New, Antique Car and Cars of the future.  We are grateful to everyone and we assure the public of a never to be forgotten experience.”

  • Lagos procures coaches for Blue, Red Rail lines

    Lagos procures coaches for Blue, Red Rail lines

    More coaches for the Blue and Red Rail lines in Lagos will be delivered by year end, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said yesterday.

    He spoke in Beijing, China where he wrapped up a deal with China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).

    According to him, the acquisition of rolling stocks will expand the transportation infrastructure in the state and bring more relief to the people.

    He said the state team, through its partners, secured an agreement to get the additional rolling stocks.

    During a meeting with the President and management of the CCECC at its headquarters in Beijing, Sanwo-Olu reiterated his administration’s commitment to completing the second phase of the Blue Line rail project and begin commercial operations of the Red Line.

    The governor said: “We have made requests for additional rolling stocks for the Red Line and Blue Line. That conversation is ongoing. We have started making payments and hope that because of our commitment, we will get them before the end of the year.

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    “It would improve the journey experience of our people. It would improve citizens’ appreciation of what the government is doing to reduce transportation pressure in a big city like Lagos.

    “With the new rolling stocks, we will have a more predictable journey time; the commuters and passengers would be more committed and we will see an improvement in the quality of lives and reduction of traffic gridlocks in the city.”

    Those with the governor at the meeting are:  Transportation Commissioner Oluwaseun Osiyemi; Managing Director, Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Mrs. Abimbola Akinajo, Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Transportation, Temitope Adewale, his Environment Parastatals counterpart, Rasheed Shabi, among others.

    The Lagos team also inspected one of the project sites of the China Railway Construction Group (CRCG) in Beijing, China.

    Sanwo-Olu noted that the visit, which he described as a fact-finding mission, was borne out of his government’s plans for the construction of some infrastructural projects and his determination to increase the infrastructure stock of the state, especially in transportation.