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Tag: lagos

  • Jakande: Celebrating a legend at 90

    The roll call of eminent Nigerians that graced the recent 90th birthday of first civilian governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande (LKJ) speaks volume of his pedigree as a widely respected statesman. Dignitaries at the event include Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his Ogun State counterpart, Dapo Abiodun.

    Others are deputy governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat, former governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji Fashola, former governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, former governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba, former governor of Borno State, Muhammadu Goni, former Minister of Defence Ademola Seriki, former Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Jokotola Pelumi and many others.

    Speakers after speakers paid glowing tribute to the legendary status of the celebrant at the event.  The chairman of the occasion and former governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba described Alhaji Jakande as an accomplished Nigerian and a global brand.

    In his speech, Lagos State Governor, Sanwo-Olu announced that Igando Garden Estate under construction would be named Jakande Garden Estate upon completion. This is in appreciation of many laudable feats and achievements of the former Lagos State governor during his tenure as governor of Lagos State.

    Governor Sanwo-Olu stated that Jakande has left many legacies worthy of emulation as far as administration of Lagos State is concerned. “In appreciation of your numerous contributions to the state, the Igando Garden Estate under construction, when completed, would be named Jakande Garden Estate”, Sanwo-Olu said.

    Governor Sanwo-Olu urged all political leaders to emulate Jakande, especially with the way he ruled Lagos and transformed virtually all sectors within a very short period.

    Lagos State has, no doubt, been blessed with visionary leaders whose vision and thoughts have progressively moulded the state.  One of such is Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, popularly referred to as LKJ, the state’s first democratically elected governor.

    From the outset, LKJ pledged to model his government after that of the defunct Western Region of Nigeria, from 1952 to 1959, headed by Chief Obafemi Awolowo. He said: “That government was the most efficient, the most dynamic, and the most responsive of all the governments of the federation. That government was the country’s pacesetter- the first to do all good things that others later copied. There has never been a government like it in Africa before or since.”

    True to his words, LKJ assiduously went to work to realize his vision. Till date, many of his populist policies and programmes, especially in the housing, public transportation and education sectors, still endear him to all and sundry. The ambitious Lagos metro-line project, which, if it had seen the light of the day, would have revolutionized public transportation in the state, was conceived by his administration. Some of the housing estates he established across various locations such as Iba, Isolo, Iponri, Ejigbo etc, are still serving the housing needs of Lagosians.

    It was under his administration that movement into state’s current secretariat at Alausa, Ikeja, began.  LKJ reportedly attached so much urgency to the construction of the present government secretariat that he virtually caught everyone unawares when it finally happened.

    Being a consummate journalist, and following the trend of his political mentor, Chief Obafemi Awolowo who established the first television station in Africa, LKJ also  established Lagos Television, LTV, which happens to be the first state owned television in the country. LKJ also established the Lagos State University in 1983. His administration also constructed water works at Shasha, Agege, Somolu, Apapa, Badagry, Aguda etc to improve water supply and avoid outbreak of water borne epidemics.

    It was LKJ that began the transformation of the state’s transport sector. On November 29, 1979, 59 new buses belonging to the Lagos State Transport Corporation were inaugurated with a view to enhancing public transportation in the state. On January 28, 1980, the parking meters began to function in some busy streets in central Lagos. It was the first of such in Nigeria.

    His government also opened up public education to accommodate more pupils. After only one year in office, additional schools were constructed by the administration. For instance, the number of public primary schools in Ikeja Local Government alone increased from 54 to 86. The number of public secondary schools in the area also increased from 13 to 42. In all, 32 new primary schools and 29 new secondary schools were built within just a year!

    A workaholic and tireless leader, LKJ worked round the clock in his bid to fast-track the development of Lagos State. Reports had it that on December 31st,  1983, when the Shehu Shagari civilian administration was toppled, in a military coup d’état, soldiers who came to arrest LKJ met him at his office working deep in the night, on a New Year eve. Such was his legendary dedication to duty and passion for hard work.

    It is, therefore, not surprising that LKJ became a star among the 19 governors of the Second Republic. He soon became popular and given several appellations in the media such as ‘Baba Kekere’, ‘Friend of the Masses’, ‘Action Governor’ etc. Out of the lots, the one that really became prominent is ‘Action Governor’. Sure, during the Second Republic, there was only one ‘Action Governor’ in Nigeria –LKJ.

    It is hoped that more political leaders would take a cue from this visionary patriot by being selfless and patriotic in all their ways. They also need to pay heed to former American President, Quincy Adams, words that “if your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.

    • Ogunbiyi is of the Ministry of Information & Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja.

  • Group urges more women role in governance

    A group, Standup for Women Society, has stressed the need for more women inclusion in governance and other leadership positions across the sectors.

    Its President, Abosede Ijadele-Adetona, said such access for women will give them their rightful place in the community and help them participate in nation-building, noting that women must put aside their doubts and place higher values on themselves.

    She spoke at the inauguration of the group’s Lagos chapter in Ikeja, Lagos.

    According to her, women participation in governance and top positions in any organisation will have positive effect on the society.

    She stressed the need for men and women to work together to build a new society.

    “The future of Nigerian women can only be brighter in this country if women rise and work as a team to make positive decisions and actions geared towards turning around the numerous challenges which the Nigerian women experience.”

    She said the group is about women in Nigeria, noting that they are geared towards educating women about themselves.

    “Our focus is to galvanise support and draw attention to total development of women in the society in order to improve women in policy making decisions and to ensure their full participation in governance. We also focus on ensuring that women are given responsibilities and roles at all levels and we ensure they have the rights to play active roles as a forum to liberate and actualise the rights of women”.

    The group, she said, serves as bedrock and mouthpiece for Nigerian women while also filling the missing gap for active grassroots-based forum for women in the community and the nation.

    “We are now in 22 states and we will cover the whole of Nigeria,” she said.

    Ijadele-Adetona called for childhood education for girls, saying it is a solution for women to compete with their male counterparts in any position in the country,” she said.

    Wife of the Executive Chairman, Ikeja Local Government Area (LGA), Mrs. Abigail Balogun, who spoke on “Gender, Competitiveness and Complementarity”, recommended basic education to help change women orientation for them to fulfill their potential.

    She stressed the need for women to show more willingness to compete, saying there is need for them to be risk taker because their roles will complement the men for development.

    “If we fail to compete, we cannot get any position up there. We cannot just sit back and be marginalised and then talk about competitiveness.

    “Women should no longer wait till election period, but we should make our voices heard now. Let us not wait till our female children become adults. Let us start by teaching them governance now.

    “We need to educate the girl child and we need to change their orientations. This will help her not only to attain better position in an organization but also not to be molested in the society.

    “Our girls should not only work at home but should also compete like the male child. We need to build confidence in the girl child and the women alike, so that we can stop that discrimination against women.

    The group, she said, came out at a crucial time when women voices need to be heard by the government and those concerned.

    “Women should be given the opportunity to showcase their abilities. If we can take care of our homes, we can also handle the top positions in the government and we will impact positive change,” she said.

    Chairman, The Punch Newspapers, Angela Emuwa, who spoke on “Culture and Women Progress”, encouraged the women to make efforts to earn their emancipation.

    Represented by the Assistant Editor, Godwin Ofulue, the Chairman noted that lack of unity among women has caused setbacks for them.

    “Maybe men are not really the problem. Women are blinded by some of the offensive cultures against them. Some of the cultural laws stopping the progress of women are enacted and enforced by women in the rural areas. Women should stop appealing to men to empower them because most men enjoy their leadership over women and would not give up their hold onto power without pressure.

  • Rotary Club seeks partnership with govt, society

    The immediate past Governor of Rotary International District 9110 Nigeria, Rotarian Kola Sodipo, has solicited for a strong collaboration among Rotary Club, the society and the government towards providing amenities that will make life worth living for members of the society. This, he said, will alleviate the suffering of the masses. He also stated that government alone cannot provide all that the people need.

    Joining Sodipo in the plea were the Rotary District Governor-elect, Rotarian Bola Oyebade, and the newly Chartered President, Rotary Club of Eko Atlantic, PHF Rotarian Dr. Sunit Deb Roy.

    They respectively urged Nigerians to join Rotary Club International where they would deploy their God-given talents, time, treasures and resources to contribute to the well-being of humankind.

    They spoke at the formal Chartering of the Rotary Club of Eko Atlantic, mentored by the immediate Past President, Rotary Club of Lagos Island, PHF Rotarian Sanjeev Tandon at the Spice Route Restaurant, Adeola Odeku Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    Eminent Rotarians such as former District Governor, Rotarian Dr. Kamoru Omotosho and his wife, Rotarian Dr. Susan Omotosho, attended the event.

    In his goodwill message at the ceremony, Rotarian Omotosho expressed Nigerians’ gratitude to the entire Indian Community in Nigeria for their commitment to improving Nigeria’s economy. He noted that their commitment to service to humankind should be emulated by other nationals.

    While appreciating the chartering of the new Club, the Rotary Club of Eko Atlantic, District 9110 Nigeria, Rotarian Omotosho also said the gesture was a move towards expansion of the club at the global level.

    Rotarian Sodipo, accompanied by his wife, Inner Wheeler, Nike Sodipo, described the Charter President of the Club, PHF Rotarian Dr. Sunit Deb Roy as Godsend as he would be an instrument to assist others to realize their full potential in life.

    He, therefore, urged those in authority to work hard towards enhancing the lives of members of the society.

    He, therefore, urged all Nigerians to be great role models for others, especially the younger generations to enable them to contribute to national growth and development.

    In his address at the event, a former President, Rotary Club of Lagos Island, District 9110, Rotary International, PHF Rotarian Sanjeev Tandon expressed his gratitude to God and to other distinguished guests and the newly enrolled members over their commitment to enhance the well-being of others, even as he said he was impressed by the members resolve to exalt the ideals of the organisation for which the Club firmly believes in which is to better the lives of others.

    In his acceptance speech, the Charter President, PHF Rotarian Dr. Sunit Deb Roy expressed his club’s gratitude to God and to all distinguished guests present at the event.

    He pleaded to the members to continue in the financial contributions and moral support to the new President of the club to enable him to succeed.

    He urged members of the public to join the Rotary International, especially with the inauguration and the Chartering of the new Club, the Rotary Club of Eko Atlantic.

    Highlights of the event were the installation, enrollment and decoration of the respective Clubs’ Board of Directors with the Club’s insignia and crests on the allocation of their respective portfolios and responsibilities in the discharge of their duties to the club, the society and the country in general.

  • Is Lagos really open for business?

    SIR: Many cities across the continent are currently experiencing a population growth rate that is considerably faster than previously projected. This speed means that many of these cities are unable to develop the infrastructure required to support the population size it currently has.

    One of the reasons for this is growth is the rise in mobility platforms and services. In the last few months alone, three of Nigeria’s foremost mobility companies, Oride, Gokada and Max, have raised almost $100 million in capital as they deepen their local operations. The rise of mobility solutions providers has been a welcome innovation as they attempt to provide solutions to the inadequate public transport infrastructure available.

    Lagos is an example of such a city and is estimated to grow by almost 100% in the next 25 years. According to recent statistics released by the United Nations, there is an influx of 87 people per hour daily into Lagos – the largest in the world. The city’s rapid development and population expansion continues to place significant strains on its infrastructure – a problem that has existed for the last few decades. An inadequate “formal” public transport system makes congestion one of Lagos’s most immediate problems as the city loses over N42bn annually in productivity to traffic

    In the face of a growing population and inadequate infrastructure, innovations like the ones being offered by mobility platforms and service providers are going to be required in order for the state to cater for its growing population.  Other cities in Africa and across the world with similar growth rates have benefitted from similar private sector-led innovations and interventions bolstered by governments who created enabling business environments for these innovations to thrive, to grow and for their impact to be felt by the people who needed it the most.

    We must ask ourselves if Lagos is really open for business and ready to unlock the potential it has to generate the kind of revenue it needs to truly live up to its potential as a mega city.

    A video that recently went viral on social media shows touts, or agberos, as they are popularly called, acting on orders from trade associations, harassing the riders and passengers of ORide, Gokada and MAXng in a bid to extort money from them.

    Accounts of harassment by local touts are not a new occurrence. Indeed, there have been multiple incidents of touts harassing market traders, shop owners and other small businesses operating legally in Lagos. But as these accounts of intimidation by local youths- become a frequent occurrence; with multiple incidents of harassment and extortion, there is a critical need for this issue – now trending across numerous social media platforms; to be addressed by the government.

    When we have incidents like the harassment and hooliganism displayed by touts who claim to work on behalf of the unions, which threaten the confidence- both of entrepreneurs and investors alike as well as the safety of riders and passengers, we have to wonder how the government intends to restore the confidence of these investors who would be right to deduce, based on recent happenings- that Lagos is indeed closed for business- their business.

    In the June 1 video where he articulates his vision for Lagos State, His Excellency, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State, emphasized that Lagos is indeed open for business. This is welcome news for investors looking for an investment destination and any entrepreneurs looking to create dynamic innovations and the jobs associated with starting a new business. But in order for the governor and his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat to turn these words into action, they will need to ensure that local agberos and unions do not close the very doors that have been proclaimed open by their threats and harassment of business owners across the state- including but not limited to the mobility industry.

    Put simply, if Lagos is truly open for business, then its body language needs to change – and fast.

    • Idris Aina, Lagos.

  • Legend Extra Stout unveils new 45cl bottle

    One of Nigeria’s stout brands, Legend Extra Stout, has unveiled its new 45cl bottle. The new product size was unveiled at a special celebration ceremony at Radisson Blu, Ikeja, Lagos recently.

    Tagged: “Power Of 45”the event had hundreds of guests and consumers in attendance, as hordes of Nigerians got the chance to have a first look at the new product offering from the beer company.

    Speaking after the event, the Portfolio Manager, National Premium Lager, NB Plc, Sarah Agha expressed delight at the consumers’ positive reaction to the new product offering.

    According to her, the rich history of Legend Extra Stout is one that is replete with innovation because the brand continuously focuses on optimum consumer satisfaction.

    “This unique stout brand has undergone evolutions in times past. Since it was first launched in 1992, the brand has proven its prominence in the beer industry and has undergone various changes in its bottle shape and labeling. Now, we are introducing an all-new size, a 45cl sleek master which encapsulates our new brand narrative. Our message to our consumers is – go out and pick your size! It doesn’t matter if you are a 33cl, 60cl or 45cl guy, as long as you are true to yourself, you are a Legend.”

    The launch event was full of exciting moments as consumers were treated to breathtaking performances by some of Nigeria’s A-list performers including Timaya and Chike.

  • Varsity honours CIA registrar

    Nature and history have their typical ways of shaping the destiny of a man. The combination of the two phenomena has been generous and kind to the Registrar/Chief Executive, Chartered Institute of Administration (CIA), Lagos. Adm. Dr. Akobundu Okoronkwo.

    Described as one of the finest administrators the world has produced and the foremost administrator in Nigeria, Dr. Okoronkwo was traced by the authorities of the prestigious Fopase University, Benin Republic based on their investigations on his exploits in the academic and administrative spheres. Having concluded their enquiries on this leading but unassuming administrator of global standard, the university authorities unanimously agreed to honour him with professorial chair in Administration.

    In the circumstances, on July 5, the prestigious Fopase University, Benin Republic which is one of the highly rated institutions in the world, bestowed on Dr. Okoronkwo a full-fledged Professor of Administration.

    The event took place at the prestigious Golden Tulip Hotel, Amuwo-Odofin, FESTAC Town, Lagos during a mini-convocation ceremony.

    Announcing the award, the President and Founder of Fopase University, Prof. Kossi Rowland Dogble, who presides over the Council of the 5th oldest and 9th best university in the entire Benin Republic as well as the first bilingual university in West Africa, said the university was impressed with the great achievements of Adm. Prof. Okoronkwo whom he described as the father of Professorial Administration in Nigeria and, indeed, West Africa.

    Handing over the certificate of Professorship and professorial chair in Administration of the University to the award recipient, the Vice-Chancellor of the university Prof. Simon Akpona assured Adm. Prof. Okoronkwo that his efforts in pioneering professionalism in administration in West Africa and indeed Africa shall never be in vain.

    The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, English Section Dr. Orjiugo .C. Samson said Fopase University was happy to be associated with Nigerian College of  Administration (The Statutory Professional Training School of Chartered Institute of Administration) because of the pedigree and high professional standards for which the college is known all these years.

    The Head, Professorial Training and Education Adm. Dr. Okeke Chika Joseph, who presides over the affairs at the Nigerian College of Administration said the award was a dream come true as Adm. Prof. Okoronkwo invested his life savings to achieve the feat.

    The Deputy Vice-Chancellor overseeing all the collaborating degree programmes of the institute Adm. Prof. Nwose, Ifeanyi Chukuma noted that professional qualification does not come easy. He enjoined registered students at the College to work hard to achieve the feat.

    “The opportunity we have given for you to use a stone in killing two birds by achieving both professional and academic qualifications on graduation from the Nigerian College of Administration should be a morale booster. That the Federal Government rates graduates of the College on salary grade level nine; a step above graduates of Nigerian universities, is an advantage that should be explored by all, especially working and non-working class in order  to better their lots and get to the peak of their careers.

    Barrister (Mrs.) Eunice Ike of the Federal Ministry of Education who represents Federal Government of Nigeria in the Governing Council of the Chartered Institute of Administration was assisted by representatives from University of Benin and Lagos State University and University of Lagos in decorating Adm. Prof. Akobundu Okoronkwo with his new professorial regalia.

    In his acceptance speech, Adm. Prof. Okoronkwo said he regarded the award as a clarion call to do more since the little he has done was being highly appreciated.

    He thanked all who came from far and near to add credence to the occasion. Adm. Prof. Nwose thanked the management of Tansian University Umunya Anambra State represented by Chartered Institute of Criminal Justice and Criminology Administration and Institut Superieur Fopase University, Benin Republic for the collaboration programme with the Nigerian College of Administration.

  • Three remanded for alleged N17.8m fraud

    A FEDERAL High Court in Lagos on Thursday remanded three men, Alhaji Kabiru Ali, Yusuf Bello and David Boniface, charged with N17,850,00 fraud.

    Justice Nicholas Oweibo made the order following their arraignment on a three-count charge of stealing and money laundering.

    The defendants were arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, following a petition received by the Commission on May 13, 2019 from the complainant, Ali Isa.

    One of the counts reads: “That you, Alhaji Kabiru Ali, Yusuf Bello, David Boniface and Abdul Isa, a.k.a. Harrison (still at large), sometime in May, 2019 in Nigeria, conspired to indirectly conceal the sum of N17,850,000 (Seventeen Million, Eight Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) in the Guarantee Trust Bank account of Baalina Nigeria Limited, which sum you ought to have known forms part of proceeds of unlawful act to wit: stealing.

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    “You thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (a).15 (2) (a) of the Money Laundering Prohibited Act, 2011 as amended and punishable under section 15 (3) of the same Act.”

    The defendants pleaded not guilty.

    Prosecution counsel, A. O. Mohammed, asked the court for a trial date and also prayed that the defendants be remanded in prison custody pending the hearing and determination of the case.

    Justice Oweibo remanded the men in Ikoyi prison custody and adjourned till November 5, 2019 for hearing of their bail application and commencement of trial.

  • Pilots decry state of airports’ runways, other facilities

    Nigerian pilots have raised the alarm over the poor state of runways in some airports. They are seeking urgent intervention from government agencies to avert accident.

    Measures, they said, should be taken to clear the runways of foreign object damage (FOD), including debris at the airside, which affects aircraft tyre types and other underbelly components.

    According to them, FOD was forcing airlines to loose millions of naira replacing aircraft tyres and other vital parts of their equipment.

    Besides the deplorable state of the runway at airports in Port Harcourt; Lagos and Abuja, government they said, should urgently look into the poor state of radio communication in the airspace.

    In separate interviews  Air Peace Chief Pilot,  Captain Victor Egonu; Med-View Airline Chief Pilot Captain Stephen Fevrier; Arik Air Safety Manager Captain Jide Bakare  and a retired pilot with the defunct Nigeria Airways Limited  Captain Prekeme Porbeni, said unless urgent steps are taken disaster was looming in the aviation industry.

    According to Egonu, runways at some airports, including Enugu, Port Harcourt and Lagos are death traps during the rainy season because their surface are not properly drained.

    He said pilots have continued to complain about the poor state of such facilities, which according to him, has been a big threat to air safety.

    Egonu said: “Pilots in Nigeria complain very often about the surface of Port Harcourt Airport runway that it is always waterlogged and does not drain properly whenever it rains to allow for smooth landing because there are depressions which allow water to collect.”

    “And if you fly into Enugu, it is so bad that Air traffic controllers have had to advise you that they are potholes and that stones jumping off could burst your tyres and pilots are usualy scared. We have airlines with torn tyres from this. At the Lagos airport runway 18L, we are now avoiding it whenever it rains because it doesn’t drain well and so we divert to land at runway 18R

    “And even in Abuja recently our aircraft had a burst trye from an object it picked up after landing on the runway and this is very dangerous because if you pick up something from the tyre on the runway as it was the case of the Concord aircraft it could ignite fire once it reclines and makes contact with the fuel tank.”

    He said airlines and pilots would appreciate if runways are constantly inspected by the relevant regulators to ensure that they are in line with standards that ensure safe flight operations.

    Also, according to Fevrier, the government should fix the poor state of air navigation equipment in the airspace, as it is making it unattractive to some pilots to use the nation’s airspace.

    The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), he said, should address the communication challenges being experienced by pilots to avert air accidents.

    He said: “I came to Nigeria about 12 years ago and the first thing that we were told to learn as pilots is to say break-break when you get into the airspace and that is because the airspace is congested. I must say that the airspace is still congested and unsafe for pilots to fly.”

    According to him, when flying from Lagos to Abuja pilots often lose contact with the Lagos control tower 200 miles into the airspace, which should not be the case.

    He lamented that the same situation occured between Port Harcourt and Abuja, adding that pilots hardly communicate effectively with the control tower in Kano when coming into Nigerian airspace from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

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    “In Kano, if you are coming from Jeddah to enter Nigerian airspace, you can’t speak to Kano. You have to wait until you get into an 100 miles into Kano most times.”

    “We really have communication issues in the Nigerian airspace and that needs to be addressed urgently.”

    Bakare on his part said the biggest issue pilots are grappling with is the problem of communication in the airspace. ”There are so many issues, but communication is one of the biggest challenges that we face as pilots in Nigerian airspace,” he said.

    To Porbeni, it was not enough for government to initiate interventions to bridge gaps in air communication infrastructure, there should be outright elimination of such challenges in air navigation.

    He wondered why the Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON) that NAMA bragged about was not working. ”Pilots in recent times are undergoing serious challenges bordering on poor communication while flying in the Nigerian airspace.

    “This is affecting the safety rating of our country compared with other nations around us, which have upgraded their systems in terms of air communication infrastructure,” he said.

    He continued: “Repeatedly we kept on hearing the word; we have Total Radar Coverage. The answer is absolutely no. it is because any aeroplane or airborne machine flying in the Nigerian airspace can be detected, but there is lack of communication between the pilots in the airspace and the Air Traffic Controllers at the towers.”

    Meanwhile, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), spokesperson, Mrs. Henrietta Yakubu said the agency has commenced an intensive re-assessment of runways at the nation’s airports to forestall the potential accidents on the runways.

    “It is, therefore, with the intention to increase the friction coefficient levels of our runways in accordance with NCAA advisory circular that the Authority is embarking on this exercise across the nation’s airports as the rain is becoming very heavy and unpredictable,” Yakubu said.

    She explained that although, the regular friction measurement for Port Harcourt International Airport was conducted in March 2019 and the result fell within the minimum friction coefficient level, the airport however, still witnessed a skidding incident recently by an Air Peace aircraft. “As a short term measure to increase the safety of the Port Harcourt runway, the Authority just carried out a de- rubberisation exercise between June 15 to 22 , 2019 to remove any contaminant,” Yakubu added.

    The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has assured airlines and other airspace users that the nation’s airspace is safe for seamless and economic air navigation. Its Managing Director, Capt. Fola Akinkuotu made these remarks while receiving the Chief Operating Officer of the newly established Ibom Air, Mr George Uriesi, who led a delegation to the agency’s headquarters in Lagos. He explained that the agency had taken drastic steps to tackle communication challenges, especially in the upper airspace in the past couple of years, saying that significant progress was being made in that direction.

    Akinkuotu said NAMA has seen to the upgrading of communication infrastructure in phases. According to him, radio communication in the ground control, covering 65 nautical miles at the 32 air traffic control units in Nigerian airports is perfect and this was done under phase one of the project.

    He added that the second phase, which is the tower control, also covering 65 nautical miles and critical for landing and takeoff, is perfectly working in all the 32 airports in the country. The third phase, which he referred to as “approach communication”, covering up to 130 nautical miles, is working perfectly in all the 32 air traffic control units in the country.

    Akinkuotu admitted that although the last phase, which is the Area Control or Upper Airspace Communication, may have a few challenges, attributing them to the creation of new routes. Concerted efforts, he said, are being made to address these challenges. One of efforts was the deployment of the Total VHF Coverage of Nigeria in 2010, which he said was limited by the architecture of 8 VHF remote radio stations deployed then. He added that the agency has just taken delivery of Extended Range VHF radio systems to replace old the radios in eight remote sites while six more are to be added, making them 14.

    “There is also the deployment of 54 VSAT nodes, in the Aeronautical Information Services Automation project. This project has lingered through all the regimes in NAMA, but we are currently making efforts to see to the final takeoff of the automation project, which we believe would boost our communication system,” Akinkuotu said.

    The NAMA boss said in line with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Aviation System Block Upgrade (ASBU), which stipulates that Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) provide alternative means of communication, the agency in 2015 deployed the Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Contract/Controller Pilot Data Link Communication (ADS-C/CPDLC) in Kano and Lagos Area Control Centres (ACCs) to decongest radio frequency, adding that the facility has been up and running in the entire airspace.

    In addition to the above, Akinkuotu said “the high-powered very high frequency (VHF) Jotron radios, installed at Lagos and Kano, were recently commissioned by the former Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika, who tested them with a British Airways pilot who replied him with 5/5, meaning: “excellent” and this facility is available and serviceable.

  • Lagos, GOKADA, to plant 100,000 trees

    The Lagos State Government has entered into a major partnership with Gokada, a commercial motorbikes firm, on tree planting project.

    The agreement was signed by the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK) General Manager, Mrs Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola and Mr Kayode Adegbola, GOKADA Director of Government and Regulatory Affairs, in Ikeja on Tuesday.

    Adebiyi-Abiola said the agreement represents the single largest commitment till date by a private sector player in Nigeria towards tree planting project.

    She said through the partnership, Gokada will be joining other cooperate institutions to plant 100,000 trees in Lagos over the next five years, starting with 10,000 trees before the end of 2019.

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    “The intention is to bring together 25 forward-looking companies like GOKADA , who are each committed to planting at least 100,000 trees in support of the Agency’s effort on or before the year 2020,” she said.

    Adegbola said: “This partnership will foster the reduction of atmospheric carbon concentration and flooding. It will also improve the quality of life of Lagosians, for whom we work tirelessly to provide safer and faster intra-city transportation.”

    He said the company is also working internally to evolve a holistic programme that would significantly cut the carbon footprint across our operations.

  • Lagos battles motorcycle services firms over revenue

    Lagos State has seen a spike in the motorcycle-hailing services. This new business trend sprouting across the state is coming as a safe and more reliable alternative to regular motorcycles,  but the parameters are contributing next to nothing to the state’s coffers, writes Robert Egbe.

    The Lagos State economy is a giant one. It boasts as one of the few self-sufficient states in the country and its success has continued to set it apart as the benchmark for the others. Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), mainly through taxes stood at $1.3 billion (N258.7billion) in 2015 — three times more than the state with the second most IGR and 39% of the total IGR by Nigeria’s 36 states.

    According to the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, the country’s commercial hub generated a staggering N382 billion in 2018. The figure surpassed the earnings of a combination of 29 states! But Lagos’ success looks even better compared to other African nations. With GDP in 2014 pegged at $90 billion, Lagos’ economy stands as the 7th largest in Africa- bigger than Cote d’Ivoire and Kenya, two of the continent’s most promising economies.

    A finely tuned IGR model and a growing economy have made Lagos into Africa’s leading city and one of the world’s fastest growing megacities. Lagos, like most other states, relies so much on its IGR to function. The provision of basic services and amenities like hospitals, schools, roads and other infrastructure is funded by the revenue it generates. It is important to note that governments all over the world are consistently under pressure to increase revenue through taxation in order to provide better services within their jurisdiction. In view of this, significant sources of revenue such as taxes, licenses, fines and fees, grants, financial aids, and loans must always be keenly paid attention to for any economy to thrive.

    Lagos being a hotbed for enterprise relies heavily on taxes in generating revenue. Small scale firms and the large institutions contribute a significant chunk to the coffers of the state in the form of taxes. In maintaining its enviable feat of raking in whopping sums as its revenue, especially in the area of taxes, it ensures that it drags all the businesses operating in the state under its tax net.

    Despite its effort to generate funds and several awareness initiatives aimed at making organisations interested in the payment of taxes, some firms that operate fully in Lagos sabotage the economic drive of the Lagos State Government in its effort to increase revenue by brazenly cutting corners.

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    Recently, Lagos State has seen a spike in the motorcycle-hailing services. This new business trend sprouting across the state is coming as a safe and more reliable alternative to regular motorcycles. Their primary purpose is to help Lagos residents zap through congested traffic.

    However, it is interesting that a large number of companies in this technology-driven business have their motorcycles registered with the Ogun State Government with their number plates bearing that of the gateway state, despite functioning fully in Lagos.

    Leading the pack of motorcycles in this category is the Chinese-owned ORide. ORide, a subsidiary of OPay, which started operating in Lagos in May 2019. There is also the U-Go services and Max.Ng – both of which are bike-hailing companies operating in Nigeria’s most populous city.

    Getting a motorcycle registered in Lagos is almost the same process as that of a car or any other motor vehicle. There are processes that must be followed for two-wheelers to be approved for use in Lagos. Letters must be written, taken through the right desks, duly signed and approved and the appropriate documents received.

    Their conspicuous use of the neighboring state’s number plates while operating in Lagos draws curiosity. The move may be attributed to the companies’ disregard for due process or attempting to bypass the system by reducing its remittances to the coffers of the government hence the reason behind it running to the neighbouring state to register its vehicles.

    According to investigations, the riders of the motorcycles of the trio of ORide, U-Go Services and MaxOkada have been serially harassed by men of the Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) and the reason may not be far-fetched. The motorcycle-hailing companies, like all others, operate fully in Lagos. Their customers are Lagos residents who live and also work in Lagos. Therefore, registering with another state ultimately means that funds that would have ordinarily accrued to the state are being contributed to the economy of another state.

    Many might argue that using a plate number different from the state’s in which you operate does not violate any law. However, the angle in which business minds analyze these cases speak to economic sabotage and the argument is simple – the motorcycle-hailing companies are headquartered in Lagos and have their operations exclusively in the state. Its customers are Lagos residents who live, work and also pay taxes in Lagos. It generates the revenue with which it pays its staff from the state, yet, they dole out funds for the renewal of the particulars of its numerous motorcycles to a neighbouring state.

    It is also imperative to note that when registering a motorcycle for commercial purposes in any state, the two-wheelers taxis are expected procure hackney permits and other regulatory permits that are subject to periodic renewals in the state. This process helps the State Government regulate the sector whilst generating the needed revenues to run the state.

    A former Commissioner for Finance in the state, Mr. Akinyemi Ashade, had last year expressed optimism that the monthly IGR would rise as the state continued to implement its reforms, adding that the target was to grow the IGR to N50 billion from N34 billion. “The target we set for ourselves is N50 billion; we know it is a marathon, we will win some and we will lose some, but we are committed towards ensuring that we meet the target,” Ashade said.

    However, when businesses such as ORide, U-Go Services and Max.Ng deliberately avoid walking into the revenue net of the state, perhaps the N50 billion target would easily be a mirage and the social benefits to the over 20 million of people who call the state home will be shortchanged eventually.

    Will gokada and easy mobility also become guilty of this? Only time can tell.