The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Obafemi Hamzat

  • ‘No plan to demolish structures in Apapa’

    ‘No plan to demolish structures in Apapa’

    THE Lagos State Government has assured residents that it has no plan to embrak on a mass demolition of structures for the expansion of Gaskiya-College and Sari-Iganmu Roads.

    Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, gave this assurance during a stakeholder’s meeting held at the Ladipo Primary School, Amuko.

    He, however, explained that some shops and fences which are on the right of way will be removed for the construction, while adding that property owners with the required certified documents by the state Ministry of Physical Planning will be compensated.

    Dispelling rumours that certain rich individuals residing in the area have allegedly influenced the construction of the road project in order to favour them, the commissioner disclosed that the road alignment cannot be skewed to favour anyone since it would be determined by the final destination of the road.

    He solicited the support of the people to ensure that the project is delivered in 20 months billed for its completion, adding that the ministry will continue to listen to their complaints.

    While presenting the various complaints and petitions that led to the second stakeholders’ meeting, Hamzat said it is only with the people’s support that the project can be delivered on time.

    Commenting on other roads being handled by the Lagos Metropolitan Development and Governance Project (LMDGP) which have allegedly been abandoned, the commissioner assured that the state government is in the process of auditing the projects before it is handed over to appropriate agency of government for completion.

    Also speaking, the Special Adviser on Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ganiyu Johnson, emphasised that the project which has been awarded to Messrs Julius Berger Plc will enhance the free flow of traffic in the area.

    He noted that the road will also serve as an alternative bye–pass for motorists using the Lagos-Badagry Expressway at Alaba and Orile-Iganmu Bus-Stops.

     

  • Why road project is delayed, by commissioner

    Why road project is delayed, by commissioner

    Commuters have nothing to worry about on the Ago Okota Palace Way as its reconstruction is still on course, Lagos State Government assured yesterday.

    Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, who gave the assurance, said the project was delayed for five months because a court case instituted by a landlord whose property was affected by the construction.

    He added that the delay is exacerbated by the rainy season which does not help such construction works.

    To forestall a repeat of such situation, Hamzat told The Nation that government had decided to always meet stakeholders before such critical infrastructural effort is embarked on in future.

    He debunked the notion that the current administration in the state is elitist and is more interested in constructing roads in upscale areas, saying: “Nothing can be further from the truth as road constructions and other infrastructural provisions are even more in the medium and low-income areas such as Alimosho, Mushin, Badagry and Oshodi Isolo local government areas among others. Indeed, rural roads are given more attention despite the fact that they are more difficult and expensive to build.”

    He said the reconstruction of the Mile 12-Ikorodu highway, is one of the examples of the state government’s commitment to strategic infrastructural provisions in the state.

    The commissioner explained that the road would incorporate nine bridges with three lanes. He added that roads and other infrastructure are prioritised as other considerations such as access to hospital, Water Corporation, waste management agency and population figure come into play in decisions about putting up a facility in a particular place.

  • Mushin celebrates 19th cultural day

    Mushin celebrates 19th cultural day

    The celebration was like a carnival. The colour, grandeur, commitment and loyalty of the people of the Mushin Community came alive last Saturday when the Lagos community celebrated the 19th edition of its culture, tradition and progress.

    It was a day they had looked forward to for a long time.

    Men, women and youths were not left out as they had a date with history. As a result, they turned out in large numbers to witness the event.

    Defying the scotching sun, they danced to rhythms of the gbedu drums. Chiefs

    assembled at the palace of the Olu of Mushin, Oba Fatai Aileru to pay him homage and perform some traditional rites. They were later joined by the Ilu Committee, fathers and market leaders. They were led by their monarch to the market square, which had already been pre-arranged for the event. Stalls and shops were shut in anticipation of the day.

    Mushin Day is an annual celebration through which they people discuss progress and development of their community and to assess the performance and contribution to the development of the community of those in government as well as make demands on areas of neglect.

    Oba Aileru walked gracefully to a tent made for the high profile personalities. He was accompanied by the Lagos State Commissioner for Works, Hon. Obafemi Hamzat, who chaired the event.

    In his welcome address, he urged the residents to remain committed in ensuring that the area attains glorious heights.

    There was cultural display by the Igbo community in Mushin. Another youth group also had an acrobatic display to the admiration of the people.

    Oba Aileru urged landlords, landladies, market leaders and leaders of the community to strive for a clean and hygienic environment.

    To curb insecurity, he called on government to retrieve all arms and ammunition from those who are in their possession illegally.

    As part of activities for the event, there was the launch of Mushin Social Development Association. Senator Ganiyu Solomon was made the life patron.

    With the Oganla 1 of music Wasiu Alabi Pasuma thrilled members of the community.

    Dignitaries that attended the event the Asiwaju Ndigbo of Mushinland High Chief John Nwosu; the Iyalojas of Ojuwoye, Daleko and Idioro markets Alhaja Mufuliat Adesunmi; Alhaja Ajani Alalukinba and Alhaja Hannatu Fashola respectively.

     

  • Church marks 20th anniversary

    Church marks 20th anniversary

    Lagos State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure Dr. Obafemi Hamzat has urged youths to contribute to the nation’s growth.

    He spoke while opening the 20th Annual Synod of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Diocese of Lagos Mainland, held at the Hoare’s Memorial Methodist Cathedral in Yaba. The synod is an annual event to mark the church’s anniversary. This year’s programme, themed: “Let my people move forward”, was hosted by the Yaba Circuit.

    Hamzat, who was the special guest of honour, urged youths to change their opinion about the country and strive to make it better.

    He said the government cannot solve the country’s problems alone and urged the people to do their part.

    The Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos Mainland, Rt. Rev. Isaac Ayo Olawuyi, urged the people to have faith in God in whatever situation they find themselves.

    Prayers were said for the church and the state. Donations were received for the construction of the bishop’s office complex and indigent students were awarded scholarships.

    The church’s leaders and guests cut the anniversary cake and guests read their goodwill messages.

     

  • Traders resettled as Fashola opens market

    Traders resettled as Fashola opens market

    Lagos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola yesterday commissioned the Isopakodowo Market in Oshodi and urged market men and women to desist from street trading.

    Fashola said the market was provided to facilitate the resettlement of traders who once traded on the Oshodi rail line.

    He explained that the ultra-modern market comprises 571 shops out of which 374 had been allotted to the rail-line traders, while 50 were handed over to the Market Women Association in line with his promise to their departed leader, Alhaja Abibat Mogaji.

    The governor, who said the remaining shops would be allotted in due course to interested persons, urged occupants of the market to resist the temptation of setting up extension or trading on the car park. He also urged them to maintain the toilets and generating set provided in the complex.

    While commending the role of the late Alhaja Abibat Mogaji during the construction of the market, he urged the traders to vacate the roads for free traffic flow.

    Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr Obafemi Hamzat said the market was another signature of the government to develop every sphere of the state, adding that the market consists of 22 toilets, fire-fighting equipment and 64 Close Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras.

    He assured that government would continue to improve market infrastructure to discourage street trading.