Lagos invests $260m to overhaul Bus Transport System’

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday, supervised the signing of another Joint Venture partnership between a State-owned corporation, IBILE Holdings Limited, and CIG Motors Company Limited for the acquisition of 5,000 brand new vehicles to the fleet of LAGRIDE, bolstering Lagos economy with $260 million investment.

 

In the coming weeks, the State is expected to take delivery of 2,000 units of the new vehicles in the first phase; the rest are to be delivered in tranches. The new fleet will have 1,000 electric vehicles, demonstrating the commitment of the State Government to reducing dependence on fossil fuels and pruning the carbon footprint.

 

Lagos Government, in 2022, launched its first LAGRIDE initiative with 1,000 brand new cars and mini SUVs, giving commuters better transportation options and riding convenience.

 

The new investment deal, Sanwo-Olu said, will further enhance efficiency and elevate smart mobility in the e-hailing sector. The vehicles, he said, will be tailor-made for Lagos terrain to operate on low carbon emissions, improved technological interaction and energy transition.

 

The Governor said the initiative was part of his administration’s vision to transform and modernise public transportation, giving the State an integrated urban transit system as a sustainable alternative to outdated vehicles being used for transportation.

 

Sanwo-Olu said: “This is a transportation solution that we are developing to meet all our citizens’ needs to commute safely and comfortably within the metropolis. We are using our investment arm as a vehicle to execute what will become a successful Joint Venture partnership between Lagos State Government and CIG Motor Company Limited in the acquisition of 5,000 brand new GAC vehicles for LAGRIDE initiative. 

 

“The partnership with CIG Motors started two years ago with 1,000 brand new cars and we have seen the benefits to our people in terms of job creation and economic empowerment. We are set to enhance the scope and expand the fleet in order to extend the e-hailing service to other parts of the State. Introduction of electric powered vehicles into the fleet is to change the narrative. We will begin to see the drop in carbon footprint. This demonstrates our commitment to energy transition towards sustainable energy sources.”

Sanwo-Olu said the partnership was not only about smart taxi and e-hailing taxi service, but added that the deal would also kick off car pooling services, chauffeur services and tech-driven logistics services

The Governor said the strategic partnership would enhance safety, turnaround time and digitally enabled means of public transportation. He said the relationship with the automobile company had been mutually beneficial, urging other private players in the transportation sector to key into the market and initiate schemes that would enhance mobility in the State.

 

“We will be seeing improvement in operation, advancement in technology, improved market share, extensive research and rapid movements. We will be seeing Lagos living up to its potential as a city operating an international standard, environmentally sustainable and smart mobility system deserving of its status. We are happy with the investment decision we are making today. We believe Lagos and its residents will reap the benefits of cleaner and better mode of transportation,” Sanwo-Olu said. 

Credit: LASG

WHY LAGOS REINSTATES MONTHLY ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has dropped a hint at the possibility of the return of monthly environmental sanitation to Lagos State, following what he described as “appalling state” of uncleanliness observed in communities across the State.

 

The Governor, on Sunday, kicked off a community based enlightenment and advocacy aimed at creating awareness about the need to encourage community participation in continuous sanitation and waste management, thereby reducing the risk of disease outbreaks.

 

The weekly action to sanitise the environment was flagged off at Campos Stadium on Lagos Island, where the Governor further explained the importance of regular sanitation for healthy living. He enjoined Lagosians to also make continuous cleaning of their homes, surrounding and street drainages a priority onward.

 

Sanwo-Olu urged compliance across communities in the State, noting that officers of the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) would be deployed to collect all waste gathered in all areas for proper disposal.

 

Besides, the Governor planted a tree at a symbolic ceremony organised at the State House in Marina by the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK) in commemoration of the World Tree Planting Day, which is held globally to promote environmental sustainability.

 

Sanwo-Olu expressed concern over widespread practice of irregular waste disposal and level of uncleanliness in several communities, stressing that the sensitisation was necessary to maintain a sustainable environment.

 

The State, he said, would be forced to bring the full weight of the law to bear and commence sanitation enforcement if there was no change of attitude towards making the environment clean.

 

He said: “We are here to start an enlightenment campaign given the appalling state of our environment, which is totally unacceptable. We are witnessing a rising level of environmental nuisance being constituted around our communities. We have seen heaps of refuse and the state of uncleanliness in the city. This event is to kick off a Statewide advocacy on improving physical cleanliness through continuous sanitation.

 

“We are using the sanitation in Lagos Island as a form of advocacy which we will push forward to the entire State on our plan to ensure we begin a collective action of ensuring cleanliness in our environment. This is important and we strongly believe it is something every citizen must be awakened to. This effort must start from our houses, schools, offices and markets.”

 

Sanwo-Olu decried what he called “deliberate sabotage” of drainage systems by those removing manhole covers on major roads, noting such an act had compromised the mechanism put in place to protect drainage channels from silting.

 

The Governor said it was a shame that Lagos became the epicenter of cholera outbreak, an occurrence he linked to the level of unhygienic conditions in the communities.

 

“The conversation here is an enlightenment in which week after week, we will be going out to demonstrate our willingness to keep our environment clean. I believe we would, on our own as a people, see the need for us to start a monthly sanitation exercise.

 

“We cannot do it alone as a Government; we believe the community should support this effort to safeguard our environment and protect our future. I implore everyone to take the message back home that the era of uncleanliness and disregard for environmental regulations is coming to an end in Lagos.”

 

Sanwo-Olu said massive tree planting remained one of the adaptation strategies set by the State to address the effects of climate change.

 

The Governor directed LASPARK to lead the charge for the planting of 20,000 trees over the next year, saying the agency must commit itself to the goal of reducing the hazards of deforestation being felt in Lagos.

 

Sanwo-Olu was joined in the tree planting campaign by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, Wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Oluremi Hamzat, and members of the State Executive Council.

 

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, said the weekly sanitation advocacy was a bold step by the State Government to improve the well-being of the residents, stressing that the restoration of sanitation would raise hygiene standards and improve the life-span of the citizens.

 

The Commissioner said: “It is our goal to further educate residents on the need to take ownership of their environment and ensure that they continuously clean surroundings, dispose of waste responsibly while acknowledging that we must sustain this as our own contribution towards maintaining a sustainable environment.

 

“As a Government, it is our collective responsibility that we develop strategic methods to improve the environment, while ensuring it is flood-free and conducive for residents. This can only be achieved through the continuous cleaning of the environment from time to time.”

Source: Lasg

ADESUMA APPOINTED MD/CEO LAGOS FREE ZONE

Mrs. Adesuwa Ladoja has been appointed as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) of Lagos Free Zone, marking a significant milestone in her distinguished career. This announcement comes as a testament to her exceptional leadership qualities and profound contributions to the infrastructure development sector.

Adesuwa Ladoja, known for her strategic acumen and unwavering commitment to excellence, previously served in pivotal roles including her instrumental involvement in the realization of the Lekki Deep Sea Port project. Her tenure there was characterized by visionary leadership and effective management, which significantly advanced the project's success and cemented her reputation as a transformative leader in the industry.

Ladoja's appointment as MD/CEO of Lagos Free Zone underscores her capability to steer large-scale projects and drive sustainable development initiatives. 

Her extensive experience and deep understanding of the sector are expected to propel Lagos Free Zone towards new heights of growth and prosperity.

In assuming her new role, Mrs. Adesuwa Ladoja brings a wealth of expertise and a proven track record of delivering results in complex infrastructure projects. Her leadership is anticipated to inspire innovation, foster collaboration, and enhance the competitiveness of Lagos Free Zone on both national and international stages.

2 STOREY BUILDING COLLAPSE: LASBCA TO WIELD BIG HAMMER.

In a stern warning, the Lagos State Government has reiterated its stance on illegal construction, emphasizing the need for proper permits. The recent collapse of a two-story building in the Mushin area on Wednesday, July 3rd, has prompted renewed vigilance.

The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), led by General Manager Arc. Gbolahan Oki, has urged residents to halt any construction without the necessary approvals. Failure to comply could result in severe penalties from the agency.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the collapsed building had an illegal attachment under construction, affecting a nearby bungalow. Substandard materials were used, despite LASBCA's prior issuance of a stop-work order and a quit notice. The property owner defied the government seal, leading to the tragic incident.

Thankfully, no lives were lost due to the prompt response by LASBCA and other emergency responders. Injured occupants are receiving medical attention at a nearby facility.

Oki implored residents to respect the law, refrain from erecting structures without permits, and avoid tampering with government seals on defective buildings. 

The agency also cautioned developers against unauthorized constructions and conversions.

Owners of distressed buildings marked for removal must act swiftly to avoid sanctions. Oki urged property owners to regularize their structures during this rainy season, ensuring structural stability and compliance with regulations.

LASG REFUNDS 145 FORMER SUBSCRIBERS OF EGAN HOUSING ESTATE

 The Lagos State Government has refunded deposits to 145 former subscribers of the Egan-Igando Mixed Housing Estate who withdrew from the scheme. Engr. Abdulhafis Gbolahan Toriola, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Housing, announced this during a recent  session at Alausa addressing the allocation of the newly commissioned 270 home units (Cluster I) within the Egan Housing Scheme.

Toriola highlighted challenges faced during the estate's development, including administrative issues and extensive vandalism. He commended early subscribers for their patience, stating, "The State Government has refunded 145 former subscribers who provided genuine evidence of payment since the administration of Former Governor Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode."

Encouraging outstanding refund applicants to visit the Ministry of Housing with required documents, Toriola noted ongoing investigations into cases lacking payment evidence or with questionable documentation.

Assuring subscribers of the ongoing delivery of the Egan housing scheme, Toriola projected completion of 576 homes by Q1 2025. He reaffirmed the government's dedication to stakeholder engagement, ensuring fairness in allocation and refunds, and emphasized continuous efforts to provide homes across Lagos State's administrative divisions.

Lagos Resilience Forum Sets Stage for Urban DevelopmentLagos,

 

Nigeria - July 1, 2024: The eagerly anticipated Lagos Resilience Forum is set to commence on July 2nd, 2024, at 9:00 AM, marking a pivotal moment in the city's quest for sustainable urban development.

 Themed "Leveraging Resilience for Lagos’ Development Trajectory," the forum aims to consolidate efforts towards bolstering the city's resilience against various socio-economic challenges. Lagos State, known for its dynamic growth and resilience in the face of urban complexities, has continually pioneered innovative solutions to enhance its infrastructure and societal well-being. As one of Africa's largest and fastest-growing cities, Lagos faces unique challenges ranging from rapid urbanization to environmental sustainability. 

The forum will convene a diverse array of participants, including experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from public and private sectors. Keynote sessions and panel discussions will delve into strategic frameworks and best practices aimed at fortifying Lagos' resilience framework. Topics will span from climate adaptation strategies to technological advancements that promote sustainable urban growth.

 Highlighting the interactive nature of the event, attendees will have opportunities to engage in networking sessions with industry leaders, fostering collaborations essential for advancing Lagos' resilience agenda. The forum is expected to catalyze actionable insights and initiatives that will shape the city's development trajectory in the coming years.

WE MUST PREPARE FOR THE WORST OR MAKE A U-TURN - DESMOND MAJEKODUNMI WARNS ON CLIMATE CHANGE

Desmond Majekodunmi

In the face of unprecedented climate fatalities currently ravaging our planet, especially the death of thousands of pilgrims from heat waves during the recent Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, Lekki People Magazine revisited a prophetic Interview we had with world renowned Creation Carer and enviromental activist Desmond Malekodunmi, in the month of April 2024, where the septuagenarian warned of the approaching calamities that could befall humanity if we continue to destroy the Earth . 

Enjoy the relevant excerpts

ON THE TERRIBLE WEATHER OCCURRENCES

We are causing terrible damages to nature and she is oblige to give us back double measure. Hasn't the weather been a little too hot recently? Guess what - 2023 is the hottest year ever recorded by humanity and the scientist have told us that this is what we will be battling with if we continue to pour huge amount of pollution into the atmosphere.

"There's a sequence that is going on now. This last El-nino has really shown what damage has been done to nature. You see the recent apocalyptic flood that ravaged Dubai?"

Ironically that is also an indication  of Nature's retributive justice, because when you look at it the other way, Dubai represents the Pinnacle of  oil-wealth civilization. It is therefore very significant that the worst rainfall witnessed so far on Earth happened recently in Dubai (April).

Even as we are talking, fatal climate disasters are occuring  because of the joining of the El Nino which made the earth hotter, and the global  warming that we have caused. All these fatal occurrences are the last of the final warnings.

" Then, the final warnings will come when the next El nino comes along in about 2028, it will trigger off really-really catastrophic consequences all over the world and many coastal nations could be in big trouble by then. By that time the Earth will be hotter, and many many lives will be lost."

THE WAY FORWARD 

 From all the calculations, we  have not reached that point where the earth itself start to self-heat that you can't reverse the process, but we are heading towards that state very fast and that is why we are trying to get into the consciousness of religious leaders because the reasons why all these are happening is because we are not adhering to the fundamental scriptural injunctions which says, to Love God Almighty, and love  your Neighbor. When you truly love God Almighty, you will love and protect nature.