Transportation

Adherence to Traffic Rules Safeguard Lives on Roads- Forum

By Web News 417

By Mojisola Oladele 

Road accidents will reduce to the minimal if drivers obey traffic rules, government construct good road networks and law enforcement agencies give effective service delivery.

This was the submission of stakeholders during the flag off this year’s ember months’ campaign organized by the state command of the Federal Road Safety CORPs, FRSC, held in Osogbo, with the theme: ‘Speed Thrills but Kills, Drive Responsibly and Avoid Overloading’.

In his Speech, the Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke represented by the State Commissioner for Transport, Mr Ephraim Oyedele attributed major causes of ember months road crashes to excessive speed, driving under alcohol influence, over load of passengers and items, just to mention but a few.

Mr. Oyedele, who reiterated the commitment of the Osun State Government to design policies aimed to prevent Road crashes, noted that they had commenced the evacuation of all broken down articulated Vehicles which poses risks on major roads across the state.

The separate goodwill messages, the immediate past National Secretary of  Special Marshals, Mr. Tunde Ajiboye and the State Secretary, Osun Transport Management Service, O.S.T.M.S, Alhaji Mukaila Popoola cautioned drivers to desist from excessive speeding and overloading passengers at all times to safeguard lives and properties.

Earlier in an opening remark, The State Sector Commander, Corps Commander Henry Benamaisia assured that the FRSC would improve on enforcement of Road Traffic regulations, prompt rescue service, adequate personnel and logistic deployment as well as intensify Public Enlightenment in Churches, Mosques, Motor parks, Schools, and other Public places.

While appreciating the State Government for its usual support, Corps Commander Benamaisia, urged road users to be calm, patient , considerate, obey traffic rules, plan their journey well and apply defensive driving techniques, DDT.

Highlights of the event included drama presentation and ember month flag off by the representative of the governor, the Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Ephraim Oyedele.

Those, who witness the occasion, were traditional rulers, leaders and members of Osun Transport Management Service, Students amongst other distinguished personalities.

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Transportation

Commuters Bemoan Deplorable State of Ado-Aramoko Road

By Web News 393

By Lanre Omotoso

Commuters plying Ado-Aramoko highway have bemoaned the deplorable condition of the road, they appealed to both Federal and Ekiti State Governments to take appropriate measures to ameliorate the sufferings of the people.

A truck driver and two residents of Aramoko who do not want their names mentioned made the appeal while speaking with Radio Nigeria on the sideline of the spoilt portion that have been obstructing free flow of vehicles for more than a week.

The truck driver, who was coming from Kaduna to Lagos, said he had spent three days, but had not be able to maneuver the failed portion.

Similarly, the two Aramoko residents maintained that the failed portion between Areti river and Community Secondary School, Aramoko, had debarred vehicles from navigating the road, which had resulted to a long queue.

The respondents suggested that the failed portion could be loaded with concrete as temporary measure for free flow of traffic.

They condemned activities of politicians who promised developmental projects during electioneering, but distance themselves from electorate after winning the elections.

Radio Nigeria’s visit to the highway shows that vehicular queues from both sides of Aramoko had stretched beyond the ancient town.

Aramoko-Ekiti is the road enroute Southwest States of Osun, Oyo, Ogun and Lagos from Ado-Ekiti, the State capital. 

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Transportation

Lagos Clears Highways of Abandoned, Indiscriminately Parked Trucks

By Web News 370

Lagos State Government, in conjunction with the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA  and Nigeria Police  on Thursday, embarked on strict enforcement operations to remove all abandoned and indiscriminately parked trucks within Apapa and its environs, particularly, Oshodi-Apapa Expressway.

This is coming barely 48 hours when the Senate and Lagos State Government, expressed the need for concerted efforts to end the perennial, interactable traffic gridlock in Apapa and environs of the state.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, also called on the executive and legislature to develop the blue economy in Nigeria by paying greater attention to the sector. 
The move for joint efforts in tackling Apapa gridlock was expressed during a courtesy call by

 the Senate Committee on Marine Transport to Governor Sanwo-Olu at the Lagos House, Marina.

Leading the Senate Committee on Marine Transport to Lagos, was the Chairman of the Committee and former Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun-Sanni.

Meanwhile, on the enforcement, the General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, Mr. Bolaji Oreagba, through, the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA Mr. Adebayo Taofiq, explained that the decision which was taken after the expiration of a ‘Removal Order’ issued to truck drivers would ensure general safety of motorists and allow unimpeded free flow of traffic around the entire Apapa axis.

Oreagba, who led the combined enforcement team, disclosed that over 18 trucks have so far been removed in accordance with the government’s zero tolerance for gridlocks and indiscipline.

He added that the enforcement operations which would be a continuous exercise was to checkmate the excesses of those trailer a drivers and restore sanity around Creek Road, Etisalat Corridor, Trebor Junction, Liverpool, down to Tin-Can first/second Gates to Coconut, Trinity, Sunrise and Mile-2 axis.

According Oreagba said, “The Lagos State Government, being a responsible and responsive one, will ensure that every motorist has a smooth ride from the Port Gate inwards Apapa-Oshodi Expressway and not only trailers carrying containers.”

The General Manager said efforts had been made in the past to restore sanity and bring back the glory of Apapa, which had been truncated by the indisciplined attitude of trailer drivers.

According to Oreagba “Series of meetings have been held with the Petroleum tanker/trailer drivers branch of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, other transport stakeholders to educate their members and ensure that they desist from indiscriminate parking and being indiscipline on the road.

“All tanker/ trailer drivers are advised to adhere strictly to the new directive, as the government will not hesitate to enforce traffic rules and regulations to the letter.”

Oreagba, however, called on motorists including other road users to take possession of the road and not hesitate to inform LASTMA of any broken down or abandoned trailers/ tankers via the Agency hotlines. (08100565860, 08129928515, 08129928593)

He maintained that all contravened trailers/ tankers would be immediately charged to court for prosecutions in accordance with the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018.

Vanguard/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Transportation

Order Compelling Compensation for Delayed, Cancelled Flight Out Soon – FG

By Web News 351

The Federal Government has stated that it will soon issue an order, compelling airline operators to commence payment of compensation to passengers for delayed and cancelled flights not ‘caused’ by natural occurrences.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said this during a meeting with airline operators in Abuja on Monday.

His words: “On delayed flights, I want to speak for ordinary Nigerians who complain every day about delayed, cancelled flights. I know you have said all your reasons. You have blamed the government and a few things we do. But I also want to say that it is not all the time that it is government.

“At times, you say you were waiting for passengers to finish passing through the screening machine. At times, they have finished passing through screening machines. They are waiting in the lounge for five hours and you cancel your flight.

“So, you see, after some time, we will start implementing the provisions of the NCAA Act. You know, Nigerians don’t know there is compensation for delay. If it is an act of God, you cannot pay.

“But if it is human fault, the NCAA Act says you will pay. So, for all airline operators, while I have praised and supported you, I will also support Nigerians. You will pay them. After some time, I will put my feet on the ground. Pay them when you delay, cancel their flight.”

Keyamo also asked airline operators to establish reliable communication channels so that passengers can receive cancellation notices.

Vanguard / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Transportation

Four Die in Lagos-Ibadan Road Mishap

By Web News 1195

By Olusegun Folarin

Four persons have been presumed dead while three people sustained injuries in a crash that occurred on the Lagos-Ibadan highway, Ogun State.

The crash, which occurred at quarter to one this morning, involved a luxury bus marked, ACA 533 ZP and another vehicle with no registration number on it.

The Public Education Officer, Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Ogun Sector Command, Mrs Florence Okpe, who confirmed the crash in a statement, said a total of 21 persons involved in the crash, comprising 13 male adults and eight female adults.

Mrs Okpe said three of the 21 persons sustained injuries while four male adults died in the road crash.

She disclosed that the injured victims were taken to private hospitals for medical attention, while the corpses were deposited at a private morgue.

The FRSC Sector Commander in Ogun, Mr Anthony Uga, had described the incident as avoidable if necessary caution had been put in place and simple rules obeyed.

Mr Uga advised motorists to apply common sense speed limit, especially at night when visibility is poor.

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Transportation

Oyo Sets February 2024 for Completion of Iwo- Road Mega Terminals

By Web News 576

By Oluwakayode Banjo

The Oyo State Government has disclosed that the Iwo-road Mega Terminals will be completed for the use of commuters and drivers shuttling between Iwo-road to other parts of the country by February 2024.  

The Mega Terminals are two gigantic structures conspicuously erected in a centrally located area with a pedestrian Bridge which connects both, for the ease of movement of pedestrians and commuters across the express road, a massive parking space, and modern amenities.  

This was made known by the Commissioner for Public Works and Transport, Professor Dahud Kehinde Sangodoyin, during an inspection of the projects.  

According to the Commissioner, the Governor of the State, Engineer Seyi Makinde decided to erect the Terminals with the aim to add value to the State Transport System, and to have terminals that could compete with the world’s modern terminals.

He added that the state government is gradually transforming to modernization around the world through different infrastructural projects that have been embarked upon since the inception of the present administration.  

Explaining further, Professor Sangodoyin said the governor is focusing on improving the economy, stating that a conducive environment for driving and doing business promotes productivity.

He said, “What we have so far is that work has commenced, and we hope that with the pace at which the work is going, it will be completed in the next six months which is the end of February, 2024, and perhaps move to the commissioning. So far, they have completed the gatehouse, and the majority of the structures are already completed, though they still have some other things like decking to work on in terminal one. In terminal two, they are working on the rendering. By God’s grace, the two terminals will be completed by February.   

“If you see what is happening here, this is about more or less a second largest Hub in Ibadan city. Apart from the economy around this place, it is a connecting point to every part of the country: to the North, even to the East, and other parts of the South-West.”    

Assuring the safety of lives and properties, the commissioner highlighted the social amenities in the terminals.  

“We have a shopping complex, parking space, sitting area, and modern convenience. You can park your vehicles and travel without any fear that it will be stolen; we also have such security in Ojoo and Challenge. You can also relax in the sitting area at night if you arrive late before you proceed to your destination without the fear of danger. All these are adding values to the system”, he said.  

The inspection also reached the ongoing Junction Improvement at Yidi, Gate, where the commissioner directed the contractor in charge to create an alternative route to ease traffic around that axis, and the Omololu Olunloyo Monumental Park junction.  

Confirming the stipulated time for the completion of the terminal, the Technical Manager, Planning Project Limited, Engineer Olatunde Raphael, said the work has reached sixty percent, stating that the structural framework which is the most critical aspect is close to completion.  

He assured that with the support of the government, the work would be completed at the stipulated time.

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Transportation

Lawmakers Lift Ban on NURTW

By Web News 532

By Omolara Adasofunjo

Ogun State House of Assembly has passed a resolution, lifting the ban on the activities of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, in the State.

The Speaker of the House, Mr Olakunle Oluomo announced this at a plenary held at the Assembly complex, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta. 

The motion to lift suspension on the Union, was raised by the Chairman, House Committee on Transportation, Mr Oludaisi Elemide and moved by the majority leader, Mr Sheriff Yusuf while it was seconded by the Minority leader, Mr Lukman Adeleye. 

The duo of Mr Oyedele Adebisi and Mr Seun Adesanya who affirmed that peace had returned to the sector also expressed the hope that lifting the ban on the activities of the union would help to increase the State’s Internally Generated Revenue of the State

The House of Assembly also passed a resolution requesting the release of the member, representing Sagamu 1 State Constituency, Mr Muhammed Bello from the custody of the Department of State Security Service, DSS, pending the conclusion of investigation on the charges leveled against him. 

The plenary also featured the reading of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s correspondence on the nomination of Mrs Funmi Efuwape, Mr Tunji Odunlami and Mr Wasiu Isiaka as Commissioners. 

The House later directed the three commissioner nominees are to appear for screening on Monday, 9th October, 2023.

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Transportation

Govt. Consoles Families of Boat Mishap Victims

By Web News 336

The Kebbi State Government has condoled with members of immediate families, Yauri Emirate Council, and the Local Government over a boat mishap involving 30 traders.

In the accident, 23 people were feared dead.

Alhaji Ahmed Idris, Chief Press Secretary to the governor disclosed this in a statement made available to Newsmen in Birnin Kebbi on Monday.

The Chief Press Secretary said his principal sent the condolence in a message to the affected community.

Gov. Idris appealed to the affected families to accept the will of God in good fate and prayed to Almighty Allah to grant the deceased persons Jannatul Firdaus (Paradise).

“I want to urge you to see what happened as the will of Almighty Allah that nobody can question, therefore, accept it in good fate. We should also continue to pray to Allah to forgive their shortcomings and grant them Jannatul Firdaus,” he prayed.

The governor prayed for quick recovery of those who sustained injuries during the ugly situation and prayed to Almighty God to put an end to the recurrence of such event.

It was learnt that the boat, loaded with 30 traders and their goods, sailed from Kasabo village on Monday to Yauri town for commercial activities when it capsized.

However, seven people were rescued alive while 23 others were still missing as rescue operation was still ongoing.

Vanguard / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Transportation

Adequate road signs germane to crash prevention – Dr Okebukola

By Web News 455

By Iyabo Adebisi

Former Head of Service, HOS, in Oyo State, Dr Ebenezer Okebukola wants government at all levels to ensure provision of adequate road signs on the nation’s roads to enhance security and prevent accidents. 

Dr Okebukola who is also the former state coordinator Special Marshal stated this while delivering a lecture entitled: OYRTMA Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, at the 14th year Founder’s Day celebration of the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority, OYRTMA held at its headquarters, Secretariat, Ibadan. 

He lamented that road signs have disappeared on most of the country’s roads especially kilometer or milepost strategic for security while location identification are no more in existence. 

Dr Okebukola while commending the Oyo State government for opening intercity roads such as Moniya-Ijaye-Iseyin, called on OYRTMA to partner FRSC to monitor excessive speeding on these roads to reduce fatalities. 

He equally stressed the need for Oyo State government to inject more personnel into the agency to effectively carry out traffic management across the state. 

Earlier, the General Manager of OYRTMA, Mr Adeoye Ayoade explained that the agency has intensified activities in order not to deviate from its mandate. 

Mr Adeoye assured residents of Oyo State of OYRTMA’s renewed commitment towards ensuring effective traffic management in the state. 

Oyo State pioneer Secretary of OYRTMA, Mr Aiki Tunde admonished men of OYRTMA to respect the roads users and perform their duties in accordance with the extant laws.

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Transportation

FRSC Boss Charges Personnel on Best Practices

By Web News 421

By Mojisola Oladele

To accomplish 5% reduction in road traffic incidences, Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, personnel, Special Marshals and other stakeholders have to adopt best practices of Road Safety Management and Administration.

FRSC Corps Marshal, Aliyu Biu made the call during this year’s Sectoral Special Marshals workshop held in Osogbo with the theme: Volunteerism in Road Safety Management: Limits and Possibilities.

Marshal Biu, who was represented by Corps Commander, Shoba Akande described Special Marshals as the volunteer arm of the Commission comprising men and women of proven integrity with legitimate and veritable source of livelihood, with the interest to serve humanitywithout remuneration attached.

The FRSC Boss commended the Commanding Officers, Personnel, Special Marshals for their Proactive initiatives towards organizing the workshop and urged them to further exhibit the highest level of discipline required in eradicating Road Crashes across the Nation.

He called on Special Marshals to sustain its collaboration with Regular Marshals to attain the task of decreasing roads crashes to minimal level.

Declaring the event open on behalf of the State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, the Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Ephraim Oyedele, who said the role of Special Marshals, FRSC officers and other stakeholders in reducing road crashes each year could not be over emphasized, stressed the need for Nigerians to desist from inactions which could lead to accidents.

Earlier in his remark, the Zonal Coordinator, RS 11(Eleven) Special Marshals, Akogun Muyiwa Oyediji said the event aimed to remind the volunteers on the need to sensitize drivers to obtain valid documents especially Driver’s Licence saying it is a criminal act to drive on roads without Drivers License.

Akogun Oyediji expressed the hope that at the end of the workshop, the knowledge and skills gained would make significant impact on Special Marshals activities in order to achieve the collective efforts of safer roads, reduced accidents and protect the lives of Nigerians.

Responding on behalf of other sister agencies, the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Patrick Longe represented by the Assistant Commissioner of Police in the state, Tajudeen Akande, urged the Special Marshals to remain dedicated to their duties.

The workshop was attended by over seven hundred Marshals across the state.

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Transportation

Road Crashes: Special Marshals, FRSC Personnel Hold Sectoral Workshop

By Web News 435

By Mojisola Oladele

Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC personnel, Special Marshals and other relevant stakeholders in society have been urged to ensure best practices of Road Safety Management and Administration in accomplishing the 5% reduction target in road traffic incidences.

The FRSC Corps Marshal Aliyu Biu made the call during this year’s Sectoral Special Marshals workshop held in Osogbo with the theme: Volunteerism in Road Safety Management – Limits and Possibilities.

Corps Marshal Biu who was represented by Corps Commander, Shoba Akande described the Special Marshals as the volunteer arm of the commission comprising men and women of proven integrity with legitimate and veritable source of livelihood with the interest to serve humanity without remuneration attached.

The FRSC boss commended the commanding officers, personnel, Special Marshals for their proactive initiative towards organizing the workshop and urged them to further exhibit the highest level of discipline required in eradicating road crashes across the nation.

He called on Special Marshals to sustain its collaboration with Regular Marshals to attain the task of decreasing roads crashes to the barest minimum.

Declaring the event open on behalf of the State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Ephraim Oyedele, who said the role of Special Marshals, FRSC officers and other stakeholders in reducing road crashes each year could not be over emphasized, stressed the need for Nigerians to desist from actions which could lead to accidents.

Earlier in his remark, the Zonal Coordinator, RS 11(Eleven) Special Marshals, Akogun Muyiwa Oyediji said the event aimed at remind the volunteers on the need to sensitize drivers on obtaining valid documents especially the Driver’s license, saying it is a criminal act to drive on the roads without the document.

Akogun Oyediji expressed the hope that by the end of the workshop, the knowledge and skills gained would make significant impact on Special Marshals activities, in order to achieve the collective efforts of safer roads, reduced accidents and protect the lives of Nigerians.

Responding on behalf of other sister agencies, the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Patrick Longe represented by the Assistant Commissioner of Police in the state, Tajudeen Akande urged the Special Marshals remain dedicated to their duties.

The workshop was attended by over seven hundred marshals across Osun State.

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Transportation

Petrol Loaded Tanker Gets Stuck on Lagos Road 

By Web News 770

A fully loaded NNPC tanker got stuck and caused traffic gridlock for travellers coming from Oju Odo, Synagogue Church, inward Ikotun area of Lagos State on Tuesday morning.

This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen by the Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Adebayo Taofeek, on Tuesday.

According to the statement, the LASTMA operatives averted a major fire disaster and ensured miscreants didn’t loot the tanker’s product.

He added that officials of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue team were present to trans-load the product of the stuck tanker to an empty one.

The statement partly reads, “Traffic officer Demola Muibi ‘Bravo’ (Zone 7) who led the LASTMA response team disclosed that an NNPC branded tanker fully loaded with petroleum product got hooked and blocked the entire Road inward Ikotun from the Synagogue Church.

“He disclosed further that to avert another major fire disaster around the entire Synagogue Church area, the LASTMA team after arriving at the scene around 6 a.m. called other major emergency responders including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Services immediately.

“We managed the situation in such a way to avoid miscreants and hoodlums from tampering with the fuel before the arrival of Policemen from Ikotun Police Division.”

The statement added that to ensure ease of traffic, motorists were diverted through another route.

“He confirmed that motorists were diverted through Ijegun Road for those who want to navigate through Ikotun/Ejigbo/Jakande and likewise those coming from Ejigbo are to access through Ile-we and Liasu Road for them to continue their journey.

“Trans-loading commences immediately another empty tanker is brought to the scene and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Services are doing the needful.”

Punch / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Transportation

Osun Speaker, Team Hale and Hearty after Crash

By Web News 625

By Mojisola Oladele

The Media Office of The Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Prince Adewale Egbedun, wishes to clear the air on the news of the Speaker’s involvement in a car crash Sunday.

A Statement by the Chief Press Secretary of the Speaker, Mr. Olamide Tiamiyu assured members of the public that He and members of his entourage, were hale, hearty and in good spirits.

He explained that the Speaker’s backup vehicle, conveying some of his Security Aides, had a mechanical problem that resulted in the crash of the vehicle and Prince Egbedun was not involved in the crash and the aides who were involved, having undergone thorough medical checks were certified ok.

The Speaker appreciated the concerned individuals who reached out to him and expressed his Commitment to discharge of his duties as Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly in the direction of landmark achievements which would make it a positive reference point in the history of Osun State.

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Transportation

Lagos-Ibadan Highway Mishap Claims 5, Injures 12

By Web News 408

No fewer than five people were confirmed dead on Sunday while 12 others sustained varying degrees of injuries in an accident near  the Foursquare Camp on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

Mrs Florence Okpe, the Public Education Officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ogun, confirmed the development in an interview with newsmen in Abeokuta.

Okpe explained that the accident involved a DAF truck marked, KMC 810 ZB, a Toyota bus marked, TMA-244b XA and a Mitsubishi pickup van with no registration number.

The FRSC spokeswoman said that the accident occured at about 6:15 a.m. and was caused by excessive speeding, tyre blowout and loss of control on the part of the driver of the truck.

She noted that due to the tyre blowout and loss of control, the truck fell and blocked the road, noting that both the bus and the pickup van rammed into the fallen truck.

Okpe disclosed that 21 people were involved in the multiple crash, saying that 12 people were injured while five people died.

She stated that the injured people were taken to Victory Hospital in Ogere, near Abeokuta for medical attention while the dead were deposited at a morgue in Ipara community, near Abeokuta.

Okpe quoted the Ogun State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Mr Anthony Uga, as advising motorists to desist from using sub-standard tyres and to also apply common sense while driving in this rainy season.

The sector commander sympathised with families of the victims, advising them to visit the Ogunmakin Unit of the FRSC for more information on the accident.

Vanguard/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Transportation

FG, Lagos Closing Third Mainland Bridge for Repairs 

By Web News 472

The Lagos State Government, on Friday, announced palliative works to be carried out by its Public Works Corporation and the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing on failed sections of the ever-busy Third Mainland Bridge.

The state Ministry of Transportation, in a statement by its Permanent Secretary, Abdulhafiz Toriola, explained that the repairs would go on for two consecutive Sundays, September 17 and 24, between 7 am to 7 pm on both days.

Disclosing alternative routes, the statement noted that motorists from the Alapere/Ogudu axis of Lagos-Ibadan Expressway en route to Lagos Island would be diverted towards Gbagada-Oshodi Expressway, linking Ikorodu Road/Funsho Williams Avenue to access Eko Bridge and Lagos Island.

Similarly, motorists travelling from Lagos Mainland through Herbert Macaulay Road (Adekunle axis) towards Lagos Island via Third Mainland Bridge would be diverted towards Murtala Muhammed Way to use Carter Bridge to link Lagos Island.

The Lagos State Government through its Public Works Corporation in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing has announced a palliative works to be carried out on the failed sections of the 3rd Mainland Bridge for Two consecutive Sundays commences from Sunday 17th and Sunday 24th September, 2023, 7.00am to 7.00pm each Sunday.

The proposed works will be strictly executed in two phases with phase one focusing on only the most critical sections on the Iyana Oworonshoki inward Adeniji Adele/Lagos Island.

The palliative works were scheduled for Sundays to minimize inconveniences for motorists.

The following alternative routes have been made available for use during the rehabilitation works;

Channelstv/ Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Transportation

Inland Waterways Authority Mourns Victims of Boat Mishap

By Web News 336

The Managing Director, National Inland Waterways Authority, Dr. George Moghalu, has expressed immense grief on the boat accidents that happened at Gurin River, a suburb of Fufore Local Government Area, Adamawa State, and a river in Gbajibo, Mokwa LGA, Niger State.

In a statement issued by the NIWA’s media office and made available to newsmen in the early hours of Wednesday, September 13, it stated that Moghalu extends his heartfelt sympathies to the families of the dead and the injured.

“The incident is more disheartening as some of the victims onboard were reportedly heading for farming activities,” Moghalu said.

Commending the life-saving work of the first responders, local divers and police marine at the scene of the incident, Moghalu wished the wounded a speedy recovery, and success in the search and rescue of some missing passengers on the capsized boat.

“Transporters are advised to ensure strict adherence to safety regulations on the nation’s waterways.  There is the need for the people in the Riverine communities traveling by boats and canoes to use life jackets and avoid overcrowded boats,” he added.

The NIWA MD prayed that the Almighty God would comfort the grieving relations at this very difficult time.

BBC/Adebukola Aluko

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Transportation

Road Agency Bill Scales Second Reading in OSHA

By Web News 532

By Mojisola Oladele

Osun Road Maintenance Agency Establishment Bill 2023 has scaled through the Second Reading, after the legislators presented it’s policy thrust. 

The lawmakers called for the accelerated passage of the Bill which would help upgrade Transportation system in the State, aid easy maintenance of Truck “B” roads, Rehabilitation of dilapidated Roads amongst other benefits of the Bill. 

The Majority leader of the House, Mr. Kofoworola Adewunmi and Member representing,Ola – Oluwa, Mr. Afeez Ibrahim moved that Bill scales through its second reading during plenary presided by The Speaker, Prince Adewale Egbedun. 

Also, the Chairman, Osun State House of Assembly Committee on Public Works and Transport, Mr. Abiola Ibrahim disclosed to the house that the State Ministry of Works would find a temporary solution to the end point of Ikirun – Insha Road, which had been leading to road accidents. 

Recalled that member representing Ifelodun State Constituency, Mr. Akinlolu Adeyemi raised the issue of the road during the recent plenaries of the House. 

However, Osun State Lottery and Gaming Activities Bill 2023 sponsored by The Speaker, Prince Adewale Egbedun and Osun State Tertiary Institution Staff Retirement Age Amendment Bill 2023 sponsored by member Representing Ila, Mr. Sikiru Bajepade, were mentioned at the floor of the House.

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A section of Mowe-Ofada road in Obafemi Owode LG in Ogun State
Transportation

Mowe-Ofada Road to be completed by end of October – Gov. Abiodun

By Web News 715 Post a comment

By Bimbo Bamgbose

Residents of Mowe-Ofada in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State will soon begin to enjoy a smooth drive as the eight kilometer road which has been under construction is expected to be completed and ready for the use of commuters plying the road by the end of October, 2023.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun made this known during an assessment and inspection of work on the road.

Governor Abiodun who noted that the present administration had ensured the equitable distribution of infrastructure across the twenty local government areas of the state since 2019, said the completion of the road would boost socio-economic development in the axis.

The governor while appreciating the people of the local government for their support especially during the just concluded general elections also asked for their continued support and patience.

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Transportation

UAE’s Visa Ban on Nigeria over Following Tinubu/Al Nahyan Parley

By Web News 501

The United Arab Emirates, UAE, on Monday, lifted the visa ban placed against Nigerian travelers after the meeting between President Bola Tinubu and the UAE President, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in Abu Dhabi.

Another landmark agreement at the meeting between the two leaders was the immediate resumption of flight schedules of both Etihad Airlines and Emirates Airlines into and out of Nigeria, without any further delay.

The agreement was made known via a statement issued by the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale.

According to the statement, “As negotiated between the two Heads of State, this immediate restoration of flight activity, through these two airlines and between the two countries, does not involve any immediate payment by the Nigerian government”.

“In recognition of President Tinubu’s economic development diplomacy drive and proposals today presented by President Tinubu to his counterpart, an agreed framework has been established, which will involve several billions of U.S. dollars worth of new investments into the Nigerian economy across multiple sectors, including defense, agriculture, and others, by the investment arms of the Government of the United Arab Emirates”.

“Additionally, President Tinubu is pleased to have successfully negotiated a joint, new foreign exchange liquidity programme between the two Governments, which will be announced in detail in the coming weeks.”

“In conclusion, the President wishes to commend the UAE President, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for his unalloyed friendship and his determined effort to join hands with him to fully normalize and reset to excellence, the standard of relations between the two important countries.”

Vanguard/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Transportation

Two Die on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway Accident

By Web News 456

Two people died while one was injured in an accident involving a Mazda bus and a Mazda car at Ayedere, along the Lagos-Abeokuta expressway.

The spokesperson for the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps, TRACE, Babatunde Akinbiyi, confirmed the incident to newsmen in Abeokuta.

Akinbiyi stated that the accident occurred at 7:10am at Ayedere village, Ewekoro Local Government Area of the state.

He noted that the accident was caused by the driver of the unregistered Mazda car who drove against traffic and had a head on collision with the Mazda bus marked SEY 311 ZY.

The TRACE spokesperson added that the drivers of the two vehicles died while a motor boy with the bus sustained injuries.

Akinbiyi explained that the injured motor boy had been rescued and taken to a nearby hospital before the arrival of TRACE, saying that the driver of the car had been taking away by his family for burial.

He said that the driver of the bus was deposited at Ifo General Hospital morgue.

“The unregistered Mazda car, driving in a direction prohibited by traffic law, collided with the bus, leaving the drivers of both vehicles dead on the spot due to the impact of the collision.

“The motor boy of the white Mazda bus sustained varying degrees of injuries and has been taken to a private clinic for medical attention,” he said.

Punch / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Transportation

Twenty-Six People Drowned in Niger State Boat Mishap

By Web News 478

At least 26 people died in Nigeria’s northern Niger state after a wooden boat they were travelling in capsized in a dam on Sunday.

The vessel was carrying over 100 passengers, including women and children, who live in communities between Jebba and Kainji dam in Mokwa area of the state, before it hit a reservoir.

More than 30 people have been rescued.

A combined rescue operation by marine police and local divers in collaboration with Niger State Emergency Management Agency is ongoing, Bologi Ibrahim, the spokesperson to the state governor, said.

The cause of the accident is not yet known.

Mr Ibrahim however blamed overcrowding and lack of life jackets.

Official reports say that most of the passengers were crossing the dam to attend to their farms.

In June, more than100 people died when an overloaded boat traveling to Niger state capsized after part of the vessel collapsed, causing water to flood the boat, in one of the worst such disasters in recent years.

BBC/Simeon Ugboovon

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Transportation

Two Feared Dead in Car Crash

By Web News 374

By Olusegun Folarin

Two people have been feared dead while one person sustained serious injury in fatal crash that occured on Abeokuta-Lagos road around otta toll-gate

The accident which occurred at about eleven minutes past five this morning involved a Volvo Trailer marked T-14223LA, a Volkswagen with registration number KRD132XX and two motorcycles marked LAR178VL and PKA873VS.

The Public Education Officer, Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Ogun sector command, Mrs Florence Okpe confirmed the incident in a statement in Abeokuta.

According to Mrs Okpe, the suspected cause of the fatal crash was wrongful overtaking and excessive speed on the part of the truck driver which led to collision on other vehicles.

She said the presumed dead victims had been deposited at Ifo General Hospital Morgue.

Mrs Okpe said the sector commander, Mr Anthony Uga cautioned  motorists to always drive defensively by  considering other vehicles on the road. 

He also emphasized that drivers should always maintain the required speed limit while driving. 

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Transportation

Lagos Blue Line Rail Commences Operations

By Web News 406

The Lagos Rail Mass Transit Blue Line System has begun its long-awaited commercial operations.

The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, became the first passenger to ride on the train during its inaugural ride as operations began on Monday.

The governor boarded the train from the Marina terminal enroute Mile 2.

The Managing Director, Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, Mrs Abimbola Akinajo, announced on Thursday that the Lagos Blue Line Rail would commence commercial operations on Monday, September 4.

Akinajo added that Governor Sanwo-Olu would be the first passenger during the inaugural ride on the train.

Details later.

Punch/ Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Transportation

6 Dead, 11 Injured in Multiple Road Crash

By Web News 860

Mojisola Oladele
The Osun State sector command of the Federal road safety corps says six persons lost their lives while Eleven were injured in a multiple road accident that occurred at Imesi- Ile Hill in Imesi-ile Town.

According to the State Sector Commander, Corps Commander, Henry Benemaisia in a statement by the Route Commander, Agnes Ogungbemi the fatal accident occurred yesterday , two vehicles had a head-on collision on Saturday at about 9: 44 p.m. due to the brake failure of one of them, resulting in the death of six persons.

He said that an articulated vehicle ( Red Daf ) without a number plate, collided with another blue commercial truck on Imesi -Ile hill with casualties due to speeding.

The Sector Commander noted that one of the dead victim was trapped under the truck and the FRSC team employed the extricating machine in order to remove the trapped body , however, the five other dead victims were taken to Uniosun Teaching Hospital Osogbo by the Nigerian Police Force, NPF, IMESI – ILE.

Corps commander, Benemaisia urged road users to drive carefully to prevent any form of accident which could lead to loss of lives and property.

Transportation

Umahi Advocates Concrete Pavement Technology for Road Construction

By Web News 620

By Iyabo Adebisi

The Minister of Works, Mr David Umahi has advocated the use of newly introduced Concrete Pavement Technology, in road construction projects for its durability and cost effectiveness compared to asphalt roads.

He stated this while addressing journalists during an inspection tour of Abeokuta-Ibadan Road project. 

The minister is on two-day working visit to Oyo State to tour federal government road projects in the South West. 

The Minister of Works while making reference to the Abeokuta-Ibadan road project which commenced in 2010 said if government had built the route on concrete pavement, it would not have to re-construct it. 

Mr Umahi who expressed concern on the slow pace of work on Abeokuta-Ibadan road dualisation, commended the contractor handling it and the Oyo state government for maintaining the road. 

He said: “We are inspecting the rehabilitation of single lane of Abeokuta-Ibadan road. And that is phase one, phase two supposed to be the dualisation and that makes my expectations in terms of phasing the job. The road started in 2010 and it is starting with the Ibadan axis by Kopek Nigeria Limited”.

“As we can see, the entire shoulders have totaling gone. We have lots of failures on the roads but I must commend the contractors and I also commend the governor of Oyo State.  I can see a lot of maintenance on the road and this is exactly what we are talking about. If we have built this route on concrete Pavement,13 years ago, we will not be maintaining or re-constructing it. So, the section of Abeokuta in Ogun State has not been done by KOPEK because of funding”. 

“Now, what is to be done is that, a number of  sections of the pavement that have  totaling gone must be remedied and the entire stretch up to 77 per cent will need to be resurfaced by stone based asphalts and then, the shoulders restarted with concrete pavement”. 

“And of course the section of about 23 per cent on Abeokuta axis ought to be constructed. The delay in payment is very unpalatable for a project to last for 13 years and that is the kind of things we are having and that is the system we want to change“. 

Mr Umahi had earlier paid a courtesy call on Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State to discuss on having standard federal roads in the state. 

During the visit, Governor Makinde noted that the present administration in Oyo State had fixed some federal roads that have viable economic importance to the state, adding that Ibadan-Iseyin road has been so useful for Agribusiness hubs across the zones of the state.

While appreciating the Federal Ministry of works for construction and rehabilitation of some major roads in the state, governor Makinde also disclosed that the State is considering the dualization of Ibadan- Abeokuta road from Iyaganku to Oyo/Ogun State border. 

The minister in an interview, on the refund of federal road executed by state government, said Federal government would not be able to refund money spent on federal roads by state governments presently considering the state of economic realities. 

Mr Umahi however, said that records of such road projects done by the states would be kept and could be revisited when the nation’s economy improved. 

Federal roads toured by the Minister includes rehabilitation of Ibadan-Oyo dual carriageway, dualisation of Oyo-Ogbomoso road, dualisation of Ibadan-Abeokuta and the reconstruction of Ibadan -Ife Ilesha. 

On the encourage of the Minister of Works were the Director High way, South-West, Adedamola Kuti, and the controllers of Works in the South-West states. 

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