Transportation

Lagos Blue Line Rail Commences Operations

By Web News 415

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 876

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 637

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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Transportation

Plans are in the works to light up Lagos-Ibadan Expressway – Makinde

By Web News 491

By Iyabo Adebisi

Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde says his administration in partnership with Lagos and Ogun State are to light up one of the busiest roads in Nigeria, the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

He made this known while receiving the Minister for Works, Senator David Umahi, on a courtesy visit in his office, in Ibadan.

From left, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde; Minister, Federal Ministry of Works, Senator Dave Nweze Umahi and Director, Federal Ministry of Works, Southwest, Engr. Adedamola Kuti, during a courtesy visit to Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan. PHOTO: Oyo Gov’s Media Unit
From left, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde; Minister, Federal Ministry of Works, Senator Dave Nweze Umahi; Oyo State Commissioner for Works and Transport, Prof Daud Shangodoyin and Director, Federal Ministry of Works, Southwest, Engr. Adedamola Kuti, during a courtesy visit to Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan. PHOTO: Oyo Gov’s Media Unit.

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 useful for Agribusiness hubs across the zones of the state.

While appreciating the Federal Ministry of Works for the construction and rehabilitation of some major roads in the state, Governor Makinde also disclosed that the state is considering the dualization of the Ibadan-Abeokuta road from the Iyaganku end to Oyo/Ogun State border, while Oyo-Iseyin Road would be commissioned soonest.

Reacting, the Minister of Works, Senator Umahi, said he was in the state to monitor and assess some federal road projects, saying that his assessment report would later be delivered to the federal government.

The Minister for Works, however, sought more cooperation from the state government in achieving success on federal government projects within its domain.

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Transportation

Lagos Blue Line Rail Commences Operations September 4

By Web News 441

The Lagos State Government, on Wednesday, announced that the Blue Line Rail will start commercial operations on Monday, September 4, 2023.

The Blue Line Rail will move from Marina to Mile 2.

Speaking at the Blue Rail Line Terminal in Marina on Tuesday, the Managing Director, Lagos State Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, Mrs Abimbola Akinajo, said the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is expected to be the first passenger at exactly 9am at the Marina station on Monday.

She added that from Tuesday, September 5, partial passenger operations will start from 6:30am to 10am, for morning peak; and for afternoon peak, from 4pm to 9:30pm.

These operations, according to Akinajo, will start with 12 trips for two weeks, which will later be increased up to 76 trips per day.

Details later.

Punch / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Transportation

Decongest Passport Collection Centres, Minister Charges NIS Boss

By Web News 382

Minister of Interior, Honourable Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has charged the Acting Comptroller General of Immigration, Adepoju Carol Wura-Ola to come up with measures to decongest passport collection centres, saying the President Bola Tinubu administration will not tolerate excuses and endless queues at Passport Offices.

The minister also charged heads of the service arms of the ministry on the need to walk their talk as the country is at a critical point and in dire need of transformation, adding that the president is interested in tangible results and not excuses.

Chief Press Secretary to the Minister, Babatunde Alao in a statement on Wednesday morning disclosed that Dr Tunji-Ojo gave the charge on Tuesday while receiving briefings from the Acting Comptroller General of Immigration, Adepoju Carol Wura-Ola, and Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Haliru Nababa.

He said; “I am just returning from a meeting with the President. He is not interested in excuses. We must work and deliver. Anyone who cannot help Nigeria to record progress must be kicked out because we can actually be great,” he said.

“Let me know your challenges. I am here to help you solve them. When you solve them and record successes, I am also successful. The time of talks is gone. So, keep your talk. Let us discuss solutions.

“Nigerians should not have to queue endlessly to get passports. No, this must stop. This is not the Nigeria of our dream. I need to know the challenges the agency is facing.

“We must all come together to deploy and invest our expertise to resolve them. Nigerians will take us up on our promises. If we have officers who are not ready for this rigorous process, we will excuse them.”

The minister reminded the agency heads that the new administration was not interested in usual talks and essay presentations, but actions to deliver value and growth.

He said; “Talks have not taken us anywhere as a nation. We must get it right. The Ministry of Interior is the heart of any nation. I want you to return to your tables and bring up action plans. It is my job to ensure the ministry is working.”

Dr Tunji-Ojo also underscored the importance of leveraging technology as a means to enhance efficiency and accuracy within the immigration and correctional services.

The minister highlighted that the implementation of advanced technological solutions could significantly reduce delays and streamline the handling of critical challenges.

“Technology has the potential to revolutionize our immigration and correctional systems, making them more agile and responsive. All I care, we need to embrace innovation and find ways to overcome the current challenges that often lead to bottlenecks in our processes. Our country is a great and important country. Let us live up to expectations.”

Vanguard / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Transportation

Passengers Groan over Hike in fares, Gridlock

By Web News 669

Commuters heading towards the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway area are lamenting the sudden hike in transport fares by commercial drivers plying Berger, Arepo, Magboro, Mowe, Ibafo, and other areas along the road.

According to reports, bus drivers have increased fares blaming the removal of fuel subsidy and increased movement towards Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

A passenger simply identified as Adewale said he paid N1,000 from Berger to Magboro instead of the usual N400.

“On a usual day, I spend N400 from Berger to Magboro, but today I paid N1,000,” Adewale said.

Another passenger identified as Adewunmi said on a usual day, she spends N500 from Ketu to Mowe, but the fare increased to N700 on Thursday.

 “It was a rude shock when I heard the driver say that the fare was N700. Almost everybody on the bus exclaimed because the price is normally N500. We didn’t have a choice but to pay. But I also heard a man say that the price might increase tomorrow,” Adewunmi said.

 Also speaking, a passenger from Oshodi to Mowe, who identified herself as Joy, said, “I was surprised when I heard the new transport fare. I was not with enough money so I was very disturbed.

“I had to call home for somebody to send an extra N1,000 to me so I could use it to balance up my transport fare. I take Mowe for N800 or N1, 000 but today I paid N1,300. The situation is unbearable.”

Another passenger, who did not disclose his name, said, “I will just sleep at the RCCG Camp this night because I can’t keep paying this amount to and fro.”

While speaking with a bus driver, Wale, it was learnt that the hike in price was a result of high demand and movement of people towards the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

He said “The demand is very high because people are moving towards the Ibadan-Expressway. We all live in Lagos and we know how difficult the current economic situation is. I have to do anything to survive.”

It was also observed that many passengers were heading towards the Redemption Camp along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway for the ongoing Annual Convention of the Redeemed Christian Church of God themed “Beyond Expectation.”

The traffic jam was, however, also recorded in areas like Ojodu, Otedola and adjoining routes.

Reacting, the Lagos Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps, Babatunde Farinloye, said the gridlock was due to the religious activities ongoing along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

Farinloye said, “I’m even inside the traffic for like three hours. It’s due to the church programmes ongoing on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The RCCG is holding a programme and two other churches are also doing their own. It’s due to the traffic volume towards that area. I had to call men of the NSCDC to join us.”
Punch/Adebukola Aluko

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Transportation

Driver Critically Injured as Tanker Catches Fire

By Web News 361

By Adenitan Akinola 

One person was  reportedly  injured on Wednesday night after a tanker filled with 33,000 litres of petrol fell and caught fire at the Ataoja Estate axis of the Ring Road popularly known as Ona-Baba-Ona in Osogbo, capital of Osun State.

The injured victim was said to be the driver of the tanker.

Our correspondent learnt that a vehicle that was parked beside the road caught fire after the tanker exploded.

The tanker, which was believed to be heading from Ibadan, Oyo State to Osogbo, got burnt completely even as fire fighters made efforts to prevent it from escalating to nearby buildings

Some of the residents of the area were thrown into panic as the fire became intense.

The Public Relations Officer of the Osun State Fire Service, Mr Adekunle Ibrahim, confirmed the incident, but said that the injured driver, whose name was unknown, had been taken to a hospital.

According to him the reason for the fall of the tanker could not be ascertained and the driver was severely injured that he could not speak to them.

He said fire fighters promptly responded to the fire outbreak and that it has been quenched.

One of the eyewitnesses simply identified himself as Adekunle hinted that the driver was trying to avoid potholes on the road before it lost control and fell.

He said he joined other eyewitnesses in rescuing the driver of the tanker and his boy during the inferno.

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Transportation

Four Cheat Death in Lagos Auto Crash

By Web News 617

Four yet-to-be-identified victims of a fatal automobile accident in the Adeniji Adele area of Lagos Island were rescued by operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority on Saturday.

This was disclosed in a statement by LASTMA’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq.

Taofiq added that the two male and two female accident victims were immediately rushed to the hospital.

The statement read, “LASTMA Oladunni Ademola ‘Zebra’ (Zone 1 Sura) who led the rescue team disclosed that the lone accident involved a Toyota Sienna (MUS 706 EQ).

“Ademola disclosed further that preliminary investigation revealed that the driver was on top speed and could no longer control the vehicle after noticing the brake failure. He confirmed that LASTMA officials rescued four victims (two males and two females).

“Immediately after the accident happened, our officials with support from police officers from Adeniji Adele police command quickly intervened and rescued these four victims. The rescued four accident victims were immediately rushed to a General Hospital for medical attention.”

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Bolaji Oreagba, advised motorists to be more careful and always check that their vehicles are in good condition before they embark on any journey.

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Transportation

Olodo alternative route will be ready Wednesday” – Works Commissioner.

By Web News 424

By Oluwakayode Banjo 

The Oyo State Government has said an alternative route from Oki junction to Olodo Garage will be opened for motorists on Wednesday, while the re-construction of the Olodo bridge is ongoing.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Information and Orientation on Saturday, the alternative route will reduce the hardship of movement of road users. 

In the statement, the Commissioner for Public Works and Transport, Professor Dahud  Sangodoyin, stressed that the Oyo state government was committed to the free flow of traffic during the period

Sangodoyin stated that ongoing repair works on the alternative route highlighted for traffic management were being rounded up, adding that the contractor has expedited action on the alternative route.

 He said, “You remember that we have awarded the construction of Iwo-Road to Odo-Oba road, and due to climatic change that led to heavy downpour of rain, there is a need to construct a new bridge at Olodo. To do that, we need to construct a palliative route for our people to reduce the hardship on the Iwo-Road-Olodo-Odo-Oba road”.

“What we have done now is to identify the easiest way out for an alternative route, and that is why we are here. Of course, I know that there must have been some hardship on the road, especially for people to pass to their homes. That is why I’m here to inspect and to make sure that we are proactive in terms of how to finish the alternative route”.

The statement quoted the Project Manager, Mr. Israel Eleta, saying that the ongoing repair works on the alternative routes highlighted for traffic management were being rounded up.

Raising concerns on some failed sections of the alternative routes, the contractor confirmed that the bad portions are being fixed.

“On the road alignment, we are working on the failed portions; it is an old road, and most of the portions have failed. We have about two or three culverts that are damaged, and we have made provisions for them. Also, we are not putting a culvert; we are putting an iron steel to reduce the date of curing. If we are to use culverts, it will take two or three weeks for the curing, but the steel we are putting is immediate, that is, vehicles will ply over it immediately.”

He explained that the alternative road will start from Oki junction and will end at Olodo Garage, saying that all hands are on deck to ensure the target day is met.

Appreciating the state government for its quick response, a resident of Olodo, Pa Olofinjana Abdulrazak, said the alternative road will ease the stress of motorists and commuters.

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Transportation

Tricycle Accident Kills Traditional Ruler

By Web News 418

By Olusegun Folarin

Road accident has reportedly claimed the life of a traditional ruler in Ogun State.

The tragic incident occurred when a truck, with registration number EPE 252 XF, allegedly ran over the commercial tricycle boarded by the royal father.

Witnesses claimed that the tricycle conveying the Olu of Onibuku, Oba Abraham Bankole in Ado Odo/Ota Local Government area of the state was crushed by the truck along the Ota -Idiroko Expressway, instantly killing the monarch.

Those who spoke with newsmen at the scene said they could not ascertain what made the traditional ruler to abandon his vehicle for a journey in the tricycle involved in the unfortunate accident. 

When contacted, Ogun State Spokesperson for the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Mrs Florence Okpe said an accident was recorded in the area, but she was yet to get the full details of those involved.

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Transportation

FAAN Shelves Date of New Toll for Nmamdi Azikwe Airport

By Web News 374

The Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, has shifted the date to effect the new toll fare at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport from July 17 to August 1, 2023.

According to a statement by the management of FAAN on Sunday in Abuja, the postponement was to allow airport users to enjoy more of the current charges.

The statement noted that the fare for cars would change from N200 to N300, while buses and Sport Utility Vehicles would change from N300 to N500 only.

It added, the fare for trucks (six tyres) would change from N500 to N1,000 while the trailer and container tariff would be N2,000.

The management urged the public to take note of the changes in the effective date and tariff.

It also appealed to all airport users that owned vehicles to use the dedicated ‘Park and Pay’ for car parks that had been provided for the comfort of airport users, noting that drop-off zones rules and regulations guiding movement should be respected to create free traffic flow to enhance a calm and serene environment around the airport.

The statement partly reads, “Commercial drivers are to use the drop-off zone to drop their passengers but not to engage in pick-up of passengers as the airport already has registered car hire services (FAAN Taxi, Bolt, Uber) situated along the airport exit way.

“There is an exclusive parking lot for heads of MDAs, MDs of private companies, and highly recognised individuals for their comfort as frequent fliers and their status in society.

Punch / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Transportation

Drivers Lament Hardship Due to Petrol Price Hike

By Web News 529

Adenitan Akinola 

The leadership of Commercial Minibus Drivers’ commonly known as ‘Korope’ in Osogbo, are lamenting the pains being experienced by motorists and Nigerians due to fuel subsidy removal.

The Drivers stormed the popular Olaiya flyover on Wednesday, where they expressed their grievances and shortages that have befallen them due to increase in the cost of petrol.

The commercial drivers who refused to attend to commuters in the early hours of the day in Protest to the economic situation, however resolved to create four major bus stop within Osogbo metropolis, mandating all their members to start loading passengers at the newly created Bus stops for ease of fuel consumption management.

According to them the new development was due to the hike in the new pump price of PMS.

Speaking with our correspondent, the Vice Chairman of Mini bus drivers, Osogbo unit, Mr Abodele Lateef said “we decide to create a routes/ bus-stops for all mini buses in Osogbo so that we can have little money for fuel.

“Now we divide the route into four places. 

“Those plying Ola-Iya, Ogo-Oluwa , Abeere , Owode-Ede will carry passengers from there and then turn back from garage Ilesha , Owode will pick passengers from there and then turn back with passengers, those from Ota Efun and others will also do the same Oke-fia, Dada Estate will drop their passengers and turn back so that we won’t be wasting too much fuel this will take effect from Thursday.

“This route initiation and what we are doing today is just to create awareness for people to know. 

“Our step does not affect the government of the State because we know we are in the State capital and we can’t stop korope from working so it would not affect the people who will be going to work”.

Our correspondent reports that many passengers were stranded, as a result of the development.

Speaking on the pump price hike, a commercial motorist who identified himself as Taofeek, lamented the hardship occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy.

He noted that even when the subsidy was first removed, majority of the commercial drivers could not afford the N500 price initially implemented.

Taofeek, said majority of them receive the increment in the pump price in a shock adding that “we do not expect more hardship than what we are currently experiencing,” 

He therefore appealed to the government to provide respite that will cushion the effect of the hardship on citizenry.

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Transportation

FAAN Apologises for Flight Diversion to Lagos

By Web News 399

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has apologised for the hitches suffered over the weekend by airline operators with the diversion of flights to Lagos from Kano due to unserviceable runway lighting.

In a statement, Director Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Abdullahi Yakubu-Funtua said on Saturday July 15, the airfield maintenance team of FAAN observed that the runway lighting would not come on after the scheduled daily maintenance work of replacing old and weak Airfield cables with new ones.

Explaining further, he said the maintenance team immediately initiated fault finding procedures along the cable route to identify the problem and restored power to the airfield lighting circuit.

”The entire runway circuit was affected leading to the failure of the Runway 06/24 edge light, the Taxiway Alpha edge light, PAPI and signage,” he said.

According to Yakubu-Funtua, As at 7pm (WAT) the fault was yet to be isolated and power supply to the runway could not be restored leaving the Runway in total blackout which affected night operation with arriving flights diverted to alternate airports.

He noted that, after all efforts to restore power supply to the runway failed, Operations department initiated a NOTAM action for the closure of Runway 06/24 between 11pm July 15 to 7am of July 16.

He regretted any inconvenience caused by the diversion of the two Kano bound aircraft to Lagos.

Yakubu-Funtua also assured that new cables have been installed on Sunday July 16 leading to restoration of all runway lights before commencement of night operations.

FRCN Abuja/ Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Transportation

Abeokuta-Lagos Old Gauge Line Train Mishap Halts Imole Train Services

By Web News 628

By Funmi Adekoya

Osun State Government says the Imole Train services for the Eid-El-Kabir festival will not hold due to a train accident around Abeokuta-Lagos old gauge line.

A statement by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Industries, Cooperatives, and Empowerment, Mrs. Kehinde Odediran indicates that the accident affected part of the train track, halting any train movement on the Lagos-Abeokuta line.

Mrs. Odediran said Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC, has commenced repair and rehabilitation work for the damaged part of the track but confirmed that the free service cannot be accommodated.

The statement adds that as soon as the technical hitches get rectified, normal services will resume accordingly, in line with the ideals of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s annual Imole free train service.

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Transportation

Calabar Boat Mishap: Bodies of Missing Students Recovered

By Web News 314

The bodies of three students who went missing when the boat they were in capsized in Calabar on Saturday have been recovered.

The bodies recovered are those of two male and female students.

The State Commissioner of Police, Gyogon Grimah disclosed this on Monday in Calabar.

He said since the boat accident occurred, “the police have been working day and night to rescue the missing students.”

Grimah also commended the locals for their efforts to recover the students’ bodies.

Some medical students were in Calabar for medical students’ games and went on a boat cruise at Marina Resort on Saturday during which the boat capsized.

Eleven of the students were rescued while the bodies of the three missing students were recovered on Monday.

Punch/Adebukola Aluko

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Transportation

Sallah: FG Puts Lagos-Ibadan Express Work on Hold

By Web News 439

Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, has announced suspension of further work on the ongoing reconstruction of Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, in order to reduce possible gridlock during the Eid-el- Kabir, Sallah celebration.

The Federal Controller of Works, Lagos Engr. (Mrs) Olukorede Kesha, announced this in a statement on Monday.

The statement reads: “Due to the recent heavy traffic flow being experienced on the Lagos Shagamu route in the last couple of days, the inclement weather conditions, the forthcoming Eid Kabir and the advice of the traffic management team deployed to manage traffic related issues on the project.

“Construction activities on this ever busy and very important highway will be suspended from Tuesday, 27 of June to Sunday, 2 of July, 2023.

“This is to allow travellers easy passage during the Eid holiday and minimise the discomfort of traffic gridlock during this very important period.

“Travelers are advised to cooperate with Traffic Management Team deployed on the highway to manage traffic.”

Vanguard/Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Transportation

Airfares Rise as Exchange Rate Hits N702/$

By Web News 820

Airfares on Nigeria routes to various destinations in Europe, North America, the Middle East, and other foreign cities have skyrocketed as the exchange rate for ticket pricing hits N702/$.

The development came barely one week after the Central Bank of Nigeria floated the naira and directed commercial banks to sell foreign exchange at market-determined rates.

As part of its moves to end multiple exchange rates that have left to the exit of several investors from Nigeria, the CBN last week introduced new forex guidelines aimed at unifying the nation’s exchange.

Among other things, the CBN said all forex windows should be collapsed into the Investors and Exporters Window.

About 24 hours after the decision, the naira traded at 664.04/dollar at the I&E window. Two days later, the local currency closed at 702.19/dollar at the close of business on Thursday.

Following the development, Reports on Monday showed that the exchange rate adopted by the International Air Transport Association for ticket pricing in Nigeria rose to N702/dollar.

In previous months, the exchange rate adopted by international airlines for ticket pricing had risen consecutively from about N445/dollar to about N660/dollar about two weeks ago.

However, the latest move by the CBN has made IATA to adopt the exchange rate on the I&E Window.

Prior to the latest development, IATA used to adopt NAFEX rate published on the FMDQ Exchange.

The development came as summer travel season began a week ago with ticket prices rising by 25 percent.

Travel operators told newsmen that ticket prices had gone up significantly with several operators raising concerns that, the hike in the exchange rate could mar the summer travel plans of many Nigerians.

The President of the National Association of Travel Agents of Nigeria, Susan Akporiaye, while reacting to the current development, expressed disappointment lamenting that passengers would suffer the most from the increment.

 “Fares will definitely increase and passengers have to pay more. As a result, Passengers won’t travel as much as they should and this will affect travel agents,” she said.

Also, the Chief Executive Officer, Corporate Travels, Mr. Akande Diran, while reacting, said, “Around mid-June, ticket prices always go up. We call it peak period. This is so because many people often go on vacation during this period. Apart from this, the rising exchange rate will lead to higher ticket prices.”

The development came amid difficulty in repatriating millions of dollars of ticket sale proceeds by foreign airlines in Nigeria.

However, experts believe the latest move by the CBN will ease the process.

Regional Vice President, Africa and Middle East, IATA, Kamil Alawadhi, said the trapped funds had risen to $812m as of April 2023.

Culled / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Transportation

FRSC Diverts Traffic on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

By Web News 336

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has announced fresh traffic diversion on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway due to ongoing reconstruction work.

Corps Public Education Officer, Bisi Kazeem, in a statement on Sunday, said in continuation of the ongoing rehabilitation of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, the traffic has been diverted from linking the expressway at New Garage Lagos.

“Traffic from Isheri Olowora  passing through River Valley Estate to link the expressway. Inward Lagos have been diverted to pass through Babcock College, opposite Enyo filling station to link the expressway and drive into Lagos.”

According to the Corps spokesman, motorists could pass through Ojodu and make a U-turn in front of FRSC Ojodu to link the expressways at BRT Bus-stop.

“FRSC Corps Marshal,  Dauda Ali Biu while directing the FRSC Commands along the corridor to ensure minimum hardship on behalf of commuters also enjoins the motoring public along the route to exercise maximum patience and cooperate with the law enforcement agencies along the said routes,” the statement concluded.

Channels/Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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Transportation

Three Dead, Others Injured in Abeokuta-Sagamu Accident

By Web News 1161

By Olajumoke Idowu 

Three persons have been confirmed dead and two others were injured yesterday in an accident involving a car and a truck on the Abeokuta-Sagamu expressway in Ogun state.

The Spokesperson of Ogun Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps, TRACE, Mr Babatunde Akinbiyi, confirmed the incident to newsmen in Abeokuta.


Mr Akinbiyi explained that the accident was caused by excessive speed and loss of control on the part of the car driver.

He also said three dead victims were men of God clothed in white apparel with robes coming from a deliverance service in the Oke-Aragbiji area of Osun state.

According to him, eyewitnesses said the driver lost control due to excessive speed, ran over the median, and hit and uprooted the street light before colliding head-on with the truck loaded with cement.

Mr Akinbiyi added that the injured victims were evacuated to Ijaye General Hospital in Abeokuta for treatment and the deceased were deposited at the hospital morgue.

The TRACE spokesperson commiserated with the deceased families, calling on motorists to eschew excessive speed and always take adequate rest before embarking on a journey. 

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Transportation

Father, 4 Children, Others Die in Kwara Boat Accident

By Web News 751

No fewer than 100 persons, including a father and his four children, have lost their lives in a boat mishap at Egbu village, Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State.

Newsmen gathered the incident happened on Monday when the deceased was returning from a marriage ceremony at neighbouring Egboti village in Niger State.

It was also gathered that river waves took the boat and hit a tree, leading to the boat capsizing and leaving many people dead.
The entire Egboti community has been thrown into mourning as no fewer than 50 bodies have so far been recovered from the incident at press time.

Sources in the village told newsman that the deceased persons had taken off from Kpada village to be part of the marriage ceremony at Egboti village.

Sources also said the boat was carrying over 300 passengers on a return trip from the venue of the marriage ceremony when it went under at Egbu village.

The people, who gave details of the incident, said 69 persons lost their lives from Egbu village, 36 from Gakpan village and four from Kpada village in the Patigi council of the State.

When contacted, the state police command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Okasanmi Ajayi, who confirmed the incident yesterday, said the state police command had dispatched the Divisional Police Officer of Patigi council to get more information on the incident.

He said there was a scanty report of a boat that capsized carrying about 100 people in a village in Patigi, adding: “I will give you details on the incident as soon as I get more information.”

Vanguard/ Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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Transportation

Operations Resume at Motor Parks in Oyo

By Web News 489

By Bunmi Agboola

Regular operations have resumed at various motor parks in the state capital, Ibadan, merely 24 hours after the inauguration of the new Executive Council members of the Parks Management System, PMS, in Oyo State.

A visit to several parks within the Ibadan metropolis by Radio Nigeria revealed that transporters had occupied the multi-billion naira Bus Terminal in both the Challenge and Ojoo areas. 

The terminals had previously been locked up following the removal of the chairman of the disciplinary Committee, Mukaila Lamidi, also known as Auxiliary.

Mukaila Lamidi,  who was declared wanted by the Oyo State Police Command for allegedly possessing arms and ammunition after the dissolution of the PMS by Governor Seyi Makinde, faced additional accusations of robbery, kidnapping, and other criminal activities. 

Governor Makinde, in announcing the new leadership of the PMS yesterday stated that the appointment was part of the state government’s efforts to reorganize the system. 

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Transportation

Makinde Constitutes New PMS Exco, Omolewa, Ejiogbe, Tokyo Make list

By Web News 1121

By Iyabo Adebisi

Oyo State government has named Alhaji Tomiwa Omolewa as chairman of the Management Committee for the Park Management System (PMS), while Alhaji Kasali Ajisafe Lawal will serve as the Secretary.

The government also ordered the reopening of the parks which had been under lock and key following the dissolution of the PMS Disciplinary Committee led by Alhaji Mukaila Lamidi.

The new management team announced by the government on Sunday comprises of members from all the major factions in the transport union.

The state government, had, in a bid to optimize available opportunities in the PMS, organized a town hall meeting where stakeholders came up with suggestions on how to improve the system.

One of the suggestions was that the leadership of the PMS should have members from all the factions in the transport unions to ensure peace in the state. The constitution of the new team reflected that.

Apart from the chairman and secretary, other members of the management include Alhaji Tajudeen Jimoh, Deputy Chairman; Kamardeen Idowu, Treasurer; Tirimisiyu Olowoposi, Financial Secretary; Abass Amolese, Organising Secretary; and Alhaji Hamidu Mustapha Were, Auditor.

Others are Alhaji Abideen Ejiogbe, First Vice Chairman; Ganiyu Mojeed, First Trustee; Alhaji Musa Alubankudi, Second Trustee, Alhaji Rahman Akinsola Tokyo, Second Auditor; and Alhaji Wasiu Emiola, Public Relations Officer.

Speaking after the announcement, the new PMS Chairman, Tomiwa Omolewa, said he would work towards ensuring peace across the state.

His words: “I thank Governor Seyi Makinde for counting me worthy of this position. I use this opportunity to assure the people of Oyo State and the government that there will be a difference in our attitude to work.”

“I promise that the people will notice a significant difference in our operations as we assume office.”

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Transportation

Oyo Govt Mulls Interim Committee for Park Management System

By Web News 477

By Iyabo Adebisi

In a bid to find lasting solution to the crises rocking park management system PMS, Oyo State Government is to set up an interim committee to oversee the management of the transportation system in the state. 

This was unanimously agreed upon by warring factions in the transport unions in the state at a town hall meeting organised by Oyo State Government to reposition PMS for good governance and sustainable development held at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Ibadan. 

Reading the communiqué, the Director Public Works Transport, Olatunde Olasunkanmi said the chairman of the committee would be appointed by the Governor, and would be a technocrat in transport planning and management, and would be impartial.

The communiqué indicates that members are to be drawn from various verified transport operative groups. 

It reads in parts “Government representative from various of works and Transport; Land, Housing and Urban Development; Justice; Environment and Water Resources; Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters; Finance; Security Operatives; State Transport Management Mgency” make use of branch leaders (probably at zonal levels)

“Collection of revenue should be handled by the committee through staff appointed by the committee. Office should be created within the state secretariat of the committee for its operation”

“Test run the system for three months and prepares operational report for the government”

“Government through the committee should profile all operators in the state. The committee should take census of all streets to avoid public disturbance”

“Government should have a succession plan for PMS operation in the state. Government should provide good security apparatus for the operations of the committee”

Earlier, the representative of the Oyo Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Williams, who is the deputy, Commissioner of Police, Akinade Adejobi read riot act to members on illegal possession of arms. 

The CP therefore urged PMS members in possession of arms to submit them to the police or face the full wrath of law. 

The gathering had crops of representative of Oyo State Government, Transport related agencies, civil servants, transport operators, groups, civil organizations, community leaders etc, including Deputy National Chairman, People’s Democratic Party, PDP South West, Alhaji Taofeek Arapaja.

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Transportation

ACOMORON Beseech OYHA on Law Regulating Commercial Tricycle Operations

By Web News 528

By Mosope Kehinde

Oyo State Amalgamated Commercial Tricycles, Motorcycles Owners and Riders Association of Nigeria, (ACOMORON) has appealed to the incoming 10th Oyo State House of Assembly to formulate law that will recognize the union as the sole administrator of motorcycle riders in the state 

ACOMORAN State Chairman, Solomon Olugbode who made the appeal while speaking with House of Assembly Correspondents in Ibadan said the bill when enacted in Oyo state would become a model for other states in the country.

Mr Olugbogbe said in its attempt to sanitize commercial motorcycle operation in Oyo state, the association was ready to partner with the state assembly at ensuring criminally minded people do not hide under the guise of Okada riding

While appreciating governor Makinde for his decision to regulate the activities of Okada riders in the state, Mr Olugbode promised the association’s commitment to be law abiding.

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