Transportation

Avoid Partisanship, FRSC Cautions special Marshals

By Web News 556

Acting Corp Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, DCM Dauda Biu has cautioned Special Marshals across the Nation, against using FRSC platforms for Political purposes. 

DCM Biu gave the warning during The 2022 Special Marshals Zonal Conference with The theme: The Responsibility of Special Marshals in the face of a new administration, Organized by FRSC zone RS11 held in Osogbo, Osun State. 

DCM Biu represented by Corp Commander, Comfort Asmos stressed that FRSC is a non-partisan Organization hence, Special Marshals who were politicians or had Political Ambition should withdraw from the scheme. 

He emphasized that FRSC personnel and Special Marshals must endeavour to be impartial in the course of duty and be available to ensure free flow of Traffic always. 

While describing the Special Marshals as the largest volunteer organization in Nigeria, the FRSC Boss lauded their accomplishments over the years and urged them to do more to reduce fatalities on the Roads. 

Declaring the Conference Open, Osun State Governor, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Transport, Engineer Hassan Olaniyan noted that the role of Special Marshals in ensuring safer roads could not be over-emphasized 

Mr Oyetola urged the Special Marshals to apply the lecture and experiences gained from the conference to boost future operations. 

In separate remarks, The National Coordinator Special Marshal, Doctor John Ogbebor and the Zonal Coordinator, RS11, Akogun Muyiwa Oyediji emphasized that Special Marshals are an integral part of the corp, therefore were expected to possess a good knowledge of traffic Laws, be neat and smart on duty. 

Earlier in a remark, the Zonal Commanding Officer, ACM Uakhemen Ojeamiren said since inception, the FRSC had established a robust synergy with critical stakeholders in promoting crash prevention and sustaining road safety advocacy Programmes. 

Mojisola Oladele

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Transportation

Makinde, Oyetola Inaugurate 91km Ibadan-Iwo-Osogbo Road

By Web News 641

In a bid to promote regional integration, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and his Osun State counterpart, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, have jointly inaugurated the 91km Ibadan-Iwo-Osogbo road reconstruction/rehabilitation for economic development.

The flag-off ceremony held opposite Aje International Market, Iwo Road, Ido-Osun State was witnessed by government functionaries, traditional rulers and party supporters from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Speaking at the event, Governor Makinde stressed that the two states had led a revolution in thoughts and ideas, noting that politics or party affiliations should be set aside to really address the needs of the citizens.

Governor Makinde said the road when completed would allow people to travel with more ease between the states, thereby enhancing trade and commerce.

He said: “Today, I want to talk to you about the word “revolution”.

I know, when people hear the word revolution, they often think of bloody wars that lead to change in the political order. Well, don’t be alarmed, I am not here to preach violence. Rather, I am here to talk about a different kind of revolution that is happening in Oyo State.”

“You know, revolutions always bring to birth a new order, a new way of doing things. And so, the revolution in Oyo State has led to us changing the former ways of doing things. In the past, every state used to mind their own business and operate in their own little corners. But with this new way of doing things, we are pursuing collaborations with our sister states.”

“When we just came in, we started on this path with one of the biggest collaborations in the history of Southwest states. We all came together and decided on creating the Western Nigeria Security Network code-named Amotekun. And in 2020, we operationalised the Oyo-Amotekun. As I have said on many occasions, our people cannot imagine life without Amotekun.”

“Also, just about two years ago, we celebrated another win that resulted from this revolution. My brother, our host for this flag-off, His Excellency Gboyega Oyetola, the Executive Governor of Osun State, was a big part of that history. He benevolently acceded to granting us sole ownership of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), which made it possible for me to fulfil a campaign promise to the good people of Oyo State.”

“I mentioned earlier that in Oyo State, we are leading a revolution. We are saying politics should be left to those few months when INEC says we should begin campaigning either for elections or re-election. Even then, we must practice politics of justice and fairness without bitterness and rancour.”

“The revolution we are leading in Oyo State is a revolution of thought. Again, we are saying, governance must always trump politics. When we make decisions, we must always put the interests of our people first.”

“Of course, you already know that my brother, the Governor of Osun State is from an opposing party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), while I belong to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Despite this difference, we have accomplished things that people from the same party were unable to do. This is the revolution we are talking about.”

Earlier, Governor Gbeyoga Oyetola of Osun State who noted that the road is one of the internal roads of the old Oyo State that links Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, to Osogbo, the Capital of Osun State said the project was in fulfilment of his electioneering promises and his administration’s resolve to provide quality roads on an equitable basis and entrench sustainable economic development.

He added, “I urge the road users within and outside Osun and Oyo states to make judicious use of the road by desisting from any act capable of undermining its desired purpose”.

“Let me use this medium to appeal to all the citizens of Osun to be mindful of acts that can provoke flooding in the State. We should avoid indiscriminate dumping of refuse in the drainages and on our waterways. Let us collectively protect our environment and infrastructure for our collective good”

In their separate remarks, Oyo state Commissioner for Works and Transport, Professor Daud Sangodoyin and his Osun State counterpart, Remi Omowaiye while highlighting the features of the road project, agreed that it would be of great benefit to the people when completed.

In the 91km Ibadan-Iwo-Osogbo interstate road project, the Osun State Government would execute 55.4km while the Oyo State Government would handle 35.6km.

Iyabo Adebisi

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Transportation

Osun recorded 280 accidents, 78 deaths in nine months – FRSC

By Web News 763

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Osun says the Command recorded 280 accidents with 78 deaths in various categories of accidents between the months of January and September 2022 in the State. 

Osun Sector Commander, Mr Paul Okpe, disclosed this in a remark during the command’s 2022 ember months campaign flagged-off, titled ” Avoid speeding, overloading and unsafe tyres to arrive alive“ held in Osogbo.

Mr. Okpe assured that the command has been able to identify some black spots in the state where accidents are prone and strategic measures have already been taken and there is a good reduction of deaths

The Osun Sector Commander urged motorists to comply with the road traffic regulations especially during the ember months for zero accidents.

He said the command would not spare any road traffic offenders when apprehended and would be allowed to face the wrath of the law. 

In a remark, the Zonal Commanding Officer-in-Charge of Osun, Oyo and Ekiti, Mr. Uakhemen Ojeamiren said yuletide is a period when roads across the country remain busy, due to heavy vehicular movements of Commuters. 

Mr. Ojeamere said the corps would collaborate with other sister security agencies and key stakeholders to ensure a safe road during the ember months.

In an interview, the State Secretary, National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW Comrade Akinsola Osundiya, who said not all motorists on the highways were registered under the union, emphasized that members were being cautioned against excessive intake of alcohol, reckless driving and overloading.

Mojisola Oladele

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Transportation

FRSC Charges Instructors on Quality Training for Drivers

By Web News 670

Proprietors and training instructors of driving schools in Nigeria have a significant role to play in road crash reduction through quality instructions to would-be drivers.

The Acting Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Dauda Ali Biu stated this at the 2022 Annual Capacity Building Workshop for Proprietors and Instructors of Driving  Schools in Nigeria held at Federal Cooperatives College, Eleyele  Ibadan.

Ali Biu, represented by the Oyo State Sector Commander, Corps Commander Joshua Adekanye, said the training was aimed at producing competent drivers in the country with an appreciable road safety mindset towards the realization of the Corps vision zero.

Speaking on the theme “Improving the Efficiency of Driving Schools in Curtailing Road Traffic Crashes”, Corps Commander Adekanye explained that since the inception of driving schools, road crashes had drastically reduced due to competent drivers.

The Oyo State Sector Commander noted that efforts are in top gear to ensure the free flow of traffic and reduce the rate of road crashes ahead of the festive period in the state.

He enjoined the drivers to desist from Overloading and overspeeding 

Also, speaking at the event, the Director, Oyo State Board of Internal Revenue, Mr Olayiwola T.G affirmed that driving schools operating had boosted the revenue generation in the state.

Two participants at the training, Pastor Olúwasina Joshua and Mr Kunle commended the organizers, adding that it would create more competent drivers and reduce road accidents on roads.

Participants from Oyo, Ondo, Osun and Kwara states attended the workshop.

Fasilat Lawal

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Transportation

Olu of Ilaro Appeals to Ogun Govt over Deplorable Roads

By Web News 650

Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle has called on Ogun State Government to take advantage of the abundance of crude oil in Tongeji Island towards making Ogun an oil-producing state.

Oba Olugbenle, who made the call at Ilaro during a town hall meeting on the 2023-2025 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and 2023 Budget for Yewa/Awori Division, said this was necessary to promote overall development across the state.

While appealing to the government to pay attention to Ipokia-Idi-Iroko, Imeko-Ijoun and Rounda-Ayetoro-Imeko roads, Oba Olugbenle, urged the state government to expedite work on  Imasayi-Igan- Okoto-Ayetoro road.

Responding, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun said that with over 400 foreign and local industries in Ogun West Senatorial District, his administration would give priority to road construction in the area.

Governor Abiodun acknowledged the deplorable condition of the roads in Ogun West Senatorial District and pleaded for patience as his administration was working to address the situation.

The Governor, who also explained that his administration had renovated about 200 classrooms in five local government areas in the Senatorial District, said construction of housing estates had also commenced in Ilaro and Ayetoro. 

While saying that all observations and suggestions at the meeting would be considered and incorporated into the 2023-2025 and next year’s Appropriation Bill, Governor Abiodun pointed out that his administration had taken steps to block leakage and boost Internally-Generated Revenue.

Bolanle Adesida

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Transportation

Three Die in Truck Accident on Lagos-Abeokuta Highway

By Web News 539

A truck has crushed three travellers to death and injured others in an accident that occurred in the Obada area of Abeokuta, Ogun State capital.

According to report, the fatal incident happened at about 07:15 am, around the Obada police station on the Lagos-Abeokuta highway.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Federal Road Safety Corps in Ogun State, Florence Okpe, said five male adults were involved in the crash.

She said, “Two persons sustained injury and unfortunately, three persons were killed.

Okpe added that the vehicles involved were a Volvo mini truck with no registration number and a taxi, a Nissan car marked with registration number AKM489ZY.

The FRSC Spokesperson said, “The suspected cause of the crash was route violation on the part of the truck driver as it collided with the Nissan car.”

She added that the injured victims have been taken to a General hospital in Abeokuta for medical attention, while the bodies of the deceased victims were deposited at the same hospital’s morgue.

Meanwhile, the Ogun FRSC Sector Commander, Ahmed Umar, while commiserating with the families of the crash victims, advised motorists to avoid route violation completely.

Umar added that safety is everybody’s business, especially in this season of high vehicular movement, stating that, “everyone should drive cautiously and obey traffic rules and regulations.”

Punch / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Transportation

Ten Die in Lagos-Ibadan Road Multiple Accident

By Web News 566

Ten persons have been reportedly burnt beyond recognition in multiple crashes that occurred on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

The Public Education Officer, Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Ogun State Command, Mrs Florence Okpe confirmed the figure in a statement in Abeokuta.

Mrs Okpe, who explained that the fatal crash occurred at about thirteen minutes past two in the morning, said the accident involved a Mack Truck marked AKL198ZT, a Mazda bus with registration number FFE361XB, a tanker with no number plate and two other vehicles with no number plates.

She pointed out that the IVECO TRUCK lost control due to its excessive speed and smashed into the Tanker body which resulted in the fire outbreak.

The FRSC Public Education Officer said the burnt bodies were taken to Olabisi Onabanjo Teaching Hospital Sagamu while some of the burnt vehicles were towed off the road, leaving the tankers for the fuel content to be trans-loaded.

Mr Okpe noted that Sector Commander, FRSC Ogun Command commiserated with the family of the victims after visiting the scene of the incident. 

He also advised motorists to drive cautiously, obey traffic rules and regulations as well as consider each other while driving. 

Olusegun Folarin

Transportation

Second Niger Bridge at completion stage – Fashola

By Web News 536

Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, has confirmed that the construction of the 2nd Niger Bridge has now reached its completion stage.

Fashola stated this at an ongoing press briefing to present President Muhammadu Buhari’s scorecard in Abuja on Wednesday.

According to Fashola, the bridge would soon be released to the public for use.

The minister noted that the only factor delaying the commissioning of the road is the construction of the link road which the recent surge of flooding has impeded.

He said, “I can confirm that the second Niger Bridge itself is finished. People can walk through the bridge now unimpeded. What remains is the four-kilometre link road on the Asaba side.

“Right now, our dredger is in place, we have to rebuild the road by reclaiming sand, the recent surge of flood has slowed us down. On the Onitsha side, there is a 7kilometer road that links the bridge and the Onitsha-Owerri interchange.”

Vanguard/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Transportation

Aviation Minister Inaugurates Ekiti Airport

By Web News 860

” My job is done”, Fayemi tells Ekiti people….”

It was a dream come true for the people of Ekiti as the Ekiti State Agro-Allied International Airport, Ado- Ekiti, was inaugurated for public use shortly after the first aircraft landed at the facility on Saturday.

With the commissioning and landing of the first flight on its soil, Ekiti has joined the elite club of states in Nigeria that boast of a functional airport which is expected to boost the export of agricultural produce, service educational and health institutions and abundant tourism potentials in the state.

The first aircraft, ATR 42 Nigeria Air Force plane piloted by Flight Lieutenant E.A. Balogun, landed at the airport’s runway at exactly 10.20 am amidst cheers and excitement by eminent guests, government officials and members of the public who came to witness the historic occasion.

Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, who performed the official inauguration of the airport, was among the personalities on board of the aircraft which flew all the way from Abuja to make the historic landing on Ekiti soil.

An excited outgoing Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, who could not hide his joy expressed satisfaction that the project eventually saw the light of the day ten years after its conception during his first administration in 2012.

A fulfilled Fayemi at the conclusion of his speech before the commissioning of the airport said: “My job is done, Ekiti Kete,” which drew thunderous applause from the crowd that massed on the tarmac to be part of the auspicious occasion.

Dr. Fayemi also used the occasion to give an assurance to the people of the state that the Federal roads that are in dilapidated condition would be given attention to bring relief to their users and complement the newly inaugurated airport project.

The Governor said himself, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo and the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe have been making strong representations to the Federal Government to facilitate urgent intervention on federal roads in the state that are in the present state of disrepair.

Shortly after the plane landed and taxied to the tarmac, the excited crowd of residents and guests drew out their phones to take pictures of the moving aircraft and enthusiastically welcomed the Aviation Minister and officials off agencies under his ministry who disembarked from the aircraft.

In his welcome address, Mr. Zhang Zichen,  the Chairman of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), which handled the project, praised Governor Fayemi for the vision which he said would change the face of the state economy.

Mr. Zichen explained that the airport is not just a project but “the engine of the economy of the state” and said it would open up Ekiti to more development and investment to the benefit of the state and business community.

The CCECC boss who also described the airport as a “landmark project” said it was among notable projects completed by its corporation. He also hailed the Aviation Minister for being part of history and making the airport a reality.

Dr. Fayemi said the inauguration of the airport was in fulfilment of his promise to continue to work for the people of the state who elected him to his very last day in office saying the project saw the light of day despite the very limited resources available to the state.

The Governor noted that his administration defied the challenges of COVID-19 which affected global, national and state economies to ensure that the dream of the airport became a reality which culminated in the test landing of the first flight on his last day in office.

Going down memory lane, the Governor recalled that the move to start the project began during his first tenure in 2012 with a Committee on the Viability of the Airport led by a legal luminary, Aare Babalola, raised by his then administration noting that the Committee submitted its report in 2012.

According to him, his first administration through the State Executive Council considered and approved the report submitted which was accommodated in its plan for the 2013-2015 Medium Term Sector Strategy but the plan was halted by his exit from office after the 2014 governorship election which placed the project on suspension.

The Governor said his successor in office, Mr. Ayo Fayose, embraced the idea to continue with the project but it couldn’t see the light of the day until his tenure ended in 2018.

He said further: “Upon my assumption of office in 2018, I appointed aviation experts and industry-related officials to kick-start the implementation of the project. They made several Advocate visits to communities in order to meet the requirements for the establishment of the airport.

“The administration took the following steps: we secured the approval, the revalidation of approval from the Federal Ministry of Aviation. We also secured the Department of State Services (DSS) clearance; we paid all the necessary fees for the construction, planning and certification to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and conducted an Environmental and Sustainability Impact Assessment.

“As a government that adheres strictly to the rule of law with unwavering respect for the rights of our people, we made several appeals to communities affected for enumeration of their farmlands to ensure commensurate monetary compensation is paid on their crops.

“To this end, a total of 669 claimants were duly compensated out of those that presented themselves for the exercise. We acquired 4,017 hectares of land from nine communities: Ago Aduloju, Aso Ayegunle, Bolorunduro, Igbogun, Araromi, Obbo, Afao, Orun, Igbemo and Ijan covering three local government areas in the state.”

Aviation Minister Sirika also announced to the excited audience that the Federal Government would site a cargo facility at the airport. He described the Ekiti Airport as “an extremely very important project” which would turn facilitate import and export of goods and commodities.

Senator Sirika recalled that when he was on the site for the groundbreaking in October 2019, there were divergent views as to the viability of the project noting that airports are being used by what he called “one-city nation-states in the world” to drive their economy.

He added: “I use to make an assertion, that mile-long road leads to nowhere but one-mile runway leads to everywhere. You see, I came here today through the runway of this airport provided by Governor Fayemi. There is a future with this project, market and trade can drive everybody here.

“I was at ABUAD, I saw the university, the farm, the industrial park and the hospital. If there is an airport here, it will connect people to this facility and reduce foreign medical tourism. Airports are by no means the best catalysts for the economic growth of any state or nation.

“35 per cent of global trade by value is moved through airports and $18.6 billion of cargo is moved daily through air transportation. The wealthy among you should take to agriculture for example and begin to produce things that you will export to other parts of the world.

“You can be land-locked but you cannot be sky-locked. We can all see the importance of having a facility like this. Thank you Mr Governor, you have provided this facility for the people of Ekiti State; they should own it, they should own it.”

The guests were later conducted on a facility tour around the terminal and other facilities at the airport.

Personalities who were present included the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo; the wife of the Governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi; the Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi; Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Mr. Funminiyi Afuye; Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Netherlands, Dr. Eniola Ajayi; Representatives of Ekiti in Diaspora, traditional rulers, state lawmakers and officials from the Federal Ministry of Aviation.

Amos Ogunrinde

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Transportation

Gas-enabled vehicles will soon be on roads in Ogun – Gov. Abiodun

By Web News 478

Ogun State Government says plans are underway to convert vehicles running on petrol to gas as part of efforts to reduce carbon emissions in the state.

The State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, who announced this in Abeokuta during an interactive meeting with transport unions in Ogun Central senatorial district, said motorcycles would also be converted to electric.

While explaining that the conversion project tagged “Ogun Going Green Project” was necessary to reduce environmental pollution, Governor Abiodun, said the first set of kits for the project would arrive in the state in the next three weeks.

The Governor who said that buses, trucks and taxi owners would benefit from the project, pointed out that the project would reduce the cost of transportation.

He also said that his administration had directed the state Ministry of Transportation to work out modalities on ways to facilitate the provision of new vehicles for the transporters.

In their separate remarks, the State Secretary, Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, Mr Tiwalade, Akingbade and the Secretary, Ogun State Parks and Management, Mr Haruna Adekujo, called for the construction of a world-class park in the state capital.

Bolanle Adesida

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Transportation

FRSC Cautions Road Users against Recklessness

By Web News 664

Road users have been cautioned against the use of unsafe tyres, taking alcoholic drinks and overloading to put an end to wanton loss of lives on the nation’s roads.

Oyo State Commander, Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, Mr Joshua Adekanye stated this at the flag off of ember months campaign held at Ajimobi Park, New Garage Ibadan.

Mr AdeKanye lamented that carnage on the road would have reduced drastically if users could adhere strictly to rules guiding driving.

In a message to the event, Governor Seyi  Makinde advised motorists, especially commercial drivers not to flout driving rules in the quest for financial gains.

The Secretary, Oyo State Park Management System, Mr Tomiwa Omolewa urged the government at all levels to make the nation’s roads safe.

Dignitaries at the event included the representative of Olubadan of Ibadan land, Nigerian Customs, Immigration, Police, Civil Defence and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.

The theme of this year’s campaign is “Avoiding speeding, overloading and unsafe tyres to arrive alive”

Abisola Oluremi

Transportation

Fatal Crash on Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway Kills Two, Injures Four

By Web News 594

Two persons were confirmed dead while four others sustained injuries in an accident involving a Nissan Cabster and a Mack truck at Iyana Egbado, Itori on the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway on Saturday.

The Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps in Ogun, Mr Ahmed Umar, confirmed the incident to newsmen in Abeokuta.

Umar noted that the crash occurred at 6:00 a.m and it involved a Cabster marked KTU 142 XH and a truck with registration number T-12736 LA.

The sector commander explained that the Nissan vehicle rammed into the stationary truck which had a flat tyre.

He added that a total of seven men were involved in the accident, of which four were injured, two dead while one person was unhurt.

Umar said the deceased persons and injured victims were taken to General Hospital, Ifo for appropriate attention.

The sector commander commiserated with the family of the crash victims and enjoined them to contact the FRSC Itori Command for more information about the crash.

He advised motorists to avoid indiscriminate parking of vehicles by the roadside, adding that “If there’s a breakdown, proper placement of road signs should be put in order to alert oncoming vehicles.”

 NAN/Punch/Simeon Ugbodovn

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Transportation

255 Oyo roads earmarked for rehabilitation, repairs – OYSROMA

By Web News 788

Oyo State Government has begun the Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation, BEME, on not less than 255 roads across the state within the 33 local government areas for rehabilitation.

The Chairman, Oyo State Road Maintenance Agency, OYSROMA, Mr Busoye Soladoye stated this on Friday while on inspection of some of the roads earmarked for rehabilitation across the state.

He said that Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has approved a sum of 750 million naira for the agency in order to ensure zero potholes on the roads across the state.

Mr Soladoye said the roads are grouped into three zones, namely: Ibadan, Oyo/Ogbomoso/ Iseyin and Ibarapa/Oke-Ogun zones.

He stated that the eleven local government areas in Ibadan have been covered, while the remaining two zones are still being worked on.

The OYSROMA chairman stressed that on the assumption of duty, he made an extensive inspection of roads across the state, to ensure that rehabilitation of deplorable roads commence speedily.

He urged the people of Oyo state to desist from dumping refuse on drainage which may block waterways and result in water spillover, causing the destruction of roads.

Some of the roads rehabilitated in Ibadan city include Dugbe to Mokola roads; Femi Johnson Junction along Oke-Ado road; Molete-Fire Station-Challenge Road; Adeoyo Hospital Junction, (Ring Road); ANCE Roundabout, Dugbe and Railway Frontage, Dugbe, Ibadan.

Oluwakayode Banjo

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Transportation

Ekiti Cargo Airport: Farmers Protest Non-payment of Compensation

By Web News 488

Aggrieved Farmers have taken to the major road leading to the Cargo Airport at the outskirts of Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State in the early hours of Thursday, in their bid to ensure compensation was paid to them for their lands and farm produce destroyed in the course of building the airstrips.

The farmers numbering about 100 used iron bars, big sticks and set fire to tyres and made the road unaccessible to the people.

The visibly angry farmers accused Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi of shortchanging them and depriving them of their rights and entitlements.

Remember that the agitation has started since February, 2022, when some old men and women who were original land and farm owners complained bitterly that their lands and farm produce were destroyed to pave way for the airport.

The leader of the farmers, Mr. Peter Ishola said they have written the Governor, House of Assembly and even stage a walk to Secretariat to plead with the state governor to no avail.

As early as 6:00 am, the protesters in their numbers blocked the Ago Aduloju road leading to the airport and later the major road linking Ado and Ikare Akoko, Ondo state.

The trucks conveying the workers to the site were stopped at Ago Aduloju and denied entry.

Some of the workers who tried to walk down to the site were also stopped while traffic built up down to the Ogbese bridge as commuters were seen turning back following the major roadblock.

One of the Chinese contractors who came in company of some soldiers guarding the airport tried his best to calm the farmers but his efforts proved abortive.

When contacted, state Commissioner for Information, Mr Akin Omole who spoke through a phone call said he would get across to the appropriate bodies in charge of the project who will see to the grievances of the protesting farmers.

Olaniyi Alade

Transportation

Unrest as Park Manager Allegedly Imposes Kinsman on Members

By Web News 517

Members of the Ogun State Park and Garages in Ado-Odo/Ota local government have kicked against the alleged decision of the Transport Boss, Alhaji Akeem Bodunrin-Iyeru to impose his kinsmen, Sunday Akinsanya, popularly known as ‘Ajongolo’ to take over the administration of the sector in the local government.

It was alleged that Ajongolo, who was brought in to replace Alubarika, as gathered, ‘has made the job almost difficult for other members of the park management since taking over’.

In a chat with one of the park managers in Sango Ota, who would not want his name in print, lamented that since Ajongolo was brought in to replace Alubarika, things has not been well for himself and other top echelons of the management, noting that the most painful aspect was that they could not report him to anyone since he is a right hand man of Alhaji Akeem Bodunrin-Iyeru.

“Ever since park and garage came into being in the state. Things are no longer like it used to be. Most especially, in this our own area. What we had in the past was, those that are from a particular region are used to head the union management system and then they report to the state weekly. It was even fair when Alubarika was the head in Sango, Ota. We were still getting along with him but ever since he left the system and Iyeru brought his brother, Ajongolo. My brother, life has been difficult for us. We have just been working like Elephant and eating like ant. The most annoying thing is that we cannot report the matter at the state level. Once anyone does, that marks the end of his career as a transport unionist”.

Another member of the management stressed that ‘“working with someone they are close with makes the job a bit easier for them’.”
While lamenting that no indigene of Ado-Odo/Ota can be taken to head any other park within the state but reverse is the case in Ado-Odo/Ota local government. He pleaded with the transport boss, Iyeru to help them look into the matter.

Recall that the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dr. Dapo Abiodun MFR appointed Alhaji Akeem Bodunrin-Iyeru as the Manager for Parks and Garages in the state following the impasse that engulfed the Alhaji Tajudeen Ibikunle Baruwa led National Union of Road Transport Workers in the state.

Efforts to speak with Alhaji Bodunrin-Iyeru was unsuccessful as he was said to be out of town.

Abimbola Bamgbose

Transportation

FRSC Announces Traffic Diversion On Ijebu-Ode-Ore Expressway

By Web News 641

The Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Ogun Sector Command has announced temporary diversion along Ijebu-Ode- Ore Expressway following an accident that occurred on Friday night.

FRSC Public Education Officer, Mrs Florence Okpe who made this known in a statement said the accident blocked the entire section of the  inward section of Ijebu-Ode-Ore Expressway.

Mrs Okpe explained that traffic from inward section had been diverted to outward section of the expressway between Ijebu Ife Junction to Itele Junction.

She pointed out that operatives of the corps were on ground managing the traffic situation and also transferring the goods from the crashed vehicle to another vehicle.

The FRSC Public Education Officer advised Motorists to drive cautiously, obey traffic rules and regulations and cooperate with traffic managers.

Omolara Adasofunjo

Transportation

OYRTMA Flags off Ember Months Awareness

By Web News 493

 Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority, OYRTMA says it will deploy over 15,000 personnel across the state to enhance a hitch-free festive period in partnership with other relevant stakeholders

The Chairman of OYRTMA, Mogaji Akin Fagbemi disclosed this while speaking at the flag-off 2022 Ember Months Campaign Awareness organized by the agency for private and commercial roads users held at Temidire Motor Park, New Ife Road, Ibadan.

He stressed that the campaign became imperative due to imminent Yuletide and the surge in traffic volumes that might result in gridlocks, offensive driving and attendant road traffic crashes.

According to the OYRTMA boss, the personnel, who would comprise officers, volunteers, Adhoc workers and mayors would provide safety and maintain the free flow of traffic within the state before, during and after the festivities.

Mogaji Fagbemi added that the campaign would also be conducted at churches, mosques and motor parks across the state.

In a short lecture delivered by a resources person to the drivers and transporters at the event, the Rector, Polytechnic Ibadan, Professor Kazeem Adebiyi identified various factors that could cause road carnages and appealed to drivers to be cautious and intentional to prevent errors that could cause road accidents. 

In their goodwill messages, the representatives of the commissioner of police, FRSC sector commander, vehicle inspection commander and park management system, PMS, warned drivers against speeding, and substances that could intoxicate them, urging them to take cognizance of road signs to reduce carnages on the roads.

They equally urged the PMS executives in the state to continue to engage their members on the need to drive with care.

Iyabo Adebisi

Transportation

Oluwo Appeals for Prompt Reconstruction of Osogbo-Iwo-Ibadan

By Web News 521 Post a comment

The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has appealed to the government of Osun State to commence the reconstruction of Osogbo-Iwo-Ibadan.

In a statement by his Press Secretary, Mr Alli Ibrheem, Oba Akanbi described the road as the life-wire of Osun State in terms of road networks, stating that its neglect has done a lot of economic harm to the state.

While commending Governor Oyetola for his readiness to fix the road, he enjoined politicians to stop politicizing development, saying the road is crucial to re-awakening the commercial, bilateral relationship between Osun and Oyo States.

The Monarch lauded Osun and Oyo state governments for the bilateral understanding that aided the approval by the two states, noting its reconstruction would in no small way ameliorate passengers’ plight and boost the economy of the two states.

He said no patriot of the two states would consider such a project of monumental benefit a wasteful project, urging politicians to stop politicizing development.

The Paramount ruler of Iwoland lamented the deplorable state of the road, disclosing some traders were now avoiding Osun State because of the Osogbo-Iwo-Ibadan road network.

He beseeched the government on prompt reconstruction, saying the people of Osun West in particular and Osun State by extension would forever be grateful to his government.

“Osogbo-Iwo-Ibadan road is the economic life-wire of Osun State and in particular, Osun West Senatorial District in terms of road networks. That is the only straight road connecting Lagos and Ibadan with Osun State. Its economic advantage to Nigeria and the Geo political zone is enormous “

“While I commend the government of both Osun and Oyo States for the bilateral understanding that aided the approval, I appeal to the Osun State Government to “wait no more”. They two are wonderful governors whose performances are enviable. They have set a pace for other leaders to follow, that party affiliation should be set aside when development is involved”

“I urge politicians in every state to emulate these wonderful personalities. Osogbo-Iwo-Ibadan road is acute to strengthen the commercial and economic relationship of Osun with many states. Osun Patriots should look beyond politics. We should stop politicizing development”

“Every bad road is criminals’ hideout. The status of the road is causing a lot of accidents. I know the time has come for people to smile on this road. The government should be fast. I’m eager to see my People smiling. Oyetola put a smile on our faces”

Adenitan Akinola

Transportation

Pregnant Woman, Minor, Crushed to Death in Ogun Accident

By Web News 572

Two persons have been reportedly killed while four others sustained injuries in an accident involving a yellow cement DAF truck in Adewusi Village, via Kila, along Abeokuta/Ibadan highway.

The spokesperson, Ogun Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps, TRACE, Mr Babatunde Akinbiyi told journalists in Abeokuta that the accident, involving a DAF truck with registration number BDJ 112XF occurred on Saturday.

He alleged that the driver of the DAF truck conveying a full load of cement, coming from Ewekoro, onward to Ibadan, was at an excessive speed, lost control and rammed into a building.

The TRACE spokesperson disclosed that three male adults and one minor were injured in the accident while one pregnant woman and one male minor died. 

He noted that the injured victims have been taken to Odeda General Hospital for medical attention while the presumed dead had been deposited at the hospital’s morgue. 

Mr Akinbiyi said a team of police officers were deployed to the scene of the incident to prevent youths who were angered by the accident from causing chaos.

While commiserating with the family of the deceased, Mr Akinbiyi implored drivers of articulated vehicles to avoid overspeeding and ensure up-to-date maintenance of their vehicles to prevent avoidable road crashes.

Francisca Irekpita                                    

Transportation

FRSC Confirms Death of One in Multiple Accident

By Web News 468

One person was killed on Wednesday, and two others were injured in a multiple accident involving seven vehicles at Ologuneru Area of Ibadan on Tuesday.

FRSC Sector Commander in Oyo State, Mr Joshua Adekanye, confirmed the accident to the Newsmen on Wednesday.

Adekanye said 10 persons were involved in the auto crash.

He said that the vehicles involved were two trucks, two Toyota Camry cars, a KIA car, and two motorcycles.

He attributed the cause of the accident to speed violation and loss of control on the part of one of the trucks.

Adekanye said the police took the dead to a mortuary, while the injured were taken to Ibadan Central Hospital.

Daily Post/ Titilayo Kupoliyi

Transportation

Motorists Advocate Quick Repair of Aramoko-Igede Road

By Web News 697

Motorists plying the Ado-Aramoko expressway have again appealed to the concerned authorities to help them fix the bad portions along the route.

The respondents made the appeal in an interview with Radio Nigeria while reacting to the issue of failed portions on the road which prevented easy movement of vehicles due to two damaged trailers.

The respondents said the trailers, which are at the same spot between Igede and Aramoko, prevented vehicular movement.

They emphasized that quick repair of the major road would hasten economic activities, and allow farmers to transport their goods to markets.

While some called for separate roads for heavy-duty vehicles, many agreed that concrete-built roads would stand the test of time.

Lanre Omotoso

Transportation

Tanker Explosion: Work on Ijoko-Akute road will be speedy – Gov Abiodun

By Web News 661

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has sympathized with the victims of the petrol tanker explosion at Matogun, Ifo Local Government Area of the state.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Kunle Somorin, Governor Abiodun described the tanker explosion that razed about ten houses and shops as unfortunate.

While thanking God that no life was lost in the explosion, the Governor expressed grief at the level of destruction of people’s property.

Governor Abiodun gave the assurance that work would be expedited on the rehabilitation of the Ijoko-Alagbole-Lambe-Akute road in order to forestall the recurrence of such incidents and to make the life of the people in the axis more comfortable.

The Governor also promised that palliative assistance would be rendered to those who lost their property to the inferno.

Bolanle Adesida

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Transportation

UAE: FG Urges Nigerians to be Guided by New Visa Regime

By Web News 412

The Federal Government has called on the general public to note and be guided that the Government of the United Arab Emirates has introduced a new visa regime and has stopped issuing tourist visas to persons under the age of 40 years, except for those applying for family visas.

A statement by the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, explains that the attention of the Federal Government has been drawn to a video on social media, showing purportedly stranded Nigerians, who arrived at the Airport in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, but were denied entry into the country, despite having valid visas.

It says the Nigerian Mission in Dubai has clarified that most of the supposedly stranded Nigerians were issued with family visas, only to arrive in Dubai alone without any family members and they were consequently denied entry and advised to return to their country and apply for the appropriate visas.

The statement explains that those persons allowed entry into the country has their family members in the UAE. While those who claimed their family members were on another flight, were told to wait at the airport, pending their arrival.

The Federal Government, therefore, called on prospective visa applicants to indicate clearly their visa preferences without any ambiguity and also respect the immigration laws of other countries to avoid unwarranted treatment.

Hamza Alkali

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Transportation

Ban: Okada Riders Risk 3 Years Imprisonment as Lagos Starts Phase 2

By Web News 473

The Lagos State Government says defaulters of the ban on commercial motorcycle operators (Okada), risk a three-year jail term, as enforcement for the Phase 2 ban starts on Friday.

The Commissioner for Transport, Dr Frederic Oladeinde, said this during a news conference in Ikeja, adding that the Phase 2 okada ban was in four Local Government Areas and six Local Government Development Councils.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state government in August declared a total ban on another four LGAs and six LCDAs mainly in Kosofe (Ikosi-Isheri and Agboyi-Ketu LCDAs); Mushin (Odi-Olowo LCDA); Oshodi (Oshodi-Isolo and Ejigbo LCDAs), and Shomolu (Bariga LCDA).

”We implore the general public to comply, as both the rider and passenger are both liable to three years in prison if prosecuted.

”Their motorcycles will be impounded and crushed in the public view, in line with the provision of Section 46, sub-section 1, 2 & 3 of the Transport Sector Reform Law (TSRL), 2018.

”We implore the general public to join hands together with the state government by complying with the decision geared towards combating the monster that okada operation has created so that sanity can return to our state,” Oladeinde said.

He said that 200 officials of the Lagos Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) had been deployed to join other security agencies to enforce the ban in the councils.

According to him, the extension of the ban to four more LGAs and LCDAs is in the right direction to ensure the security of lives and property.

”As a responsive government, we are not leaving the affected passengers stranded without any viable means of transportation, that is why we have made available alternative and sustainable means of transportation.

”The alternative transportation includes the First and Last Mile Bus Transport Scheme, the BRT Scheme, the Lagos e-hailing taxi Scheme (LAGRIDE) and other acceptable modes of transportation, to go about their daily activities.

”The decision and position of the government on okada is very clear, and we are not compromising on this decision, which is to further consolidate on the achievements made so far with particular reference to the decrease in accidents and crime,” the commissioner said.

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, also reiterated that the government was not leaving the okada riders stranded.

Omotoso said that the riders could approach the government as a cooperative to get the first and last mile buses.

Vanguard/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Transportation

Oyo Begins Immediate Repair of Moniya-Iseyin Road

By Web News 757

*Promised To Deliver Iseyin-Fapote-Ogbomoso Road by January

contractor handling the Moniya-Iseyin road has begun repair works on the flooded section of the road on Monday, as instructed by the State government after the heavy downpour that led to the rising of rivers along the route.

The step was a result of complaints from motorists plying the road, whose movements were restricted by the flood that crossed the road, which prompted the officials of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport to embark on an immediate inspection tour to the area to assess the level of damage on the affected area.

Moniya-Iseyin road, which was commissioned by May 2021, has been a relief to the people of Oke-Ogun and its environs as it has afforded them the opportunity to travel within fewer periods from Ibadan to Iseyin, different from the situation before the reconstruction.

While addressing newsmen during the inspection at chain-age 47.750km of the road, the Commissioner for Public Works and Transport, Professor Dahud Kehinde Sangodoyin made it known that the cause of the damages was a result of the continuous heavy rain due to climate change and that It was not particular to only Oyo State, but all over the world.

The Commissioner said: “we were informed that during the heavy downpour on Thursday and Friday, there were some issues as the water overflew and caused some damages by the side road, we are here to examine and assess what happened and what can be done.

The first thing discovered is the overflow because the culverts there have been sealed up by mud, then the chain-age that should be able to address the free flow of water has a problem on the other side of the road, it is not new because there is climate change all over the world, so we should prepare for it, not only in Oyo State but Nigeria as a whole.

Work will start on it today, on the right-hand side, the channelization and on the left-hand side, retaining the walls and shifting of the culvert, in the long term, during the dry season, if we find out from the weather forecast that we will have a heavy rainfall like this next year we will have to change the size of the culvert.

The Consultant and the Contractor are with me to assess it together and we found out that it is not a serious issue but climate change that is affecting everybody all over the world, including vegetation and other things.

I have instructed the contractor to mobilize their machine immediately so that the work can start on the channelization and to retain the wall and I can assure you that the work will start before we finish the inspection, I am assuring our people that our road is intact as it was when commissioned last year, the only damage there is on the shoulder and from today, work will start on it so that it will not hit on the road.” 

The team also extended the inspection to the ongoing construction of the Iseyin-Ogbomoso-Fapote road to see the progress of the project, where the Commissioner told reporters that the project would be completed by January 2023.

“They have completed the bridge around the chainage 16.0km and we are at chainage 6.0km at the culvert which is 3 by 3, as it is now, the earthwork is almost completed up to chainage 16km, the line drain is almost completed also, they have started to put the stone base from the spur which is 2km and I have advised them to put in more effort so that the contract can be completed in January 2023, as you can see, they have completed about 20% of the job at chainage 6.0km and 32.2% of job at Ogbomoso-Fapote as of last week Monday.”

Professor Sangodoyin said that the slow pace of work is due to the persistent rainfall and that the work would be faster during the dry season with proper supervision because the Government has done its part.

Buttressing the words of the Commissioner, the consultant to the Governor on Moniya-Iseyin-Ogbomoso road construction, Engr. Wale Lagunju explained that the team has assessed the whole situation and discovered that the pavement at the flooded section of the Moniya-Iseyin road was still intact but there was a need for remedial works and the Contractor has been instructed to start work immediately to make sure that the pavement does not fail so that the traffic flow would not be affected.

The Project Manager of the Construction Company, KOPEC Construction Limited, Engr Aymanza Zakhour revealed that despite what had happened, the road was still intact because the work was done with standard specification, adding that he had instructed his men to report to the construction site with machines to start the repair immediately and assured the citizenry that the work would finish in no time.

Oluwakayode Banjo

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