Transportation

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

By Web News 576

By Oluwakayode Banjo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Lifestyle

Prayers, support of Clerics have kept us going so far – Gov. Makinde

By Web News 664

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has said prayers and support of clerics and men of God have kept his administration going so far.

He said this at the Thanksgiving Service of the Living Spring Chapel International, Dominion City, Aduloju, Iwo Road/Ojoo Expressway, Ibadan.

He told the congregation that it is when men of God participate in politics that the desired changes can occur in the country.

Governor Makinde further charged the people to collect their permanent voter cards so as to be able to vote for the candidates of their choice. 

He added that his administration has been linking zones of the state together in order to decongest Ibadan and to spread development across the state.

“When we came in 32 months ago, we looked at where we met the state and saw that there are few things that were either not standing on any foundation at all or standing on a very shaky foundation. So, we decided to lay another foundation. Before we got into government, there was nothing like OYSADA. We know that agri-business, agro-processing is where we have a comparative and competitive advantage.”

“And if we need to expand our economy, we have to go back and make it work. So, we were deliberate in setting it up because whoever fails to plan is planning to fail and we all can see the result from that decision in 31months.”

He added: “The pastor also talked about the Light-up project. Yes, before now, there was nothing like the Ministry of Energy but we had to set it up and gave a mandate that there must be energy security in Oyo State and, in 31 months, we are moving towards providing energy security for the state.”

“We were able to do all of these things because of your cooperation in the growth of the IGR, which is coming from your pockets.” 

“So, when they ask where I am getting the money from, it is definitely from the people but not through force. They have been asked to play their part and they are doing just that.”

Earlier, the presiding pastor of the Living Spring Chapel International, Pastor Femi Emmanuel, urged everyone to always thank God for His benefits and favour.

He also urged all political office holders in the state to put God first in all their dealings and always give glory to God.

The pastor, therefore, admonished all residents of the state to continue their support of the Makinde-led administration in order to enable him to take the state to greater heights.

Iyabo Adebisi

News

2nd Wave: Oyo NOA Takes COVID-19 Sensitization To Motor Parks

By Web News 591

As residents of Oyo State join the rest of the world to celebrate Christmas, the National Orientation Agency, NOA, has warned members of the public not to let down their guards in the fight against COVID-19. 

State Director, NOA, Mrs Dolapo Dosunmu gave the warning during a sensitization campaign on preventive measures against the second wave of COVID-19 and road safety measures during yuletide which was held at Gate and Iwo Road motor parks. 

The sensitization was in collaboration with Federal Road Safety Corp, FRSC and the park managers.  

Mrs Dosunmu admonished residents of Oyo State to be wary of the disturbing increase on the cases of Coronavirus, hence a need to be careful in safeguarding themselves by obeying all the COVID-19 protocols. 

She emphasised that, residents should make wearing of face-mask, washing of hands and maintaining social distancing part of their daily routine.

The park managers in their separate remarks promised to embark on regular sensitization of their members on road safety and measures against the spread of COVID-19. 

Mosope Kehinde

Security

#ENDSARS: Reported Cases of Gunshots in Iwo Road

By Web News 3901

Many parts of Ibadan metropolis today experienced a peaceful atmosphere after days of demonstrations by #ENDSARS Protesters.

Radio Nigeria correspondents, who went round the metropolis, report that commercial activities had been restored at Apata, Odo-Ona and Challenge.

Human and vehicular movements were going unhindered as people stood in groups, recalling their experiences in the last few days. 

However, the situation is different at Iwo Road area of Ibadan as there were reported cases of sporadic gunshots.

A witness, who spoke under the condition of anonymity, said though he could not ascertain the cause of the gunshots, alleged that officers of Nigeria Police Force, Agodi Area Command, Iwo Road Testing Ground had engaged some hoodlums in a gun duel.

The witness alleged that the unfortunate incident led to the death of some police officers and some civilians.

Radio Nigeria also observed that panic had enveloped traders at Agodi Gate, Ibadan on the fear that the unrest at Iwo Road could spread to the area.

Also, Officers at Agodi Gate Police Station have deserted the station, leaving the doors open.

Fawole/Adelowo

Transportation

Post-Eidel Kabir: Slight Increase in Cost of Interstate Travel

By Web News 1240

Passengers returning to their destinations after the Eidel kabir celebration in Ibadan may likely experience slight increase in the transport fare.

The development followed the limited numbers of passengers expected to be carried by transporters as well as possible increase in the volumes of passengers later in the week.

During a visit by our correspondent to Ojoo, Iwo Road and Challenge Motor Parks, it was observed that few passengers were still noticed while little hike was observed compared to what obtained before.

At Ojoo, Radio Nigeria observed that Ibadan to other states in the northern region cost between 7, 500 and 9, 050 naira while other states in the South-South from the ancient city cost between 5, 500 and 10, 000 naira, Ibadan to Abuja on the other hand cost 8, 000 naira.

Confirming the fare, at Iwo road, two park managers, Mr Daniel Odiniya and Felix Bayode said Ibadan five passengers were the numbers specified for each car to allow for physical distancing.

A transporter at Ojoo, Mr Motuf Olatunbosun said Ibadan to Sango Ota and other axis in Lagos costs between 1,500 and 2,500 naira.

Radio Nigeria also observed that Ibadan to Akure and Ado Ekiti ranged between 2,000 and 2,500 naira.

A passenger, Mr Adegoroye Oluwole said government should cushion the effects of the coronavirus pandemic through financial assistance for the transporters.

It was however observed that few passengers complied with the safety protocols of wearing the masks while other passengers in the buses do not observe physical distancing.

Rotimi Famakin

Politics

LG Tussle Update: Many Caretaker Chairmen Back in Office

By Web News 1161

Many local government headquarters in Ibadan remain calm as some caretaker chairmen have resumed duty.

Radio Nigeria correspondent, who has been monitoring the situation reports that security operatives are still manning the councils.

A visit to the headquarters of Ibadan North East, Iwo Road, South East, Mapo and North West, Onireke headquarters shows that party loyalists were around to execute menial jobs in assisting the chairmen.

At Ibadan North-East, Iwo Road the caretaker chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Akintayo called on workers to resume duties.

Similarly, at the Ibadan South East Local Government Headquarters, many people were in the queue for one business or the other.

The Caretaker Chairman of the local government, Pastor Emmanuel Alawode said normalcy had returned following the drama where hoodlums carted away properties in his office.

Radio Nigeria, however, observed that at the Ibadan North Local Government was under lock while security operatives were on the ground.

Lilian Ibomor