Sunday, May 10, 2009
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Lagos Gets New Zoological Garden
| Lagos Gets New Zoological Garden Saturday, May 09, 2009 - Bankole Adeshina and Laolu Adeyemi |
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A FIRM, Woodfields Farm and Theme Park, has established a 15-hectare zoological garden on Lagos-Epe road to boost the tourism potentials of Lagos State. |
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| OnlineNigeria.com http://www.Onlinenigeria.com/ |
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
In two years, Fashola has revolutionized Lagos roads –Gov’s aide
By TOPE ADEBOBOYE
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
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Fashola Photo: THE SUN PUBLISHING |
At the Lagos State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure these days, the workers consistently wear a cheerful mien. From the Special Adviser, Engr Ganiyu Abiodun Johnson, to other members of the ministry’s management and indeed the entire staff, workers in the ministry are in high spirits.
Their excitement is not far-fetched. They are delighted that, in the last two years, the ministry has done a yeoman’s job in helping Governor Fashola actualize his dream of turning Lagos into a world-class megacity.
“I am particularly grateful for the understanding of His Excellency, the Governor of Lagos State who has provided the necessary wherewithal to attain this immeasurable standard to meet the challenges of the state as a mega city,” the man in charge of the ministry, Engr Johnson, noted.
Indeed, in matters of road construction and rehabilitation, even the political foes of the governor and his team will hardly deny them some credit. With photographs and telling data, Johnson told journalists at a ministerial press briefing last week how Fashola supported and empowered the ministry to ensure that Lagos roads and public buildings remain the cynosure of every eye.
The briefing was held to commemorate the ministry’s activities in the last two years. There, Johnson expressed satisfaction with what the Fashola administration has achieved since May 29, 2007, especially in the areas of road construction and rehabilitation as well as in the construction and maintenance of public buildings. In each local government area, the governor’s special adviser detailed some of the achievements of the ministry since the present administration assumed office two years ago.
In a bid to make life more comfortable for the residents of Agege Local Government area of the state, the ministry embarked on the rehabilitation of Humuani Adetona Street, Sodipo Street and Oniwaya Road. The projects are almost completed.
Besides the rehabilitation of old roads, Johnson informed that the government has also installed street lights and transformers in many parts of the local government. The old NRC building at Oko Oba area of the local government has also been rehabilitated for operatives of the state security outfit, the Rapid Response Squad.
In Ajeromi Ifelodun, the local government housing the popular slum, Ajegunle, Johnson said the Fashola administration has done a lot to ease the pains of the residents. Some of the government’s efforts, he noted, include the construction of nine roads and two bridges in the area. He stated further: “We have also embarked on the construction of Mobil Road expansion (which is 47% completed), construction of Wilmer Crescent with a bridge to link Cardoso at 65% completion stage, construction of Olumokun/Olayinka/Sanusi/Oduduwa with a bridge to link Amukoko at 57% completion stage, among others. There is also the construction of Magistrate Courts at Mba Cardoso Street, Ajegunle and a maternal child care centre.”
In Alimosho, the state government said it mapped out some projects to be carried out in four phases. Engr Johnson listed some of the projects in Phase 1 as the completion of the Abule-Egba–Ekoro – Agbelekale-Meiran Road and the de-flooding of Karimu Laka area through the construction of collector drain. The projects in this phase, he noted, are at 80% completion stage. The state government has also commenced the construction of Agodo Community Road, Shasha-Orisunmbare-Ejigbo Roads, Association Avenue - Ikotun Road, and Old Otta Road, among others. “These roads are designed to decongest traffic in Ejigbo, Idimu and Ikotun axis as well as the Abeokuta Expressway, while Karimu – Laka Bamisile collector drains will definitely ameliorate the perennial flooding of Egbeda,” the governor’s adviser stated.
Other projects in the area, he noted, are the rehabilitation of Irefun/Kufisile Street, rehabilitation of Modupe Ayoade Street and the upgrading of Olugbade/Wusamotu Oreagba and Transformer Streets. “All these projects will soon be completed,” he assured.
Recently, the state government commissioned the reconstructed Ago Palaceway Extension in Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area of the state. The road, once a single lane, has metamorphosed into a dual carriageway with a walkway and street light facilities. The state government is also working on the Odofin Bypass even as work is on-going at several roads within Kirikiri town.
In neighbouring Apapa where a Central Business District has been created, Johnson said the government is working hard to make life easier for the people. Among the road projects being handled by the state government in this area, he explained, are the upgrading and rehabilitation of Aerodrome Road, Calcutta Crescent and Duala Road, among others.
The government, Johnson said, is also working hard on its proposal to turn the Lagos-Badagry Expressway into a ten-lane carriageway. “In fulfilment of the promise of this administration to transform the Lagos-Badagry Express road to a super highway, the state government has just awarded Lot 1 which stretches from Eric Moore Road to Mile 2,” Johnson announced, promising that the two other lots would be awarded soon.
In Epe, the government has done a lot of work, said the man in charge of the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure. Several roads have been rehabilitated, while the Agbowa/ Ago Owu Community High School has been totally rehabilitated. The government has also constructed magistrate courts in the local government.
“At Eti-Osa Local Government, the Ajah-Badore Road has been completed and dualised. The government has also completed the dualisation of Bourdillon, Alexander, Gerald and Osborne Roads in Ikoyi. Other roads being constructed in the area include Unity Road, Fola Osibo/ Emmanuel Cole Road, Idabo/Lekki Road and Okun/Ajah/Ogombo Road,” he said, adding that the state government is also constructing ferry terminals and buildings at Osborne, Ikoyi. The government has also installed street lights in many parts of Eti Osa.
Johnson, while speaking on the government’s activities in Ikeja, listed a number of roads, drainage channels and bridges being constructed. The government, he noted, has also designed additional projects aimed at easing traffic congestion in the area. For instance, the government intends to construct a fly-over from Allen Avenue to Aromire across the Obafemi Awolowo Way just as there will be a link bridge from Adeniyi Jones Street to Acme Road.
Within the last two years, Ikorodu Local Government has witnessed a lot of positive changes, Johnson said. Apart from the construction of many roads, magistrate courts, Oba’s palace and maternal health centre, the government is also constructing jetty terminals and buildings in the area.
“In Lagos Island, the government has also constructed new magistrate courts at Igbosere, reconstructed the Lagos City Hall, provided street lights and rehabilitated many roads,” he said.
He said that upon assumption of office in 2007, the Fashola administration listed some 37 roads and six pedestrian bridges for rehabilitation in phases in Lagos Mainland Local Government. Many of them, he said, have since been completed, while works on others are ongoing. In Mushin, the government says it’s working hard on 36 roads spread across the various wards of the local government. Of the roads, 19 are proposed for execution in 2009, 12 in 2010 and five in 2011.
Fashola’s developmental ship has also berthed at Ojo Local Government with the dualization of the Isheri-Iba-Ojo Road, construction of Shibiri Etegbin Road, Ajangbadi /Ilogbo/Elegba Road, Alasia-Aiyetoro Road, and many more.
In Oshodi-Isolo Local Government, the on-going construction of the Okota-Itire overhead link bridge and road work is one major project that will bring smiles to the faces of millions of Lagos residents when completed, according to Engr Johnson. “This project will link various communities in the western part of the axis such as Alimosho, Egbe, Ikotun, Ejigbo, Isolo, and Okota with those on the eastern side such as Ijesha Tedo, Itire, Mushin, Aguda, Lawson and Yaba. Upon completion, it will reduce travel time, running cost on vehicles and facilitate smooth transportation of commuters along the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway. Furthermore, the project will open up communities to increase economic activities and improved standard of living,” he stated.
Other local governments in the state, including Kosofe, Shomolu, Surulere and Yaba have also witnessed positive development with the state government touching millions of lives. In Johnson’s words, since May 2007, 70.352 kilometres of roads have been rehabilitated across the state just as 111.80 kilometres of roads have been constructed. And there will be more, he said.
“In the last two years, Lagos State has been turned into a huge construction site where projects are on-going in all the 57 Local Government Councils and Development Areas. With the birth of a new Lagos State, this ministry has positively played a significant role as a service providing agent of change and we promise you that, we shall keep the flag flying. The best is yet to come,” Johnson assured.
Legendary Lagosian::Baba Kokoro Goes Home..
Nigeria: Baba Kokoro Goes Home on Thursday
May 5, 2009 by bunmi
The burial ceremony of Pa Benjamin Aderounmu a.k.a. Kokoro, will begin on Thursday, 7 May in Lagos.
According to the burial committee and the President of PMAN, Admiral Dele Abiodun, Artistes’ Night will flag off the two-day event, when PMAN members, both elite and up coming, will converge to give their last musical respect to one of the oldest members of the union.
Before this, Pa Aderounmu will be laid-in-state at PMAN headquarters from 10a.m. to 12 noon that day.
On Friday, 8 May, the second lying-in-state takes place at his residence, Millennium Housing Estate, by Afonja Police Station, Mosalasi bus stop, Shasha, Lagos, at 9 a.m.
Church service takes place at the same venue at 11 a.m., after which his remains will be buried at Ikoyi Cemetery. Entertainment of guests will follow at his residence in Shasha.
Pa Aderounmu died during a brief illness on Sunday, 25 January, 2009.
The burial was initially slated for April but has to be rescheduled due to logistics reasons.
Meanwhile, the entire Aderounmu family has expressed appreciation to the government of Lagos State and Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), the governor, for their support which has made the burial arrangement possible.
Aged 84 years, the veteran musician is survived by wife, children and great grand children.
Monday, May 4, 2009
A Few Good 'MAN' - Babatunde Fashola, Lagos State Governor
Gbenga Badejo
Postcard from Lagos
I never thought I would ever have to write a full article about a Nigerian
politician, a very positive review for that matter. This was not for lack of optimism on
my part, but for the lack of vision and purpose on their part. The reality is that a good
Nigerian politician is difficult to come by. The vast majority of the politicians elected
into government are self-serving, corrupt and worse of all visionless. They are corrupt
nationally, regionally and locally. They are corrupt in the South and in the North, in
the East and in the West.
The Governors in the North marry multiple wives, in the South-West; they publicly stick
with one wife but go through young mistresses faster than mach 2. The Ibo Governors
ingratiate themselves with royalty; the Yoruba ones think they are royalty, the
South-South Governors lobby to become Knights, the Hausa Governors have too much time on
their hands and Yar'Adua, the President, gives his daughters to two of them as third and
fourth wives respectively.
Worse still, the legislators are clueless. Their main pre-occupation is junketing abroad
on endless fact-finding missions. Yet they are concerned with how they are perceived at
home and at the ready to threaten with arrest anyone that challenges their plain-to-see
indolence and hopelessness.
Nigerian politicians are ego driven; they will commandeer an honorary doctorate degree
from Universities to which they are the ‘Visitor’ and get their friends and families to
congratulate them with full page newspaper advertisements. Annoyingly, they assault our
intelligence and overwhelm reason with false eulogies in these congratulatory
advertisements, many of which often share the same message. They celebrate 47th, 56th and
other meaningless birthdays; they collect meaningless titles from any monarch. The
Nigerian politician gives the impression that theirs is a gadabout government,
purposeless yet whirling in self congratulation.
After the era of visionary and selfless leaders like Awolowo, Azikiwe and Ahmadu Bello,
we are lumbered with the misfortune of having so-called usurpers who think they are doing
us a favour by carrying out what they are elected to do. So State Governors have their
ugly photos plastered over the covers of notebooks distributed to school children
majority of whom have to contend with window-less, teacher-less schools. Some of the
politicians also erect massive billboards with their photos and political slogans beside
every road repaired and every well sunk. On being sworn to office, the vast majority of
them took to corruption and the euphoria of office like a pig to filth. They stink to
high heavens and they carry a lot of innocent blood on their hands and head.
Refreshingly, Babatunde Fashola, the Lagos State Governor is a departure from this filth.
He is a breath of fresh air compared to anyone who has held any executive position in
Nigeria in over 40 years. He is so different that you can hardly believe he is one of us.
He is genuinely and determinedly interested in changing the lives of his constituents for
good. Like many other Lagosians, I have developed an air of breathless excitement as I
watch Fashola transform the hitherto impossible city.
The recently introduced commuter bus systems have made travelling affordable and easier
for a good number of people. Major road works are being carried out, drainage systems are
being rebuilt. If you go on Mobolaji Bank Anthony in Ikeja or Akin Adesola in Victoria
Island at night, you may think you are in London. Many roads in the Lagos metropolis now
light up at night powered by solar energy. Fashola must have realised that the
environment affects people’s behaviour, and has therefore engaged in a massive drive to
beautify the city, left, right and centre. Lagos roads are now being swept almost round
the clock.
The Lagos State Signage Agency has seen to it that posters and overhead fliers that
hitherto deface Lagos roads are now a thing of the past.
Wherever you go in Lagos, you can see the government of Babatunde Fashola at work without
seeing his face. He is rebranding Lagos State without making any noise about it. He just
lets his work speak for him. Unlike many Nigerian politicians, he is not involved in any
populist, short-term projects; he appears to be planning ahead for the next 100 years.
Fashola genuinely has the interest of the people at heart.
Do not get me wrong, if you are visiting Lagos for the first time or have lived abroad
for a considerably long period, you may not notice much. However, having lived in Lagos
for over a year now, the transformation is truly astounding. Fashola has proven that good
governance is possible. He is also governing from a position of service. Never has he
once made Lagosians believe he is doing them a favour. Fashola has class.
He is also very wise. He shows deference to traditional and religious leaders, but he
does not collect titles from them. He collected an award from a newsmagazine as one of
the best performing governors in 2008 but returned it when he realised it was a Greek
gift.
Fashola is also a cultured person who is not carried away by power. He is one of only
three Governors in Nigeria who still carry the title of ‘Mr’. In an interview he gave a
few months after he became Governor, He said he does not use the signature siren favoured
by politicians and the ‘powerful people’ because he is averse to noise but also because
he considers it in bad taste to live in a government house, drive government vehicles and
terrorise the same people that pay for the luxury he enjoys.
Some people will argue that he can only do what he is doing because his predecessor and
mentor Bola Tinubu helps to take care of the political side of things. My response is
whilst this may be true; Fashola can not do what he is doing if he does not have it in
him.
I will like to share a story that in my view sums up the effort of Babatunde Fashola and
showcases the new Lagos that he is trying to build. A man had been lying for consecutive
days at the same spot on the central reservation of the road that leads to our Estate. I
decided to stop and on enquiring from a nearby shop-keeper, I was informed that the man
had been drunk and was hit by an Okada (motorbike).
On Friday 17th April, I placed a call to the Lagos State emergency telephone number ‘767’
to request for assistance for the man. This was my first time of using this service which
is in itself a first in Nigeria. I was amazed when I got connected and I was afforded the
utmost courtesy by the person who answered the phone. When we got disconnected shortly
afterwards, I tried again, and yet another person answered on the first ring. She
listened to my report asking for the full details of where the man was located and
promised that an ambulance will be sent forthwith. I was joyful not only for the man, but
that something this good was possible in Lagos and in Nigeria. Without any deliberate
prompting, my heart blessed Fashola.
A few days later, I noticed that the man was no longer there. My wife later informed me
that she saw an ambulance parked at the same spot to ferry the man away for treatment as
she drove past one evening.
Of course Fashola is not doing more than what he was elected to do, however, when the
vast majority of our politicians care less about the electorate, Fashola should earn our
admiration for differentiating himself so fantastically.
I have watched Fashola on the sidelines for over a year and I know he is no fluke. He has
surreptitiously dragged us, Lagosians, to develop confidence in him and increasingly in
government. I have come across many people who have chosen to pay their tax because they
believe that Fashola will use it responsibly. This agrees very well with the proponents
of the theory that Nigeria’s problem is a leadership one.
Fashola has proven that you only need a few good people to change the course of a nation;
in his case, a few good ‘MAN’. Lagosians know that what is happening in Lagos is due to
the determination of a single man and they truly appreciate this man and have come to
trust him. Fashola is a leader, a responsible man, a genuinely good person. He is a few
good ‘MAN’. And we all can learn from him.PostcardfromLagos
http://www.postcardfromlagos.com/
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Saturday, May 2, 2009
The New Malls::Ikeja Mall.
Situated in the heart of Ikeja next to the seat of the Lagos State Government, the new mall in Ikeja, with its Grade A office complex, is set to become the destination of choice for shoppers and companies alike.
Developed by Gruppo Nigeria Investment Ltd. the mall, with tenants like Shoprite and Silverbird, is due to be completed in 2010 and will bring a one-stop shopping / leisure / working experience to a discerning public!
Broll together with Ibukun Efuntayo and Co. have been appointed as joint letting agents. Take advantage now of pre-letting opportunities and enjoy introductory offers.
The New Malls:::Surulere,Lagos|Ogunsanya Shopping Complex
Adeniran Ogunsanya Ultra Modern Shopping Complex in Surulere which is expected to host three cinema houses when completed with standard parking lots, fully fitted with central air-condition. He also visited Tejuoso Market, site of another standard market and the on-going construction of Oyingbo market expected to be completed in May 2010.
The New Malls::Tejuosho Market Mall
The objective of the re-development exercise is to; among other targets, ensure that the market, upon completion, is able to accommodate 10,000 traders in a healthy, well-managed environment of world-class standard. The project's plan makes provision for a well-equipped fire station and a truck loading and off-loading facility. Others are a police post, a sewage treatment plant and a car park with the capacity to accommodate at least 580 cars.
The Punch: Fashola, this is commendable
Fashola, this is commendable
By Our Reader
Published: Thursday, 23 Apr 2009
I paid my tax at First Bank, Surulere branch, using self assessment form last July. I did not receive my receipt until last week when I sent a text message to Governor Babatunde Fashola. When I saw his reply about an hour latter, I showed it to my wife who doubted that the governor could reply me personally. She thought that perhaps one of his aides sent the reply, until an hour later when I started receiving calls from different people – from the head of Alpha Beta, to the secretary, Internal Revenue, who all promised that my receipt would be sent as soon as possible. My tax card and receipt were sent to me two days after my text to the governor. For the first time in the history of Nigeria, we have a listening governor that anybody can communicate with. It’s unbelievable. I commend the governor. So, if you have a problem and you do not text the governor, don’t blame anybody.
Doyin Ogunleye, 64, Karimu Street, Surulere, Lagos State:
http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art2009042223435356
Ilupeju gets solar street lighting.
Nighttime safety has improved in the Ilupeju neighbourhood of Lagos thanks to the introduction of solar-powered street lighting in the area. The street lamps have been installed by Private Networks Nigeria (PNN) Limited, a private international telecommunications and energy services provider, at a total cost of N7 million as part of its corporate social responsibility programme. The company is headquartered in Oremeji Street in the Ilupeju area.
The solar-powered streetlamps make use of the latest energy-saving LED technology, representing an environmentally friendly and cost effective alternative to traditional street lighting.
The solar-powered streetlamps make use of the latest energy-saving LED technology, representing an environmentally friendly and cost effective alternative to traditional street lighting.
Modern public toilets in Lagos.
Lagosians are to get modern public toilet facilities at key locations across the metropolis, the “Vanguard” newspaper reports. The project, overseen by the state ministry of the environment, is part of broad efforts to clean up the metropolis and transform it into a modern “centre of excellence”.
Facilities are being built at Dopemu bridge, Obanikoro and Toyota and Ijesha bus stops among other places. The facilities, which include ten toilets for women and ten for men, are reportedly at different stages of construction; some have already been roofed and plastered while work on others has only just begun. It is not clear whether people will have to pay to use the new facilities.
Facilities are being built at Dopemu bridge, Obanikoro and Toyota and Ijesha bus stops among other places. The facilities, which include ten toilets for women and ten for men, are reportedly at different stages of construction; some have already been roofed and plastered while work on others has only just begun. It is not clear whether people will have to pay to use the new facilities.
Okobaba/Agbowa Re-Development
Name: Okobaba/Agbowa Re-Dvelopment
City: Lagos
Use: Masterplan
Status: Preparation
Lagos intensifies efforts on master plans
Monday, 20 April 2009
Quote:
The Lagos State Government has set in motion necessary steps aimed enhancing the preparation of master plans and development guides with a view fast-tracking the development of the state.State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Bolaji Abosede, who disclosed this at a recent event to commemorate the second anniversary of Fashola administration in the state, noted that preliminary survey works have commenced on both the Badagry and the Lagos Mainland Central Master Plan projects, for which contracts have already been awarded.
Abosede also said that field works on the Ikorodu Master Plan have been concluded, while the preliminary report was ready for review.
Other projects already approved, he noted, include the Ikeja Model City Plan, which was recently presented to stakeholders, with the final report expected to be ready soon; and the Alimosho Model City Plan, which is currently awaiting the consideration of the state Consultancy Board.
The Commissioner said that the planned relocation of the Oko Baba Sawmill is on course, with the Agbowa site approved for the resettlement of its operators already cleared for sand filling and redevelopment with a Memorandum of Understanding already agreed with developers under the Public-Private Partnership model.
Abosede said work was progressing on the redevelopment of Tejuosho Market, with the construction of the basement floor and DPC level, as well as the Oyingbo Market which is currently at the sub-structure level, while the development of the Oluwole Market had commenced with the resettlement of the residents, where actual construction had reached the third floor level.
He further disclosed that the site of the Ikorodu Regional Foodstuffs Market is being prepared for possession under a PPP arrangement. It will host market men and women who would be moved from the Mile 12 Market, on completion. He added that the site for the proposed Ikeja Shopping Plaza has already been cleared with actual development set to commence soon.
The commissioner noted that work is on-going on the ECOWAS Wholesale Market, Badagry; and the relocation of auto parts dealers to Mowe and the Computer Village from Ikeja to Oke Odo in Alimosho.
Abosede highlighted the successful demolition of the partially collapsed Bank of Industry building on Broad Street with the site being currently cleared, while the design of the development proposal for the area around the site was ongoing.
He noted that his ministry is also establishing the alignment of Right of Way of the10-lane Badagry Expressway to incorporate the light rail corridor; the Lekki-Epe Expressway and coastal road; Yaba-Oyingbo Way, and was taking inventory of properties within the alignments.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
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