society

YULETIDE: LAGOS MOVES TO ADDRESS GRIDLOCK

Published

6 years ago

November 22, 2018

Sahara Weekly

…Recruits 1000 LASTMA Officials, To Work 5am-12midnight Daily

…Warns Against Destruction Of Public Utilities, Harassment Of Traffic Officers

Worried by the perennial traffic situation motorists have been contending with in recent times, the Lagos State Government on Thursday said it has fashioned out workable solutions to ensure free flow of traffic across the State, especially as the yuletide season approaches.

Rising from a closed-door strategic session chaired by State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode and attended by top officials of the Ministry of Transportation, State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Commissioner of Police, Mr. Imohimi Edgal and Chairman of the State Task Force on Environmental Offences, SP Yinka Egbeyemi, among others, the Government said it had resolved to immediately implement the solutions to ensure Lagosians can commute across the State with ease going forward.

Addressing Government House Correspondents on the outcome of the meeting, Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Ladi Lawanson said the Governor had called for the session to fine tune strategies for all agencies and stakeholders involved to implement so as to ameliorate the traffic situation and also ensure security of lives and property.

“What we have done is that we have gotten feedback from men and women who have been on the frontline specifically our LASTMA officials and then the Commissioner of Police was with us as well to give us the perspective of security.

“So most of the issues have been thrown up and we have together as a group strategized on it and we have come up with what we think are solutions to make for better flow of traffic especially as we enter the ember months and the holiday season.

“Without a doubt, Lagosians we know have been going through some hardship which has been occasioned by the gridlock we have in the Apapa area for which on that one, the Lagos State Executive Council has a solution in sight, all we are going through now is approval process that is required to activate the solution.

“But specific to the free flow of traffic, you can see with me here, I have the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport, I have the CEO of LASTMA and the GM LASTMA and all the senior LASTMA officials and we have come up with solutions that we trust will ensure that there is better flow of traffic especially as we enter the holiday season and Lagosians will start to see the effect of the work that we have done,” Lawanson said.

Explaining some of the strategies that would be adopted, the Chief Executive Officer of LASTMA, Chris Olakpe a retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, said the 1000 officials recently recruited by the Agency would be trained and deployed to the road before the end of the year.

He said the agency has also resolved to extend its operations from 5am to 12 midnight on a daily basis, saying that while the State Government continues its palliative on potholes, LASTMA officials would be on ground to ensure free flow of traffic across those areas.

“The issue of palliative on the potholes, the meeting resolved to handle it in two ways; day time and night time. Night time mostly with travel signal lights and flood lights on ground for palliative to be made immediately from today, action would be seen that palliative will come and there would be smooth flow of traffic.

“Don’t forget that the Governor has recruited 1000 more LASTMA officials so we are going to train them and very shortly too before Christmas you would see them on the way and we intend to work from 5am to 12 midnight daily with the infusion of 1000 men,” Olakpe said.

On the Apapa gridlock, the LASTMA boss said that the trailer park in Orile would be delivered very soon, expressing optimism that it would go a long way to address the issue of trailers parking along roads and bridges and causing congestion on such routes.

“The issue of the trailer park which is in the front burner is being given expedite action and we are sure that in a short while we should have the trailer park being effective to cushion the effect of the standoff trailers along the bridges and other places so the trailer park is being given a special and strategic attention and that palliative would be concluded very shortly as fast as the speed of light,” he said.

Olakpe, however, frowned at the spate of destruction of public facilities, especially wire barriers and signal lights meant to make life easier for motorists and residents, appealing to those in the habit of doing such to desist or risk facing the full consequences of the law if caught in the act.

“We have observed to our chagrin and dismay the vandalisation of wire barriers and signal lights. They are frustrating the efforts of government. As government is moving forward, they are taking them backward by untoward conduct.

“So we want to say that from now, it has been resolved that those places would be fully backed up with man power in surveillance and monitoring strategy. So warn those who are the spoilers of good deeds that the hands of the law will catch up with them very soon,” he said.

Olakpe also warned against harassment and assault of LASTMA officials by recalcitrant motorists, saying that such act attracts a jail term of two and half years without option of fine.

society

Man Arrested For Allegedly Defiling, Impregnating 14-Year-Old Girl

Published

2 hours ago

November 16, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Man Arrested For Allegedly Defiling, Impregnating 14-Year-Old Girl

A 28-Year-Old Man Identified As Samuel Ani has been arrested by men of the Ogun State Police Command for allegedly defiling and impregnating a 14-year-old girl (name withheld) in Sagamu area of the state.

Ani was caught having canal knowledge with the victim at about 2 pm on Wednesday.

Confirming his arrest on Friday, the police spokesperson in the state, Omolola Odutola, said the incident was reported to the command by the father of the child.

She stated that the suspect, who was also suspected to have impregnated the minor, on interrogation, confessed to the crime.

Odutola said, “The father, known only as Paul, had approached the division to report the crime suspect committed against his daughter.

“The suspect allegedly defiled the minor and is also accused of impregnating her. The 28-year-old suspect had been arrested and detained by the command.

“The matter will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department once the preliminary investigation is completed.

Odutola disclosed that the child had been immediately taken to the hospital for medical examination.

“In the meantime, the survivor has been taken to a hospital for medical examination,” she added.

society

Tears as Lagbaja buried in Abuja

Published

2 hours ago

November 16, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Tears as Lagbaja buried in Abuja

Emotions ran high as the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, was laid to rest at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja, on Friday.

The ceremony brought together family, colleagues, and dignitaries to bid a final farewell to the late army chief.

The grief-stricken family members and colleagues struggled to contain their tears.

Even the nose mask worn by his widow, Mariya, couldn’t conceal the steady stream of tears that dropped from her eyes.

The procession began at precisely 3:00 p.m. when Lagbaja’s remains arrived at the cemetery.

President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, each took turns laying wreaths at the grave.

Speaking at the event, the Chief of Defence Staff, Musa, assured Nigerians that Lagbaja’s death would inspire the military to defeat the nation’s enemies wherever they may be.

Musa stated that the military took solace in the fact that the late army chief lived a purposeful life, urging the troops to honour his memory by committing themselves to the ideals he stood for.

Musa said, “We will not leave you alone. We know your loss is immeasurable, but please take solace in knowing that he lived a life of purpose and left behind a legacy that will never fade. To my fellow officers and men, let us use this moment to recommit ourselves to the ideas for which General Labaja stood for.

“Let us ensure that his sacrifice and service continue to guide our steps as we defend this great nation. We are going to use his passing away to resolve further to defeat all enemies of the state, wherever they are, whether within or outside. As we lower him today into the embrace of the earth, let us raise our voices in prayer and gratitude for a life well lived. “

Reflecting on Lagbaja’s tenure, Musa noted that he took bold and decisive actions against terrorists, bandits, and other threats.

He said, “His tenure was marked by decisive actions against insurgency, banditry, and other threats to our nation’s peace. His efforts significantly enhanced the operational readiness and the morale of the Nigerian Army. But beyond his professional achievement, General Labaja was a man of profound faith, kindness, and humility.

“His commitment to safeguarding our nation’s sovereignty and ensuring the security of our citizens was unwavering. From his early days as a young officer to his ascension to the esteemed office of the Chief of Army Staff, General Lagbaja consistently demonstrated a rare blend of intellect, bravery, and humanity. He understood the complexities of modern warfare and the need for innovation in our strategies.

“Yet, he never lost sight of the human element, the men and women who serve under the flag and the citizens whose freedom they defend.

In his remarks, the Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru, said Lagbaja embodied the core values of soldiering and served Nigeria without reservation for over 30 years.

Badaru said the late army chief was not only courageous but also an inspiring leader who lived from the front, exemplifying his tedious dedication to the service of the nation.

At the event, Tinubu conferred a posthumous national honour, Commander of the Federal Republic, on Lagbaja.

Tinubu said the conferment was to appreciate Lagbaja’s service to the nation.

The President described Lagbaja as one of his best appointees.

He said, “Lagabaja was a true soldier, a general and officer who symbolised the best of his profession and whose commitment to the nation he loved was singular and undiluted.

“He was more than I could have hoped for. He was one of my best appointments. Lieutenant General Lagbaja embodied the finest ideas of a patriot and a soldier. He had an abiding faith in the capability and readiness of our armed forces to save and keep us”.

Tinubu described Lagbaja as a trusted advisor, adding that he was a man of prudent action who cared about the nation and the men who served under him.

“He displayed uncommon valor in the charge of his duty and the administration of the rank and file for he cared about their welfare and that of their families.

“For me, he was a trusted advisor whose formidable intellect and breadth of knowledge served this nation well,” he added.

society

Warmest Birthday Wishes to an Exceptional, Gracious Woman, Mrs Folake Fabiyi ~Oluwaseun Fabiyi

Published

16 hours ago

November 15, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Warmest Birthday Wishes to an Exceptional, Gracious Woman, Mrs Folake Fabiyi
~Oluwaseun Fabiyi

On this momentous occasion, I am thrilled to honor my beloved sister, Falake, a paragon of kindness and industriousness, on her birthday, today, Friday ayaba Fabiyi Supo, 15th November 2024. Ma, the divine benevolence of God Almighty has bestowed upon you another year of life, replete with promise and opportunity.

It is also an opportune moment to reflect on your blessings and methodically enumerate them, thereby acknowledging the remarkable accomplishments of God in your life

As you commemorate another year of existence today, may the Supreme Being graciously continue to endow your life with success, benevolence, and unwavering favour, and henceforth, every utterance and account regarding you and your household shall be replete with good tidings

I fervently pray that God’s divine guidance and favor will continually be upon you, and may He graciously bestow His kindness upon you now and forever. Please accept my warmest congratulations and sincere best wishes

To my dearest Mummy Precious, I offer my warmest felicitations and hope your birthday celebration is exceptionally eventful.