SANWO-OLU UNVEILS BLOCK OF SIX CLASSROOMS, OFFICES AT OKEGUN-ODOFIN

 By Yomi Durojaye 

… Commends Nigerian Breweries Plc for Collaboration 

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has commissioned and officially handed over the first Okegun-Odofin Community Junior Secondary School, constructed and donated by Nigerian Breweries Plc to the Lagos State Government under the "One Community At a Time" (OCAAT) initiative.

SANWO-OLU UNVEILS BLOCK OF SIX CLASSROOMS, OFFICES AT  OKEGUN-ODOFIN

The event took place on Tuesday at Okegun-Odofin Ajeniya Village, Ibeju-Lekki, with Governor Sanwo-Olu represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. ‘Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin.

The Governor commended Nigerian Breweries Plc for supporting the Lagos State Government’s "Education and Technology" pillar of the THEMES Plus Developmental Agenda. He emphasised that the donation of the school is a lifetime legacy, as educating a child is tantamount to educating a nation.

His words, “Education is central to our administration’s developmental agenda because we recognise that the future of Lagos State is closely linked to the quality of education we provide for our children. It is therefore encouraging to see Nigerian Breweries Plc actively embracing their role as stakeholders in advancing education in our society through the Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund”.

The Governor highlighted that this partnership showcases the power of Public-Private Partnerships, which have been crucial in driving progress and development across various sectors in Lagos State. He noted that the establishment of the school would enable parents to send their children to a nearby secondary school, eliminating the need for long commutes and ensuring access to quality education in a conducive environment. 

Sanwo-Olu also praised the immediate past Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mrs. Folashade Sherifat Jaji for initiating and securing approval from the State Executive Council for the implementation of the OCAAT programme during her tenure.

The OCAAT initiative, the Governor explained, is an integrated, inter-sectoral, community-based programme focusing on sanitation, health, education, and recreation, aiming to sustainably improve the lives of people in underserved communities across the state.

He added that, beyond the Okegun-Odofin intervention, the initiative has positively impacted other communities as well. He urged community leaders and residents to ensure the school is protected, emphasising that the security of the school and its infrastructure is a collective responsibility.

Speaking earlier, the Corporate Affairs Director of Nigerian Breweries, Mrs. Shola Morgan stated that the project is part of the company’s ongoing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts to enhance quality education in Nigeria. 

She expressed pride in partnering with the Lagos State Government’s OCAAT initiative to create better learning environments for the country’s future leaders, highlighting the company's educational CSR initiatives across various parts of the Federation.

In her remarks, former SSG and OCAAT initiator, Mrs. Folashade Jaji expressed her happiness at the completion of the Okegun-Odofin Junior High School. She extended her gratitude to Governor Sanwo-Olu, Nigerian Breweries Plc, and the local community, particularly Baale Okegun-Odofin, Chief Ismaila Ogunkoya, who donated the land for the project.

The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Tolani Alli-Balogun assured that preparations to get the school operational are well underway, with recruitment for teaching staff from within the community set to begin immediately.

The Baale of Okegun-Odofin, Chief Ismaila Ogunkoya, and other community leaders also expressed their appreciation to the Governor, Mrs. Jaji, and Nigerian Breweries, pledging to take ownership of and protect the school.

The new school facility includes six classrooms, a principal’s office, staff rooms, and separate toilet facilities for boys and girls.

In attendance at the event were Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Office, Mr. Kehinde Farouk Gbajumo; Permanent Secretary, Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Abayomi Abolaji; Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, Engr. Sesan Olowa; traditional rulers, chiefs, and the Education Secretary for the district.

#AGreaterLagosRising 

#LASG

Lagos Unveils A-List Artists for Lagos Countdown 2023 … As Davido, smallDoctor, Olamide, Kizz Daniel, Teni, and others top list

 Lagos Unveils A-List Artists for Lagos Countdown 2023

… As Davido, Olamide, Kizz Daniel, Teni, and others top list

AgegePulse Magazine 

As the highly anticipated Lagos countdown 2023, #GreaterLagosFiesta begins today, Friday 29th December 2023, the Lagos State Government has announced that no fewer than ten musical artists with international exposure will thrill fun lovers at the musical and comedy event.

The likes of the sensational Davido, the energetic Olamide, and the talented Teni, with several other top artists, have been slated for musical performances at the 2023 end-of-the-year event.

 The event which promises to be three nights filled with electrifying performances, infectious beats, and unforgettable moments will also feature the chart-topping Mayorkun, the dynamic Spyro, the rising star SEYI Vibez, the crowd-pleaser Small Doctor, the sensational Shallipopi, and the ever-charming Flavor.

Speaking on the choice of array of musical artists for the event, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka said: "We want to create a truly memorable experience for Lagosians and visitors alike. By bringing together these A-List artists, we aim to celebrate the vibrant music culture of Lagos and showcase the incredible talent that our city has to offer.”

She stated that as the event kicks off today, prospective attendees should expect a visually stunning stage setup, state-of-the-art sound systems, and a vibrant atmosphere that reflects the spirit of Lagos.

According to her, “in addition to the stellar lineup of artists, the event will also feature various food vendors, art installations, and interactive experiences as a way of giving attendees a truly immersive and unforgettable nights.”

She, however, urged those who can not make it to the venues of the event to join the live broadcast of the Lagos Countdown 2023 #GreaterLagosFiesta on social media, DSTVGOTV and on TV Stations.

GREATER LAGOS FIESTA: LAGS Unveils 72-Hour Non-Stop Fun Activities For Countdown 2024

… Reveals Plans to Promote Beach Tourism 

Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, has unveiled plans to hold a 72-hour #Greater Lagos Fiesta - a non-stop entertainment show beginning from the 29th of December, 2023 to the early hours of 1st January, 2024.

The three-day end-of-the-year event is part of activities conceived to herald the Y2024 with an anticipated number of participants of over 25,000 who will be thrilled with different types of entertainment including cultural performances, and children's corners, amongst others.

The State Commissioner for Tourism, Art and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, who made this known on Friday at a news conference in Ikeja said that the Ministry will use the annual end-of-the-year event to also market its beach potential.

According to her, the grand finale which was usually held at Eko Atlantic City would now be held at Sol Beach in Iru-land as a way of exposing the State’s rich beachfront potential to fun lovers and tourists.

She added that interested participants who still want to join the countdown event at the Eko Atlantic City venue would be provided with a large viewing screen where the activities at the Sol Beach can be transmitted live, in addition to a dedicated channel on DSTV that would stream the event activities throughout the three days.

The Commissioner, alongside the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe, and Permanent Secretary Mrs. Oloruntoyin Atekoja, also assured participants of adequate security at all the designated venues of the countdown event.

She said: “We have put a lot in place for security, we are working actively with all security apparatus of the state, the Nigeria Police, DSS, Civil Defence, LASTM and Neighbourhood Watch, among other security operators in the state. 

“The Lagos Countdown 2024, #Greater Lagos Fiesta, has become an annual tradition, a celebration of music, entertainment, and the vibrant spirit of Lagos. This year, we are taking the event to a whole new level, with three days of non-stop excitement from December 29, 2023, to January 1, 2024.

“We are intentional in our focus of deliberately positioning Lagos State to favourably compete with developed cities of the world in terms of hosting tourism and entertainment events”, she added.

While noting that the annual fiesta has over the years proven to be a very engaging and mind-blowing event, providing fun activities and entertainment for Lagosians in their various localities across the five IBILE divisions of the state, the Commissioner maintained that the event is beyond just a musical show or fun event.

In her words: “Let me emphasise that this event is not just about the music. The end-of-the-year countdown, #Greater Lagos Fiesta, will also showcase the best of our local cuisine, arts and crafts, and traditional performances. Participants will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and flavours that make Lagos such a unique and vibrant city.

“The Lagos Countdown 2024 (#Greater Lagos Fiesta), will continue to serve the purpose of discovering and nurturing new talents, exposing young talented entertainers to bigger platforms while also serving as a mechanism for curbing youth restiveness that often characterises the festive period”, her words.

She affirmed that the three-day event, apart from showcasing the cultural activities and nurturing up-coming talented youngsters in the entertainment and creative industry, will also positively impact the State’s economy through massive sales of goods and services to thousands of fun and entertainment lovers throughout the event.

She listed the venues of the event to include Badagry Grammar School in Badagry, Agege Stadium, Agege, Ikorodu Town Hall Ikorodu, Sol Beach Oniru and Epe Recreational Centre, Epe.

“We have lined up an incredible array of music stars who will grace the stage and thrill all fun lovers from Badagry to Epe, Ikorodu, Lagos Island, and Ikeja featuring homegrown talents to international sensations, the best of Afro Beats, Highlife, Juju and Fuji’’, the Commissioner stated.

Toke Benson-Awoyinka also revealed that interested corporate sponsors ready to collaborate with the State Government to make the event a success are welcome.

#GreaterLagosFiesta

#entertainmentandtourism 

#AGreaterLagosRising 

#LASG

Jubilation As Sanwo-Olu Unveils Pen Cinema FlyOver | AgegePulse Magazine

 

…Tinubu: ‘I’m Proud, Sanwo-Olu Has Shown Excellent Results’

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu flanked by Gov. Sanwo-Olu and Obasa at theach official opening of Pen Cinema Bridge

…Five Arterial Roads Network Completed In Agege, Also Commissioned

The long-sought relief from choking vehicular gridlocks has finally come the way of residents in the Agege-Abule Egba axis of Lagos State. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Friday, unveiled Pen Cinema Bridge and five arterial road networks in the area, formally opening the infrastructure for public use.

The commissioning marked fulfilment of another campaign promise made by Sanwo-Olu to residents, who daily endured pain in commuting within the axis in the last four years.

All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, had the honour to inaugurate the projects, which he described as “needed catalyst” for the resuscitation of economic activities on the axis.

The construction of the 1.4-kilometre long flyover was part of the recommendation at the Lagos Economic Summit (Ehingbeti) under ex-Governor Babatunde Fashola’s administration, as a strategic intervention to achieving significant traffic improvement in the densely populated area. The last administration created the right-of-way and set up the structural beams; Governor Sanwo-Olu substantially completed civil works on the bridge.

The imposing overpass ascends from Oba Ogunji Road and drops at Oke Koto area of Agege. The bridge also opens to the old Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway through Abule Egba.

Tumultuous crowd of joyous residents joined Gov. Sanwo-Olu and members of the State’s cabinet in handing over the bridge for public use.

The Governor described the delivery of the project as a “landmark progress” in the State Government’s drive towards eliminating bottlenecks causing suffocating gridlocks and relieving residents of stress associated with commuting on roads.

Sanwo-Olu said the two-pronged approach, which his administration deployed to deliver critical infrastructure, gave priority to continuation and completion of strategic projects, regular maintenance and construction of new ones in line with the State’s Strategic Transport Master Plan (STMP).

He said his Government decided to continue the project, because it was in tune with the first pillar of his administration’s T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda, which targets the provision of roads for expedited economic growth and seamless mobility.

He said: “I am delighted to stand before Lagosians today to celebrate the delivery of this landmark project, which again, reflects our administration’s belief in the principle of continuity in governance and demonstrates our commitment to the urgency of infrastructure development and the welfare of our people. The completion of this flyover and five network of roads sends a strong message about our determination to accelerate our futuristic vision for a world class transportation system complemented by a good network of roads for social and economic transformation.

“In order to address the challenge of huge traffic burden, the immediate past administration initiated and commenced the construction of a precast and pre-stressed reinforced concrete of 1.4km dual-carriage flyover and ramp, with road works across the Agege-Pen Cinema Intersection. As of May 2019 when this administration was inaugurated, this project was at about 20 per cent progress. With the delivery of this bridge, which is complemented with traffic signalisation and drainage channels, we have resolved the perennial traffic arising from huge human and vehicular movement from Agege-Pen Cinema Intersection towards Abule Egba, Fagba, Oke Koto and Iyana Ipaja.”

To achieve a quick turnaround in commuting on the bridge, Sanwo-Olu disclosed that his Government identified and reconstructed five strategic arterial roads with good connectivity to adjoining roads that could serve as alternative bypasses to other routes in periods of heavy traffic.

The Governor said since road transportation remained crucial to economic growth and physical development, he believed the project would inject more life into socio-economic activities of people living and doing business in the area.

He said: “A key outcome from the strategic execution of this magnificent Pen Cinema Flyover project is that our administration has again demonstrated the priority it accords to the wellbeing of our people. It is a true test of our commitment to the Greater Lagos vision and a reflection of the achievability of our audacious socio-economic goals. In the course of implementing this project, we created jobs for about 380 people including engineers, supervisors, artisans and others- a clear indicator of the nexus between infrastructure development and employment generation.”

Sanwo-Olu pledged that his administration would not relent in provision of infrastructure for coordinated and sustainable development that would help to improve the State’s performance on the Ease of Doing Business index.

Tinubu expressed confidence in Sanwo-Olu’s leadership, noting that the Governor had stabilised and brought Lagos back on a focused journey, despite economic turbulence occasioned by Coronavirus (COVID-19) and coordinated destruction of the State’s assets.

The APC National Leader, who described Sanwo-Olu as “a brilliant captain”, praised the collaboration between the executive and the legislative arms in the State.

He said: “This is a commendable achievement by Sanwo-Olu, who has further brought Lagos on the path of progress, given the economic resuscitation this infrastructure will bring on this axis and entire Lagos. May you continue to think and perform to demonstrate excellent results as you have done today.”

Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Aramide Adeyoye, said the axis on which the flyover is sited is one of the busiest in vehicular activities in Lagos, saying the bridge would bring back convenience to millions of residents commuting in the area.

She said: “The entire project consists of a dual carriageway, with a bridge component of two lanes with 3.65 cm width in either direction. The road component consists of service lanes on either side of the bridge with median, kerbs and walkways that are complete with signalised traffic system. There are junction improvements with LED streetlight features.”

Speaker, Lagos House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, who represents Agege in the Assembly, described Governor Sanwo-Olu as “a proactive, wonderful performer”, who always accomplishes any projects he promises.

The adjoining roads commissioned with the flyover are Iju Road, Oba Ogunji Road, Agunbiade Road, Oke Koto Intersection and Iyana Ipaja link road.

Lagos unveils roadmap to fix potholes, tackle flooding

...Reels out  plans to control flooding

…To Carry Out Repair On 43 Major Link Roads, Others In Coming Days

…Divides State Into Five Zones To Control Flooding

The Lagos State Government on Sunday unveiled its roadmap targeted at maintaining and rehabilitating roads across the State as well as comprehensive drainage maintenance and flood control programme between August and December 2017.

Recently appointed Special Adviser to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode on Public Works and Drainages, Engr Temidayo Erinle, who reeled out the roadmap at a press briefing held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Alausa, said in the coming days, the State Government, through the Public Works Corporation, would carry out rehabilitation works on 43 major link roads across the State, while other major highways and arterial roads found to be in bad state would be fixed.

Erinle said the State Government was well aware of the challenges being experienced by commuters on Lagos roads, and that Governor Ambode had already repositioned the Corporation to comprehensively address the issues relating to potholes and drainages in the State.

He said: “As you are all aware, we are presently in the rainy season, as such much cannot be done during this period. However, we are currently carrying out palliative works on our major roads through the application of boulders, crushed stones and other construction materials to address the potholes problems in order not to paralyze the economic activities of the State.

“Similarly, we also take advantage of some dry days to carry out repair works in an effort to reduce traffic gridlock on Lekki-Epe Expressway between Adetokunbo Ademola to Samuel, section of Ikorodu Road between the new and old pedestrian bridges inward Maryland, Ikorodu Road, Ketu Bus Stop and Ikuomola Street, Idimu Alimosho Local Government Area.

“Asides that, I want to assure the people that immediately the rain subsides, the Lagos State Public Works Corporation will embark on massive road maintenance and repairs of all major highways and arterial roads found to be in bad state.”

Erinle said aside the 43 major link roads to be repaired in coming days, engineers of the Corporation have also been sent out to identify other failed spots across the State, assuring that the State Government was determined to fix all potholes to bring about seamless driving experience to motorists.

He listed some of the 43 roads to include Alfred Rewane Road, Ikoyi which work has already commenced; Ojota Interchange transiting the ramps on both directions, Sina Ogunbanwo Street, Agric Road Oko-Oba, Ifako Ijaiye; Club Road off Osborne Road, Ikoyi; Oroke Drive, Ikoyi, Eti-Osa LGA; Central Avenue, Apapa; North Avenue, Apapa; Maybin road, Apapa; Lateef Jakande road, Ikeja; Gberibe road, Ikorodu; TOS Benson road, Ikorodu; Oke Sabo along Imota; Itamaga, Itoikin; Oba Sekumaderd, Ogolonto, Ikorodu; Adeniran Ogunsanya road Ikorodu; Admiralty way, Lekki Eti-Osa; Topo inward Ajido, Badagry; Hospital road, Badagry and Ijesha road network, Surulere.

Other roads include Liverpool Apapa; 1st Avenue Festac Amuwo- Odofin; Kirikiri road, Ajeromi Ifelodun; Ojo road, Ojo; College road, Agric, Ojo; Baale road, Ojo LGA; Okun-Owa street, Ajegunle, Ajeromi Ifelodun; Crowther Crescent, Apapa LG; Oba Akran Avenue, Ikeja; Shasha road Akowonjo; Bonny Camp Victoria Island; Musa Yar Adua street, off Ozumba Mbadiwe; Obafemi Awolowo way, Ikeja; Old Abeokuta motor road; Pen Cinema to Abule Egba; Iju road, Ifako Ijaiye LGA; Akowonjo road, Alimosho; Itire road, Babalola bus stop axis, Mushin LGA; Diya street, Gbagada Kosofe; Chivita road, Ajao Estate; Asa Afariogun street, Ajao Estate; Herbert Macaulay road, Yaba; Ahmadu Bello way, Victoria Island; Lekki Epe Expressway to Ibeju Lekki Axis.

While reeling out the plans of the State Government to control flooding, Erinle said works have already commenced in earnest to deflood the State, adding that in a bid to forestall flooding as witnessed few weeks back due to torrential rainfall which led to high intensity of about 465mm of water within five days, the State has been divided into five zones namely Alimosho, Ikeja, Mushin, Kosofe, Agege, Ifako-Ijaiye, Oshodi-Isolo and Somolu (Zone 1); Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Amuwo Odofin, Ojo and Badagry (Zone 2); Ikorodu (Zone 3); Apapa, Surulere, Lagos Island, Mainland and Eti-Osa (Zone 4); and Ibeju Lekki and Epe (Zone 5).

Already, Erinle said in all the five zones, dredging of primary channels and outfalls as well as clearing/cleaning of collector and tertiary (street) drains have been carried out and still ongoing, while a drainage master plan which covered the whole of the State has been developed to improve on the earlier four master plans.

Under the new comprehensive master plan, Erinle said 169 primary channels/outfalls have been identified, while all the recommendations in the plan were being implemented in phases.

“I wish to reassure Lagosians that the Corporation will not rest on its oars to ensure that the people continue to enjoy pot-hole free roads and drastic reduction in the incidences of flooding in Lagos State,” Erinle said.