…Says no going back on 2023 first quarter deadline
…LASG’ll acquire additional two sets of four train coaches in September – Governor
AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM
Sponsored by: H&H
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Sunday reassured the residents that the State Government is on track with its efforts to complete works on both the Blue and Red lines rail projects, which are intra-city, to strengthen the intermodal transportation system.
He said work on the Blue Line rail project was at 90 per cent completion as contractors were working seven days a week so that Lagosians would ride a train on the rail by the first quarter of 2023.
The Governor gave the reassurance on Sunday while speaking to journalists at the Marina Train Station after about three hours of inspection of ongoing works on the Blue Line rail project and stations at the National Theatre Iganmu, Orile, Suru Alaba, Mile 2 and Marina axis of the state.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who inspected the Blue line rail project alongside some of his cabinet members, top officials of Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) and contractors handling the project, moved from the National Arts Theatre rail station on a construction track to Orile Iganmu, Alaba and Mile 2 stations to inspect the four train stations on the Blue line rail.
He said the blue line rail would be running on electric tracks with Electric Motor Vehicle (EMV) and therefore warned citizens to keep off the train lines and ensure they don’t walk on it.
The Governor after riding back to the National Arts Theatre station on a construction track also inspected a new four-coach train, which according to him, is a typical train that will be used on the blue line.
He also disclosed the Lagos State Government’s plan to bringing additional two sets of four-train coaches from China between September and October, adding that adequate security would be put in place at every train station and platform with the use of CCTV.
“This is the first time I am taking you on the blue line to see where we are. The first phase of the Blue line rail project starts from Mile 2 and terminates at Marina. Marina Station is an elevated station and it stretches out to outer Marina and terminates where the Governor’s residence is. At the end of the station, you could see that the track is broken into two bridges. The backtrack is for parking.
“We are happy that the contractors are working seven days a week. The major aspect apart from the Marina Station is a sea crossing from Eko Bridge to join the outer Marina. They would finish it in about three months. And by the time we will be coming back in July, the concrete construction should have been completed.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu while condemning the level of vandalism along the rail corridors warned perpetrators to desist from such evil acts. He said the government would go after companies that purchased vandalised rail tracks infrastructure, adding that culprits will be traced and made to face the wrath of the law.
Meanwhile, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Sunday issued a three days ultimatum to traders under the Apogbon Bridge in Lagos Island to vacate or risk demolition of the space by Wednesday this week.
He gave the warning while driving on the bridge during his inspection of the blue line rail project and saw that traders were back under the bridge with their goods displayed after they were driven away in the aftermath of the fire outbreak under the Apogbon bridge about six weeks ago.
Governor Sanwo-Olu who frowned at the unlawful return of the traders under Apongbon bridge said the enforcement team would be deployed to the bridge after the three days ultimatum issued.
Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa has appointed Adeshina Oyetayo, a former columnist with Punch Newspaper, as his Special Adviser on Research, Media and Documentation.
Oyetayo
The appointment, which took effect in March, marks a significant addition to the Speaker’s team as Oyetayo brings with him fecund experience and expertise in the media ecosystem spanning over two decades.
Before his new role, he served as the CEO/Editor-in-Chief of XS-Proficient Media Services Ltd, publishers of theassemblyng.com, (a National Assembly-accredited platform devoted to reporting the activities of Nigerian lawmakers) and niche publications for state governments, institutions, and individuals.
August24news.com gathered that Oyetayo began his journalism career at TELL Magazine in 2002 and later joined Punch Newspaper in 2010 as an external columnist.
He went on to serve as Managing Editor of the Lagos Indicator magazine from 2014 and was an undercover reporter for the BBC Africa Eye. He is also the author of Behind the Streets, a book that profiles the personalities whose names are synonymous with certain areas in Lagos.
An award-winning journalist, Oyetayo was, among other recognitions and honours, a finalist in the CNN/MultiChoice African Journalist of the Year award 2006, Young Journalist of the Year 2005, Journalist of the Year at The Future Awards Africa 2007, and Best Music Writer, MTV MAMA Awards 2010.
Oyetayo studied Mass Communication at the Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, and Philosophy at the University of Lagos. With his robust media knowledge, Oyetayo is expected to impact, influence, and advance the communication strategy of the Lagos Speaker’s office.
Eid-el-Kabir: JANDOR Felicitates with Lagosians, Expresses Hope in Nigeria’s Future
AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM
SPONSORED BY: H&H
The Lead Visioner of the Lagos4Lagos Movement and former PDP Governorship Candidate in Lagos State, Dr. Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran (JANDOR), extends warm greetings to all Muslim faithful and the good people of Lagos State on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir.
Jandor
Dr. Adediran describes the essence of the celebration as an act of obedience and total submission to the will of the Almighty Allah. He notes that the unwavering trust exhibited by Prophet Ibrahim by his willingness to sacrifice his son as a show of total respect to God is an assurance to all Lagosians that whosoever put his trust in God will not be put to shame.
He acknowledges the Nigerian economic rebound as a fulfillment of promises made by Mr. President at the early stage of this administration when the removal of the fuel subsidy and Forex unification took their toll on the Nation’s economy.
JANDOR posits that while the road may seem tough today, there are genuine efforts being made by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration to reposition the country and make life better for all Nigerians.
He urges citizens to remain steadfast and supportive of initiatives aimed at reforming key sectors of the economy, improving infrastructure, and ensuring security across the country.
“Let us continue to stay united and resilient as we journey toward a more prosperous Nigeria. Lagosians have always shown strength in difficult times, and I believe our collective resolve will help shape a brighter tomorrow. I wish all Muslim Ummah a peaceful and joyous celebration as we pray for continuous peace, progress, and prosperity in Lagos State and Nigeria at large,” he said.
Minister of Information to Chair GOCOP Book LaunchThe Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, is to chair the public presentation of the book Nigeria Media Renaissance: GOCOP Perspective on Online Publishing, a publication of Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP). The event is scheduled for 110am on Tuesday June 17, 2025 at the Continental Hotel, Abuja.
President of GOCOP, Maureen Chigbo, who confirmed this development said the book presentation will be graced by eminent personalities from all walks of life, including government officials, captains of industry, media practitioners and other professionals, representatives of international organisations, directors of non-governmental organisations.
Alhaji Idris was sworn in as Minister of Information and National Orientation on August 21, 2023, following his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. With over three decades of experience in broadcasting, newspapering, public relations, and advertising, Idris has brought a wealth of expertise to the role.
His academic background includes degrees in English Studies from Uthman Danfodio University, Sokoto, and Bayero University, Kano. As an entrepreneur, he established notable media outlets such as Blueprint, WE FM radio station, and Rapid Television in Abuja. He is a prominent figure in professional associations such as National Institute of Public Relations, African Public Relations Association, Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria, and Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria.
As the founder of Bifocal Communications, a leading public relations and communications consultancy, Idris has served both local and transnational corporations. Beyond his professional endeavours, Idris is committed to social responsibility through the Mohammed Idris Malagi (MIM) Foundation, which has positively impacted many lives. As a reward for his contributions to the development of his immediate environment and beyond, The Etsu Nupe conferred "Kaakaki Nupe" on him.
A press statement by the GOCOP Publicity Secretary, Ogbuefi Remmy Nweke, quoted the GOCOP president as saying that the proceeds of the book will be used to fund the N2.3 billion GOCOP MEDIA CENTRE, a multi-purpose resource centre comprising a secretariat, a 21st Century library and event halls, among others.
Nweke further noted that the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) was established to promote professionalism in online publishing, ensuring its members uphold the fundamental principles of journalism.
Comprising seasoned editors and senior journalists with distinguished career in print and electronic media, GOCOP's membership has traversed the online publishing, recognizing its pivotal role in shaping the future of journalism globally. With 120 corporate publishers as members, GOCOP continues to uphold the highest standards of online journalism.